As an Alzheimer’s caregiver, you may be aware of the importance of a regular exercise routine for Alzheimer’s prevention. But did you know that the older you are, the higher the risk of injury from working out? In fact, as adults reach their senior years, exercising has the highest risk of injury-compared to any other time during the life span.
Even with the risk of injury, the benefits of a regular workout routine far outweigh the risks, provided you incorporate a few safety precautions. Here are some safety tips for elderly folks who work out:
•Always consult with your physician before starting any exercise program
•Start by working out in short increments and slowly build up to longer time spans
•Know your limits-never push beyond any type of pain when working out
•Stretch before and after a workout, warming up the muscles can help prevent injuries
•Stretch your muscles even on the days you don’t plan to work out
•If you experience pain after you work out (beyond the typical muscle soreness that follows a work out) consult your physician before resuming your routine
•If you are new to any type of work out, consider getting a trainer to learn proper form (inaccuracy in the way any specific exercise is performed could lead to an injury)
•Follow a workout program that’s recommended for seniors (such as water aerobics)
•Implement balancing exercises into your regular workout to help prevent falls
•Ensure your protein intake level is adequate to keep your muscles in optimal shape.
•Hydrate properly by drinking plenty of water when working out to avoid dehydration
•Take time off when you need it, don’t try to work out each and every day, give your muscles a chance to recover between workouts
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