Staying Active As You Age

Physical activity is good for people of all ages. Health Line say that staying active can help:

• Lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer

• Improve your strength and balance so you can prevent injuries and stay independent

• Lower your pain

• Improve your mood

• Lessen symptoms of anxiety or depression

• Improve your ability to think, learn, and make decisions

Before you start exercising you should talk to your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you particularly If you have a health issue like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity.

The Centre of Disease Control and Prevention says older people should aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.

• If you weren't physically active before, start slowly. Even 5 minutes of physical activity has health benefits, and you can build up to more over time.

• Choose activities that get your heart beating faster like walking, dancing or swimming.

• Tell your doctor if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or unplanned weight loss.

The CDC also suggest older people do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.

• Try using exercise bands or lifting hand weights. You can also use books or water bottles if you don’t have weights to hand.

• Breathe out as you lift the weight, and breathe in as you lower it. Don't hold your breath as holding your breath can cause unsafe changes in your blood pressure.

According to Lifeline, balance exercises can help reduce the risk of falling at home. They suggest:

• Practice standing on 1 foot — you can hold on to a chair if you’re feeling unsteady.

• Walk backwards or sideways.

• Do some ankle movements to improve strength in the lower body.

• March in place for 1 minute at a time.

• You can find step by step videos on how to improve balance for older people

Everyday tasks can also act as exercise

Whether it’s sweeping the floor, walking the dog or doing the weekly shop, these tasks amount to physical activity and can help build strength, balance and stamina.

How HaloCare Can Help:

HaloCare is a solution for people who wish to stay in their own home but need a little extra support. By using technology that works seamlessly in the background, clients can continue to live independently with the knowledge that HaloCare is there to support them.

HaloCare works along three pillars; safety, social & wellness and clinical. Our 24/7 Care Specialists will be alerted in the event of an incident or medical emergency to our Carlow based Care Hub where trained experts can then react, respond and reassure the client.

HaloCare works with both professional carers and family carers. This means support for both the client and their family members in the hours of the day that physical help is not available. HaloCare fosters independence, privacy and safety for clients and peace-of-mind for their loved ones.

If you or your loved one needs a little extra support while living independently, HaloCare is there 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.