Patient Daily Living

These simple exercises will improve the health and fitness of feet and toes, all to prevent falls.

Most people assume that there is little that can be done for poor balance. This, happily, is not the case.

Not all aging adults need to spend a great deal of time in hospitals or under the watchful eye of a doctor. Nor should those elderly persons with limiting or uncomfortable conditions have to avoid physical activity.  Geriatric physical therapy is a proven way for elderly parents of all levels of physical ability to build confidence, improve balance and strength, and stay active.

Anyone who has ever tried to open a new jar of pickles knows just how important upper body strength is. But even some of those younger individuals with good upper body strength can struggle with something like that. Helping your parents to build upper body strength can help keep them independent longer, and able to help themselves in situations such as falling or even just carrying the groceries.

When you think about the important role that the leg muscles play in our functioning, it’s easy to see why it is necessary to keep them in strong shape. This is especially true when it comes to senior citizens as weak thigh muscles are a risk factor for falls. Your parents will greatly benefit from thigh exercises and strengthening of these muscles. It is a good idea to encourage them to work out the lower body muscles because a little work will go a long way.

When we think about muscles, we tend to often focus on those that people easily flex to show off, such as the biceps or triceps. But our bodies are made up of an important region of muscles that is essential to proper function and healthy living. These muscles are referred to as the “core muscles.”

Want to stay on top of your game mentally? Try these 10 fun brain health activities to ward off cognition problems.