Most people know that daily exercise has many health benefits. As we age, it may become more difficult to exercise with the same vigor. It may be time to readjust your view of exercise and opt for stretching exercises. With aging, joints lose fluid and our muscles lose elasticity, leading to a natural decrease in flexibility. Seniors who lose flexibility find it hard to complete normal daily tasks like getting up from chairs or walking up and down stairs, let alone more complicated chores like cooking and cleaning. Adding a stretching routine may help prevents certain injuries common to senior adults and keep them physically active.

The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to help with strength and balance. More specifically, routine range of motion exercises can strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility. Remaining flexible can help avoid issues with tight muscles and injuries.

What the benefits of range of motion exercises?

The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to help with strength and balance. More specifically, routine range of motion exercises can strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility. Remaining flexible can help avoid issues with tight muscles and injuries. Encouraging movements to help improve or maintain strength, balance and range of motion exercises can benefit senior adults. Some of these benefits include:

• Decreased risk of injury
• Improved blood circulation
• Better balance
• Improved flexibility
• Less arthritic pain
• Increased muscle pain
• Better posture