Stretching exercises for the elderly are important for maintaining physical and emotional well-being, as well as helping to increase muscle and joint flexibility, promote blood circulation, and facilitate certain daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and ordering.
In addition to stretching exercises, it is also important that older adults perform physical activities as they improve well-being, improve mood, improve physical condition and functioning of the immune system and help fight diseases. It is important that physical activity begins after your doctor’s discharge and is directed by the physical therapist or professional education. Discover other benefits of physical activity for the elderly.
Here are three simple examples of stretching exercises for the elderly, which can be done at home:
Lying on your back, bend a leg and hold it above the knee, but be careful not to force the joint. Hold the position for 30 seconds while breathing, then repeat the exercise with the other leg, remaining in position for the same time.
Sitting with your legs together and stretched in front of your body, stretch your arms and try to put your hands on your feet. It is recommended to remain in this position for 30 seconds and during this time, if possible, continue to try to touch your feet.
Get up, tilt your body to the side of your torso and stay in position for 30 seconds. Then tilt your body to the other side and also remain in the same position for 30 seconds. It is important to pay attention to the execution of the movement, to try to simply move the trunk and leave the hip stabilized, because otherwise there could be compensation in the back and hip, which can cause pain.
These stretching exercises can be performed at any time of the day and each should be repeated at least 3 times or as recommended by the physical therapist or instructor, but it is also important to consider the limitations of the body to avoid injuring muscles or joints. . The regularity with which these stretching exercises are performed is also important to obtain their benefits and, therefore, it is recommended to perform the exercises at least 3 times per week. Discover other exercises that can be practiced at home.
In addition to these 3 examples, you can also perform other stretching exercises such as those shown in the video below to improve your blood circulation, mobility and well-being. You can do it in minutes and you’ll feel much better: