Low Impact Workout for Seniors: Stretching

Finding appropriate low impact workouts for your elderly loved ones can be a daunting task for a caregiver. It is important that all physical activities have minimal risk of injury. Walking, while relatively safe is not the only possible low impact workout- stretching is a good way to activate muscles, limber joints and increase blood flow safely.

Some important benefits of stretching are decreased risk of injury and the ability to stretch sitting, standing or lying down. Stretching will improve flexibility, increase your range of motion, and increase overall joint health. This is important for seniors because falls and other accidents are possible if stability is compromised. Having optimal joint health coupled with increased flexibility can help to decrease injuries.

Here is a great piece from About.com about stretching for seniors.

Lower-Back Pain Relief

A new study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that stretching and yoga can significantly reduce lower-back pain.  While yoga and stretching classes are often conducted in health clubs and studios, you can take advantage of the two at home.  There are many different videos on YouTube that give great instruction, and you can also find many instructional videos on some cable television channels.  Personally, sometimes when the weather is crumby I go to my On Demand cable feature and do a 50 minute yoga class.  It's a great workout and I don't even need to leave my family room!