If your elderly loved one is still able to move around and participate in activities, he’s never too old to start up a new sport to help him stay in shape and keep sharp.
Benefits of Playing Sports for Seniors
While the physical health benefits seem obvious to many, there are also plenty of other benefits for seniors who join a new sport and choose to stay active in this manner.
- Cognitive benefits. Learning a new sport engages the brain as much as the body. Your loved one will work out his brain by remembering rules, applying them to each situation, and maybe even improvising occasionally. All of these are great brain activities.
- Social benefits. Whether the sport is a solo sport performed in an environment with others (such as walking or swimming) or whether it’s a team sport, your loved one will connect with those around him. He may make new friends that have similar interests. It’s a great way to get to know people, even for the most introverted.
- Mental health benefits. Being physical and getting out in the world boosts those “happy” body chemicals known as endorphins while reducing the stress hormone, cortisol. Exercise also helps to boost self-esteem, self-worth, and self-assurance.
Five Fall Sports for Your Senior
Your loved one might wonder where to start. Finding a senior center in the area is a great place to find sporting leagues and teams that involve individuals his age. If that seems a bit out of his comfort zone, your loved one can ask his senior home care provider to join him. His senior home care provider can be a great support person in that manner.
- Pickleball. This fairly recent sport has courts popping up all over the country. Have your loved one’s senior home care provider help him find the nearest court so he can visit it and play a game or two. This sport is a slower-paced game making it ideal for seniors.
- Badminton. The little birdie that is swatted back and forth over the net at a leisurely speed can make this a fun sport for the elderly. It doesn’t require a lot of quick turns, twists, and maneuvers to keep the birdie in the air, but will have your loved one on his feet playing and laughing.
- Water Aerobics. If your loved one has a pool nearby or a senior center, he might have the opportunity to join a weekly water aerobic class that will keep him physically active while providing support for his joints with the buoyant water he’ll be exercising in. It can be a great place for him to connect with his peers and form new friendships.
- Bowling. Many bowling alleys start leagues back in the fall and this might be the perfect sport for your loved one. It doesn’t depend on the weather and there isn’t any gear that needs to be purchased (it can all be rented at the bowling alley).
- Walking Soccer. In this senior-friendly twist of soccer, players actually get penalized if they run. Instead, team members are encouraged to walk as they kick the ball down the field, reducing the risk of injury.
Fall is also a great time just to get out and walk with the cooler temps and less humidity. Encourage walking “dates” with friends, family, and his senior home care provider to help him incorporate activity into every day.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Manassas, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
Founder and Owner at Access Home Care
Anna Mensah-Nti MSN-Ed, BSN, RN is a Registered Nurse and founder of Access Home Care Inc. She received her BSN from Marymount University in 2001.
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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