Pool lifts help achieve the amazing benefits of aqua aerobics, including seniors looking for low-impact exercise regimens to strengthen muscles, maintain weight, and preserve balance.
Who wouldn’t want to do water-based activities? Water aerobics is a low-impact activity that can build strength, cardio, and resistance- all in one regimen. Low-impact aerobics are basically exercises where the individual always keeps one of their feet on the floor; this can be more pragmatic for seniors who are attempting to reduce the risk of falls and preserve their balance. For those that have difficulty accessing pools for water aerobics, mobility devices are a viable option that provides a sense of security when getting in and out of the water.
The merits of low-impact exercise
Regular exercise helps maintain the ability to live independently, reducing the risk of a fall and subsequent injury. Physical activity reduces a person’s risk of heart disease, high-blood pressure, and bone fractures. Maintaining a fitness regimen also helps curb certain types of cancer, including colon cancer, and diabetes. For individuals that already live with a chronic disease or debilitating condition, exercise increases stamina and helps to build muscle strength.
Aside from the physical perks, exercise also reduces depression and anxiety, providing an elevated mood and feelings of overall well-being. Individuals with arthritis or other chronic pain condition may find that regular, low-impact activity reduces discomfort and alleviates symptoms significantly. Water is buoyant, so it is much easier on joints, bones, and muscles; this removes much of the impact due to the anti-gravity effects that water provides. This reduces pressure on sensitive or painful areas, which can contribute to motivation to engage in the activity regularly. It is not uncommon for physical therapists to prescribe water therapy for their patients that live with chronic pain.
Seniors benefit from daily low-impact activity
Low-impact activity can help curb strength-loss or decreased stamina that occurs during aging. Maintaining regular activity, which tends to increase with age, is key in preventing falls and preserving well-being. It is estimated that among seniors aged 75 and older, 50% of women get no physical exercise, and one-third of men fail to get regular physical activity. Low-impact exercise is easier on joints and bones which makes it an ideal option for older adults. Another advantage of engaging in exercise is the socialization aspect; social support from peers and loved ones correlates with regular exercise, which makes it a win-win for any senior.
Low-impact activity curbs incidents of injury, which again, makes it the most practical option for seniors or those with mobility issues. Make sure to get your physician’s approval before beginning any type of workout or exercise routine, particularly if you have a previous back injury, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Additionally, you can achieve better circulation and blood-flow which helps absorption of nutrients and expedites healing. If you are trying to lose a few pounds, low-impact regimens can help stabilize glucose levels and control weight.
Aqua aerobics provides numerous advantages
Water aerobics is an excellent option for any age or exercise fitness level- including seniors. Water aerobics is fun and can foster a sense of socialization and bonding with others. This recreation appeals to young and old, providing a moderate level of physical activity which, as mentioned, reaps numerous benefits and holistic health advantages.
Some other advantages of water-based exercise are:
- Builds muscle strength
- Increases endurance
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Burns calories
- Lowers blood-pressure
- Fosters social engagement and interaction
Pool lifts help achieve the amazing benefits of Aqua Aerobics
Getting in and out of a pool requires access that many with mobility issues don’t have. Mobility devices, such as lifts, make it possible to engage in water-based activities with security, safety, and ease. It is important to buy from vendors that offer professional installation and support to help demonstrate proper use and utility to the senior.
Talk with Pacific Mobility about an assessment and lift for your senior
Lifts are a viable option that can help seniors with mobility issues get in and out of the water. With the many benefits that this low-impact and social activity bring, it makes sense to invest in a pool-lift to accommodate and encourage the individual to exercise. Pacific Mobility offers a comprehensive needs-assessment and professional installation in the area to ensure your lift is exactly what you are looking for.
Maintain health and well-being throughout the lifespan with regular, low-impact activity that strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and prevents injury as you age. Take advantage of the benefits of water-based exercises, such as aqua aerobics, and enjoy the gravity-free environment when working out. Look into lifts and mobility aids to make swimming and water-based regimens viable; make the most out of life and feel your best with aqua aerobics!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)