Attention adults aged 65+ or their loved ones, have this uncertain time with COVID-19 lead to a significant change in your activity level, or are you feeling more down?
If you have answered ‘YES’ - you are not alone!! I want to share some important strategies to help get you back on track and doing the things you love in life.
While working as an essential healthcare provider with older adults aged 65+ and their families, during this uncertain time with COVID, I have seen firsthand the negative impact this pandemic has caused.
A great majority of seniors share with me, during our physical therapy visits and fitness sessions, that both their physical and mental health has been compromised. Also, older adults explain how they feel like they’re under more emotional distress due to isolation from a lack of family and social interactions. This isolated feeling can play a significant role in their overall wellbeing and in some cases take a drastic toll on their health.
To be transparent, the individuals I am discussing have not tested positive for COVID-19 or had any issues directly related to the condition. These negative effects have been primarily attributed to older adults’ lack of physical activity.
Physical activity not only helps you build strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance- all components essential for keeping you mobile and independent to complete the necessary daily tasks to keep you living at an optimal level.
When we are not as physically active, all of those physical components (strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance) can decline, leading to lower levels of activity tolerance.
When it comes to lack of physical activity and exercise, especially with older adults aged 65+, our mental capacity can be hindered as well.
Other benefits of fitness and exercises for seniors are: increased energy level, boosted mood and an improved sense of community - these all combine to help us keep aging with less pain, fear of losing independence, and avoiding physical/mental breakdown.
For this reason, I have developed Sit, Get Fit & Stay Safe At Home 6-Week Fitness Program. This online community not only addresses physical activities but it’s a group of older adults aged 65+ working together through a fitness program along with myself, allowing for social interactions to help keep you going with some fun, simple exercises that can be done from the comfort of your home.
Depression Is Not a Normal Part of Aging: Get Immediate Help
Feeling down, hopeless or depressed is a common issue among older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. If you are thinking about harming yourself or others, please tell someone who can help immediately.
Call or talk with your healthcare provider immediately.
Call 911, go to the hospital emergency room or ask a friend or family member to help you receive immediate attention.
Call the toll-free: 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-799-4889.
Visit online resource: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
If you or your loved one lives in the Greater Milwaukee area and would like to learn more about how physical therapy or a trained physical therapist can help you please reach out to us CLICK HERE.
Talk more soon!!
Preston, PT
P.S. if you have not already taken advantage of our FREE Sit, Get Fit & Stay Safe At Home preview —> Click Here
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