Try these COPD exercises to help seniors breathe easier.
Because of the breathing concerns linked to COPD, the last thing someone battling the disease may feel like doing is exercising and risking becoming even more breathless. Yet, exercise is necessary for all of us, including those with COPD, to retain the best possible health. As a matter of fact, there are a few recent studies that highlight the proven pulmonary advantages of exercising with COPD, and that show the damaging results for inactivity – such as increased hospitalizations and premature death.
Providing the top senior care Edwardsville, IL has to offer, Morning Glory Home Care suggests the following types of COPD exercises, as recommended by the American Lung Association (after first receiving approval from the physician):
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- Stretches. Stretching is in many cases overlooked when starting an exercise plan, but it’s vitally important. Research demonstrates that stretching exercises completed in tandem with cardio exercise resulted in reduced episodes of shortness of breath. Stretch all of the major muscles with the following exercises:
- Bend from one side to the other; hold and then switch sides
- Raise your ankle up behind you; hold and then switch sides
- Slowly turn the head to one side and then the other
- While in a seated position on the floor with legs outstretched, reach forward as far as you comfortably are able
- Cardio exercises. The intent with cardio exercises is to increase the heart rate, which strengthens the lungs and increases their efficiency. When starting an exercise program from an inactive lifestyle, or if experiencing more advanced symptoms of COPD, it’s necessary to keep the intensity level low and then, when possible, slowly work your way up. Walking, riding a bike and swimming are all good COPD exercises to try. For those on oxygen therapy, be sure to check with the doctor on the potential need to increase flow rate while doing cardio exercises.
- Strength training. Strength training assists in building and strengthening muscles, including those that are integral to breathing. Again, begin slowly after a time of inactivity and gradually increase efforts over time. For example, as an alternative to lifting weights at first, hold cans of soup or bottles of water and raise them slowly while bending the elbows. When this feels comfortable, shift to weights or resistance bands to increase the intensity of the workout. Simple squats and lunges are also very effective for improving muscle strength.
- Stretches. Stretching is in many cases overlooked when starting an exercise plan, but it’s vitally important. Research demonstrates that stretching exercises completed in tandem with cardio exercise resulted in reduced episodes of shortness of breath. Stretch all of the major muscles with the following exercises:
Morning Glory Home Care, the top rated providers of the senior care Edwardsville, IL families trust, can help with COPD exercises and a broad range of services to improve quality of life for those with COPD, like:
- Exercising with older individuals to give motivation and encouragement to follow an exercise program
- Providing transportation to the local senior center or gym for additional exercise opportunities outside of the home
- Manage light housekeeping, meal preparation, and other chores, freeing seniors up to focus on improving their health
- And much more!
To set up a free in-home assessment to learn more about our home care services for seniors, call us at 618-667-8400. We’ll develop a customized plan of care and then track that plan ongoing to be sure that the perfect level of care is always provided – today, and as care needs change in the future. Partner with Morning Glory Home Care and discover a higher quality of life and wellbeing for your senior loved one!