We all know the importance of staying active and ensuring that we get enough physical activities to keep us healthy and fit. But for the elderly and those with special needs or disabilities, exercising can be challenging. Things like movement constraints, pre-existing health issues, and need for additional support are some of the factors that make the elderly and people with special needs miss out on the many advantages of exercising.
Why exercising is important for seniors and people with disabilities
Research shows that physical activities for people with disabilities are more important than those without special needs. That’s because health conditions like diabetes and obesity are more likely in people with disabilities than those without. So, it’s important for those with disabilities to exercise to live longer, be healthy and enjoy life. They can get a professional NDIS personal trainer to help. These experts have an effective workout plan that can work for you.
It’s hard to get the heart racing and your body moving if you’re sitting down the entire day and living a moderately sedentary lifestyle. If that’s you, then the risk of digestive, coronary, and respiratory illness will be greater than the same person of a similar age with no impairment.
Besides, it does not include all the vital physical aspects of working out for people with disabilities. It’s vital to look after your mental health. With a lack of easily accessible attractions and transport, people living with disabilities can find it hard to interact with other people.
Exercise is the perfect natural medication for this. It can:
- Reduce anxiety
- Encourage clear thinking
- Reduce stress
- Boosts self-esteem
- Improves sleep
- Reduces depression
- Makes you calm
Whether it’s walking the dog every day, running around the playground, or having a structured workout plan, with an NDIS personal trainer or physiotherapist it gets easy.
Here is why exercise is important for people with a disability.
Improved social interaction
Going outside and trying some physical activities is one of the best ways to socialise as you catch up with colleagues and meet new faces. You can join your friends and go to the park, take swimming classes or join a walking group. As you improve social interactions and make new friends, you will notice an improvement in self-confidence and communication skills and become more involved in community matters.
Improved mental health
Like making new friends and improving self-confidence, exercising is one of the best ways to boost your mental health. Frequent workouts have reduced mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Even the shortest number of workouts can trigger the production of endorphins, which automatically improves your mood.
Better mobility and reduced risk of injuries
The elderly and those with disabilities who spend a lot of time sitting down are vulnerable to weakened muscles, poor blood flow, poor balance, and reduced stamina when moving or walking. Introducing a few physical activities into their daily routine will help build joint and muscle strength, improve hand-eye coordination, and enhance balance. All this will prevent fall injuries, lessen the risk of strained muscles, and improve flexibility and general strength. Frequent workouts will assist in building bone mineral density. This is vital in lessening the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Lessened risk of long-term health issues
One of the biggest benefits of exercising every day is the overall and long-term health benefits, such as the reduced risk of:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
Physical activities can assist increase brain size and memory, lessening the risk of dementia and strengthening lung function.
Exercise is highly subjective, and it’s vital for everyone, even those with disabilities, to try the exercise regime that fits their specific requirements and needs. You can get a certified personal trainer on your NDIS plan to guide you with workout.