5 Exercises That Help Alleviate Arthritis Pain for Seniors

Do you find yourself with arthritis pain? Whether it’s occasional or frequent pain, you know all too well that arthritis stiffness and discomfort can be frustrating and make your everyday life difficult to navigate.

 Fortunately, there are a variety of arthritis exercises for seniors that can help improve your mobility and reduce the discomfort you may be experiencing.

 This is important because recent studies have shown that nearly 53 million adults are currently diagnosed with arthritis, with 46% being seniors over the age of 65.

 While there are a number of methods to manage the pain, the most effective, non-drug option for reducing arthritic discomfort and improving range of motion is consistent exercise. Participating in regular physical activity helps you strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and increase your overall quality of life.

 Read on to find enjoyable arthritis exercises for seniors and discover how a senior living community can help you live well and manage arthritis pain through exceptional wellness programs and services.

Arthritis Pain in Seniors: Why Exercise Is Important

Finding ways to maintain your physical health and exercise regularly should be fun and manageable. Studies have shown that engaging in regular exercise helps to:

• Improve joint lubrication

• Decrease pain

• Increase physical functionality

• Improve quality of life

 Additionally, exercising regularly helps with weight loss, which further decreases joint stress and pressure while restoring your range of motion and reducing pain and swelling.

 While it may seem counterintuitive to move an arthritic joint, science says that it can be extremely beneficial. Why? Because as you age, your muscles become weaker. However, exercise works effectively to improve your strength and build stronger muscles, which can ultimately help to delay the onset of an arthritis-related disability.

Arthritis-Friendly Exercises for Seniors

1. Water-based exercises
   The great thing about water-based exercises is that they help relieve pressure on your joints. It’s best to start in a shallow pool, which is typically about 4 feet deep.

   You can walk at a somewhat brisk pace, from one end of the pool to the other, and then begin with completing two to three laps to build your endurance. You can even join a water aerobics class, which can help keep you engaged and encouraged as you incorporate this exercise into your weekly routine.

2. Walking
   There are a wide variety of health benefits attributed to walking because it gets your blood pumping and muscles moving. You can begin your walking routine with shorter distances and build your endurance to walk further over time.
   
   Soon, you’ll find that you can increase your distance and your speed without causing yourself any discomfort. Just be sure to go at a pace you can comfortably manage but also allows you to work up a sweat. If you notice any foot pain or pain in your knees after a good walk, you may want to look for a more supportive footwear option.

3. Moderate weightlifting

   Incorporating moderate weightlifting into your exercise routine helps to strengthen your muscles. This is extremely beneficial because when your muscles are strong, they are better able to support your joints. That’s why you’ll find that weightlifting actually decreases your arthritis pain. Just be sure to start with light weights, two pounds or less, depending on your body type and physical condition.

4. Yoga

   Adding yoga to your routine can go a long way toward increasing your balance, range of motion and overall flexibility. It’s a low-impact exercise that utilizes many parts of your body and can give you a moderate cardio workout, as well.

   As an added bonus, yoga often benefits your mental health by making you feel more relaxed and less anxious. Yoga can also improve your mood and increase your energy levels.

5. Daily stretching

   Daily stretching can have tremendous benefits. By consistently using your joints for range-of-motion exercises — such as bending and flexing, stretching your limbs out to their full length, rotating your head and rolling your shoulders — you’re able to increase your joints’ range of motion and decrease potential injuries as you age.

Live Life Well at a Senior Living Community

 Many senior living communities offer wellness amenities and activities that make it easy to stay active, manage arthritis pain, and focus on mental, physical, and social health.

 Whether you’re looking for independent or assisted living, contact us to find a senior living community that’s right for you.