The rule to exercise and stay as active as possible for the best health applies to older adults as well! However, for adults fighting arthritis symptoms, getting an adequate amount of physical fitness can be troublesome.
The good news is, the latest recommendations to reduce arthritis symptoms ease back on the intensity of exercise for older persons with arthritis, suggesting that as little as just 45 minutes of physical exercise weekly is sufficient to attain and keep a high level of functionality – and less daunting for people who typically steer clear of exercise.
In accordance with Northwestern University professor Dorothy Dunlop, “For those older people suffering from arthritis who are minimally active, a 45-minute minimum might feel more realistic.”
Despite these scaled-back recommendations, unfortunately, as few as 10% of aging adults struggling with the challenges of arthritis are accomplishing this activity level. Nevertheless, participants in a recent study who achieved the 45-minute level of moderate activity each week demonstrated an incredible 80% increase in sustained or improved functionality over a 2-year period of time, compared with individuals who were less active. And it was confirmed that although any amount of exercise is preferable to none, the 45-minute weekly guideline is optimal.
Of course, always check with the individual’s health care provider before beginning or changing any activity or fitness routine. With his or her authorization, a great place to start out is with the Arthritis Foundation’s app, Walk With Ease, that features goal-setting, progress-tracking, a manual and sample online videos in order to show the exercises. Setting aside designated times on a daily basis for exercise, and turning it into a top priority, may help ensure activity becomes an ingrained routine and increases the possibility of its success.
If reducing arthritis symptoms is your goal, you can partner with Home Sweet Home In-Home Care for professional St. Joseph home care to help motivate and encourage engagement in an exercise routine. It’s always more enjoyable with a friend! We can also offer transportation and accompaniment to exercise programs, to parks as well as other outdoor locations for pleasant walks together, to doctors’ appointments, and more. Call us at (866) 229-2505 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
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