Page 2 - Senior Times South Central Michigan May 2023 - 30-05

Page 2 Senior Times - May 2023
KEEPING PACE – I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT!
By: Ryan Miller, Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E.
With warmer weather on the horizon, outdoor activities may be on the mind. May happens to be Older Americans Month. This got me thinking about advice for seniors
on fitness and movement as we head into Michigan’s spring and summer. I reached
out to Julian Delapas for his advice to get seniors moving. Julian is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Albion with Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. As always, consult with your doctor and health care team before making any major changes to your activity regimens.
Ryan: What are some good activities for someone who has physical limitations that don’t allow them to walk or be fit for an extended period or at all?
Ryan: If someone wants to begin a new or increased exercise routine, where should they start?
Ryan: Despite good intentions and a desire to stay active and be healthy, I won- dered if there are some activities or exercises that seniors should avoid.
Julian: The first recommended task is con- sult with your primary physician to determine if there are any concerns or restrictions prior to starting any exercise. Once completed,
the best advice would be to seek a profes- sional evaluation and have an exercise plan designed to your specific needs.
Ryan: What words of caution would you give someone who is looking to start a new fitness routine or increasing their activity level?
Julian: This is why we recommend always beginning with a medical consult/ evaluation. There are parameters for various vital signs that one should be mindful of with strenuous exercise. Typically, as we age, the level of activity becomes milder by design.
Ryan: Is there an outside activity that is especially beneficial for seniors?
Julian: We should move our bodies every- day as appropriate. Some people overlook the notion that general daily activity can also provide mild amounts of exercise. Journaling your daily activity is a life skill that can pro- vide insight as to how much activity versus inactivity is happening on a regular basis.
Julian: I always go on record claiming that walking is the most valuable source of exercise. Going for a walk, if the person is safe and capable, is the most convenient and sustainable form of exercise we could do.
Ryan: Not all exercise has to be physical. Right? We should be exercising our brain too. What are some good mental exercises?
Ryan: I sometimes struggle with motiva- tion to exercise on my own. Are their oppor- tunities for seniors to join others in activities in their community?
Julian: Once again, after a conversation with your medical provider, I have seen a plethora of cognitive based exercises. Some of the more traditional are word search-
As always, please consult with your doc- tor and health care team before making any major changes to your activity regimens or health care routines. My conversation with Julian includes our opinions and advice for a general audience. I hope that the warmer weather presents you with new opportunities for exercise, leisure, work, and rest.
Julian: Yes, there should be. And in today’s modern world, these are more easily found via social media and traditional
es, card games, and crossword puzzles. Currently, technology has modernized these activities with the addition of electronic games and video games even.
advertising/communication. Some may be free, but some may not. So, start with search- ing and asking friends and family or your medical providers.
Julian: Most exercise programs should have an option to perform the program in
a modified position. So, once again, when talking and gathering information, be sure to inquire if there are modified versions of the program you are interested in.
Julian: Words of caution would be for one to be informed and prepared for the typical bodily responses to exercise. These include fatigue, muscle soreness, and labored breathing. These responses to exercise have potential to cause unnecessary concerns and could result in a person straying from their wellness plan if they are not informed ahead of time.
Ryan: Is there a general recommendation for how much exercise seniors should be aiming for per day or week?
A healthcare team
wrapped around
you.
We provide coordinated healthcare for those aged 55+ meeting a nursing home level of care and desire to continue living and aging in their home. Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. is covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Most Medicaid eligible participants pay no out-of-pocket costs for medical services while in their home.
Our mission is to empower independence and autonomy for participants and their support systems through exceptional interdisciplinary and integrated geriatic care.
Self pay options are available.
LEARN MORE
(269) 441-9319
referrals@seniorcarepartnersmi.org