Benefits of Swimming in Your Senior Years

Author

Westminster Point Pleasant

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Westminster Point Pleasant

Posted on

Jul 14, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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Staying active in your senior years is critical to maintaining your health for the long term. For some seniors, issues with mobility can make some types of exercise more difficult. Fortunately, activities like swimming can fill the void. 

Whether you’re living in your home or enjoying independent living in Bradenton, FL, adding swimming to your weekly routine can go a long way toward maintaining and improving your health. 

Read on to learn more about the benefits of swimming in your senior years.

Improves Heart Health

Swimming is a cardiovascular activity by nature. Even if you’re simply walking slow laps around the pool, your heart rate will increase. Working out your heart regularly improves your endurance and cardiovascular health, which can go a long way in keeping ailments at bay. 

Seniors are at an increased risk of heart-related diseases, so prioritizing heart health is critical.

Increases Muscle Strength

There’s no way around it: Muscle tone and strength decrease with age. Over time, activities like lifting weights or doing functional strength training can be hard on the joints. 

Swimming is a great activity to improve strength. You’re still working against the resistance of the water, but you don’t experience the same wear and tear on your body. Improved muscle strength can help you stay agile and avoid accidents like falls.

Low Impact

As you grow older, it can be difficult to find methods of exercise that match your ability level. While there are many exercise options for people with limited mobility, few offer the low-impact workout that swimming does. 

Virtually no other form of exercise offers the support and gentleness of the water. Your body is totally supported while you’re still getting exercise making your way through the water. 

Your buoyancy makes it easy to experiment with different types of exercise and find what’s comfortable yet challenging for you. There’s a reason why water exercise has been used in physical therapy for centuries.

Increases Flexibility

Maintaining flexibility in your later years is important for stability and avoiding accidents. Without exercise, your joints and ligaments can become stiff and start to impact your mobility. Flexibility can help you stay active and retain your overall mobility longer. 

Swimming lets you stretch and move your body in ways you may not be able to outside of the water, and it can greatly improve your flexibility over time. Swimming just one or two times a week can make a big difference that you’ll notice during day-to-day activities.

Improves Mental Health

It’s well understood that mental and physical health are closely linked. Swimming is an easy and fun form of exercise that releases endorphins, improves your mood, and contributes to general mental wellness. 

During retirement, it can be easy to fall into habits that don’t include exercise, but if you make swimming a habit, it can go a long way in helping you reach your health goals. 

Swimming also offers the chance to socialize. Consider enrolling in a senior swim class, or encouraging friends to join you in the pool once a week.

Swim in Independent Living in Bradenton, FL

Florida is a wonderful place to spend your senior years. Between the weather, friendly neighbors, and vibrant retirement communities, you’ll find everything you’re looking for. Independent living in Bradenton, FL, offers seniors the flexibility to live their way and make the most out of their hard-earned retirement. 

Independent living makes it easy to include swimming in your daily routine. From heated outdoor pools to transportation options for offsite water activities, you can easily make swimming part of your lifestyle. Before making any changes to your exercise routine, remember to consult with your primary care physician.

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Safe Summer Activities for Seniors

