Why Kinesiology Works for Seniors

Published on: September 6, 2022

It's common knowledge that seniors need to exercise regularly in order to live a healthy and independent lifestyle.

Physical immobility is often seen as a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Individuals who stay active throughout their lives can maintain greater levels of physical autonomy than those with sedentary lifestyles because illnesses and disabilities tend to not affect them as much.

Seniors are often visited by kinesiologists in their homes or seniors' homes to help them keep up their physical health.

What you should expect from your first session with a Kinesiologist

The first part of the registration process for senior citizens is an essential one. The PAR-Q or PARmed-X (filled out by your doctor) allows kinesiologists to make sure that seniors don't have any health conditions which could cause issues while exercising, such as cardiovascular disease or heart problems.

The PAR-Q can help the kinesiologist and patient continue their discussion about any specific needs while the “The PARmed-X is a physical activity-specific checklist to be used by a physician with patients who have had positive responses to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). In addition, the Conveyance/Referral Form in the PARmed-X can be used to convey clearance for physical activity participation, or to make a referral to a medically-supervised exercise program. (PARmed-X Physical Activity Readiness Medical Examination-revised 2002)

The best way for seniors to stay fit and active

Exercising regularly ensures that seniors are able to do the things they love for longer and stay independent. The benefits of exercise on senior citizens are manifold. Not only does it improve their physical health, but also helps fight the feeling of isolation and has positive effects on cognition.

To maintain cardiovascular capabilities, senior citizens need to do aerobic activities a few times per week. It’s important that before starting any exercise program you consult with your family doctor and then obtain a consultation from a local Kinesiologist.  He/she will help you get started.  The activity should be of moderate intensity for it to be effective and not be harmful. The individual should raise their heart rate but still be able to talk and breathe normally while doing so.  A simple walk a few times a week will even help their level of independence.

A kinesiologist works with the patient to improve their overall well-being by tailoring a session based on physical and cognitive abilities. He/She helps senior citizens maintain their cardiovascular capacities, muscle tone and strength so that they can continue to enjoy hobbies or deal with chores. In other words, a kinesiologist works toward maintaining independence in patients who are aging.

Creating a personalized plan for clients

Since exercise is one of the most important factors in ensuring senior citizens' health and wellness, it is essential that they work out with a kinesiologist. A kinesiology specialist can recommend easy exercises such as squats using household items or body weight training to target specific muscles twice per week. There are so many easy ways to stay active every day, such as walking instead of driving and taking the stairs instead of using an elevator.

If you haven’t already done so, seek out the advice and help of a local Kinesiologist.

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