Benefits of Swimming for Seniors

Swimming for seniors is not just an enjoyable way to spend time, but it also helps elders and caregivers keep in shape. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is ideal for those who have had sports injuries or who have illnesses like arthritis. Swimming is a particularly useful exercise for seniors who want to keep an active lifestyle.

Here are a few of the most essential swimming advantages for elders:

Exercise with a Low Impact is Beneficial for Aging Joints

Swimming is a low-impact and non-weight-bearing activity. It doesn’t place any strain on the spine, knees, or hips; in fact, the buoyancy of water supports some of your body weight and lowers the effects of gravity, alleviating some of the normal load on these joints. It’s especially beneficial for seniors who suffer from arthritis or other illnesses like fibromyalgia. Swimming, like walking, can assist patients with knee osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia alleviate pain and improving their quality of life.

Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion

Water’s buoyancy is beneficial in other ways as well. Swimmers can move their limbs and joints through the full range of movement in the water more effortlessly by lowering the normal strain on joints. Regularly using the complete range of motion helps to keep joints supple and increases flexibility, which is crucial for the health and well-being of older individuals. Stretching in the water is a wonderful technique to increase flexibility for seniors who have a restricted range of motion on land.

Improves Stability and Reduces the Risk of Falling

Swimming strengthens all main muscle areas, particularly the upper body, core muscles, and leg muscles — all key muscle groups for posture and stability, which reduces the chance of falling.

Cardiovascular Health is Improved

Swimming for 30 minutes a day, according to the Swim Strong Foundation, can lower coronary heart disease (CHD) in women by 30 to 40%. Men can also lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 10% by swimming the breaststroke for 30 minutes three times a week, which burns around 900 calories.

Swimming is a wonderful aerobic activity that helps to lower blood pressure and boost healthy cholesterol levels (HDLs). A 3.5 percent reduction in the chance of dying from heart disease is achieved by increasing HDL cholesterol by 1%. It’s always a good idea to take your senior to the doctor before starting a new fitness program (senior swimming programs) or activity if your elderly one has a medical issue, especially a cardiac disease. If the healthcare physician says swimming is safe for them, the advantages to their cardiovascular health are substantial.

Improves Sleep

According to research, 50% of older individuals have trouble sleeping, and poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of illness and death. Another research discovered that aerobic activity, such as swimming, improves older individuals’ self-reported sleep and quality of life.

Swimming is a demanding activity that burns a lot of calories and uses all of the major muscle groups, so older individuals will be physically exhausted after a swim. Many individuals also claim that swimming makes them feel calm, which is an important component of getting a good night’s sleep.

Swimming can help to relieve stress and anxiety by relaxing both the body and the mind, increasing general well-being, and boosting mental health. Swimming is a great sport for promoting total health and well-being, benefitting both mental and physical health when combined with the social advantages of engaging in group workouts and activities.

If you need a nurse/caregiver to help your seniors with other exercises at home, contact Family Always First Home Care today. We are the top provider of CDPAP program in NY. We can partner you with the right caregiver to safeguard your health — just like your swimming exercise will do.