Summer can be one of the most joyful seasons for seniors, offering opportunities for movement, connection, and fun. By choosing the right activities and staying mindful of heat and hydration, older adults can enjoy everything the season has to offersafely and comfortably.Summer offers the perfect opportunity for seniors to enjoy the outdoors, soak up some vitamin D, and stay socially and physically active. However, rising temperatures and increased sun exposure can also bring unique risks, especially for older adults. With a bit of planning and awareness, seniors can make the most of the season while prioritizing safety and well-being.Here are some enjoyable and safe summer activities for seniors: 1. Morning or Evening WalksWalking is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors. During the summer, its safest to walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat. Local parks, botanical gardens, or shaded trails offer refreshing scenery and a chance to connect with nature.Tip: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and breathable clothing, and bring water to stay hydrated. 2. GardeningGardening provides gentle physical activity and can be a therapeutic hobby. Whether its tending to flowers, vegetables, or herbs, it allows seniors to be outside while staying in control of their environment.Tip: Use raised garden beds to reduce strain on joints, and aim for shaded gardening times to avoid heat stress. 3. Outdoor PicnicsGathering with family or friends for a picnic is a great way to enjoy warm weather without exertion. Seniors can bring a comfortable chair and enjoy a meal, music, or a game of cards under a shaded tree or pavilion.Tip: Choose locations with accessible seating and restroom facilities. 4. Water Aerobics or SwimmingSwimming and water-based activities are ideal for seniors because theyre easy on the joints and help with mobility and flexibility. Many community centers offer senior-friendly aquatic programs in the summer.Tip: Always swim in supervised areas and wear water shoes to avoid slips and falls. 5. Outdoor Arts and CraftsFor those who love being creative, setting up a shaded table for painting, sketching, or crafting outdoors can be relaxing and inspiring. This combines artistic expression with the calming influence of nature.Tip: Use portable umbrellas or tents to create a cool, shaded workspace. 6. Farmers Markets and Outdoor FairsExploring a local farmers market is a pleasant way to get some light exercise while supporting local growers. Seniors can sample fresh produce, enjoy live music, and engage with their community.Tip: Go early in the day and use a rolling cart or bag to make carrying purchases easier. 7. Bird Watching or Nature ObservationBird watching can be both calming and mentally stimulating. A pair of binoculars and a local field guide can turn a simple outing into an enjoyable and educational experience.Tip: Choose a quiet, shady spot with seating and bring a journal to record observations. 8. Attend Outdoor Concerts or MoviesMany communities host free or low-cost concerts and movies in the park. These events offer great social opportunities and entertainment in a relaxed, outdoor setting.Tip: Bring a chair with good back support, a fan or mister, and snacks to stay comfortable. Safety Tips for Summer Fun Hydration is Key: Older adults may not feel thirsty as often, so its important to drink water regularly. Dress for the Weather: Light, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat help protect against heat. Use Sun Protection: Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and confusion. If any of these occur, seek shade and medical attention immediately.

Understanding ADLs and IADLs: Keys to Pennsylvanias Medicaid HCBS Programs

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To qualify, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible, at least 60 years old (for PDA Waiver) or 21+ (for CHC), and require a nursing facility level of care as determined through a standardized functional assessment of ADLs/IADLs. In this article, we explain what Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are and how needing help with these tasks is central to qualifying for Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers like CHC and the PDA Waiver.What Are ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks that a person must perform daily to maintain independence. Difficulty with ADLs often signals a need for supportive services. Core ADLs include: Mobility (Ambulating/Transferring): Safely walking, getting up from a chair, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. Dressing: Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing (including handling fasteners) without assistance. Eating: Feeding oneselfusing utensils to get food from a plate to the mouth and consuming it. Personal Hygiene: Bathing or showering and performing grooming activities like shaving, brushing teeth, and combing hair on ones own. Toileting (Continence): Independently using the toiletgetting to the toilet, transferring on and off, and cleaning oneself afterward. When someone can no longer perform several ADLs without help, it indicates that ongoing care or support is likely needed.What Are IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)?Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that allow a person to live independently in the community. While not necessarily performed daily, they are essential for managing ones household and life. Key IADLs include: Shopping for Essentials: The ability to shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or purchase clothing and other necessities. Meal Preparation: Planning and cooking mealsgathering ingredients and safely using kitchen appliances. Housekeeping: Keeping the home clean and livable tasks like cleaning, laundry, and taking out the trash. Money Management: Handling finances, such as paying bills on time, managing bank accounts, and budgeting. Transportation: Getting around or arranging transportationdriving oneself or using public transit or rides to run errands and attend appointments. Medication Management: Managing and taking medications properly remembering to take the correct medicines at scheduled times and refilling prescriptions. Communication: Using the phone or computer to communicatelooking up phone numbers, making calls, sending emails, and staying in touch with others. 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Administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), CHC is a managed care program that combines physical health, long-term services and supports, and pharmacy benefits under a single plan (with behavioral health carved out). To qualify for CHC: Be age 21 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility guidelines. Require a nursing facility level of care (confirmed through functional assessment). Live in a setting that meets HCBS requirements (e.g., home, apartment, assisted living). Be a Pennsylvania resident. Once enrolled, participants receive a comprehensive package of services tailored to their needs. Covered services may include personal assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day services, behavioral support, professional nursing, home modifications, assistive technology, transportation, and respite care. 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The Importance of Social Interaction for Seniors and How to Facilitate It

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