Exercise can reduce your risk of depression, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and more. It’s also an effective defense against cognitive health decline. As a result, the CDC recommends adults over 65 get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week.
The benefits of aquatic therapy for seniors includes improvements to your mental and physical health. It’s also a fun way to remain active as you get in your weekly physical activity around Minneapolis.
Ease Impact on Joints
Water can provide natural buoyancy and resistance, thereby reducing stress on the joints. Senior citizens with arthritis can remain active with water therapy. They might experience less pain in the joints while exercising, as well.
You’ll likely find it’s easier to complete exercises in the water than it is on land.
Boost Your Mood
Remember, water therapy can benefit your mental health too. Exercising can help the body produce endorphins. These feel-good hormones can boost your mood, thereby reducing stress and anxiety.
Senior citizens can complete their water therapy sessions among friends near Minneapolis. The social aspect is another great mood booster. Completing these exercises among fellow senior citizens can increase your confidence while providing an uplifting sense of well-being.
Increase Strength and Balance
Each year, Americans aged 65 and over in the US sustain about 220,000 hip and wrist fractures. About 25% of people aged 65 to 74 and a third or more aged 75 and older report falling incidents.
If you’re concerned about sustaining an injury while exercising, get in the water. Exercising in water that’s waist-deep can help build strength in senior citizens. You can fight water movements while maintaining your balance to build muscle, strength, and endurance.
Improving your strength and balance can minimize your risk of falls and injuries.
Help Your Heart
While aquatic therapy is gentle on the joints, it’s still intense enough to raise your heart rate. Increasing your heart rate can help improve your cardiovascular health and it can help burn fat.
As a bonus, water therapy trains the heart and lungs to use oxygen more efficiently. The risk of heart disease and heart attack could decline as a result.
Improved Circulation
When your body is immersed in water, fluid molecules place a force on the body called hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure can reduce swelling and pain and can also increase your range of motion while improving your circulation.
Improved circulation can ensure oxygen and nutrients travel through your bloodstream, allowing injuries or sore areas to heal.
Discover the Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Aquatic Therapy Near Minneapolis
Water therapy is ideal for people of all ages and ability levels. Consider giving aquatic therapy a try this year. You can improve your mental and physical health while having fun with friends in the Minneapolis area!
Explore water jogging, swimming, aerobics, and other forms of water therapy to experience these benefits firsthand.
Looking for more ways to enjoy your senior years? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about your senior care services.