What are the important suggestions regarding exercise for the elderly?
Exercise is better performed early in the morning
or in the evening.It should not be done on a full
stomach.
People
who have followed a sedentary or quiet lifestyle should
begin an exercise program slowly.
It
is not important how quickly one advances to a higher
level of fitness. Becoming fit eventually and maintaining
that fitness is what matters.
A
slow and easy start can avoid musculo-skeletal injuries.
Be sure to thoroughly warm up before beginning and
cool down gradually by stretching, appropriate to
the exercise. This is very important to prevent cramping
and other discomforts.
Choose
activities that you like.Be realistic about what you
can do.Exercising in a group is better than doing
it alone because it makes it a social event and encourages
continuous participation.
One
has to consult a doctor before starting an exercise
program. Also stop and check with your doctor right
away if you develop sudden pain, shortness of breath,
or feel ill.
Choose
your method of exercise carefully! Make sure it is
suitable for your body type. Avoid high-impact events.
Certain exercises should not be performed when people
have certain diseases.
For eg:. people with diabetic retinopathy
should not perform exercises that involve bending
forward too much or standing on their head. People
with weak heart should not perform strenuous exercise.
Those who have had a heart attack cannot perform any
exercise other than walking for a certain period after
recovery.
Be
very certain to remain hydrated by continuously drinking
water supplemented with vitamin C and electrolytes
while exercising.
Even
those confined to bed should have some kind of physical
activity or atleast physiotherapy to avoid bedsores,
chest infection, loss of strength of bones, constipation
and depression.