Many elderly adults will stop working out, thinking that it isn’t going to help them anyway. However, there is research that shows gaining muscle mass in the elderly years can make someone feel better. If you or caregivers are helping to care for your elderly loved one, helping them to build muscle mass can boost their physical and mental strength.
How Often Should Your Loved One Work Out
Depending on what exactly your loved one’s physical shape is at this time, it might be helpful for them to weight train 2 to 4 days a week. This could help them to preserve and even build muscle mass. It can also help them to maintain and build balance and strength, as well. Each of these things helps to reduce your elderly loved one’s risk of falling.
Other Ways Gaining Muscle Mass Helps Elderly Adults
Research has also shown that elderly adults who gain muscle mass are less likely to have heart disease. Building muscle mass can also help your elderly loved one to live longer. This is mostly because it makes them stronger, healthier, and more active. If you want to help your loved one gain all of these benefits, talk to their doctor today to see how much exercise they should be doing to build muscle mass.
Other Information to Know About Muscle Mass
The correct term for losing muscle mass is called sarcopenia. This can happen a lot earlier in life than most people would think. In fact, many research studies show that people may start losing muscle mass in their 30’s. However, there are some things that your elderly loved one can do to stop losing muscle mass and to gain it, as well.
Tips for Gaining Muscle Mass in Elderly Years
Your elderly loved one can do many things to maintain and gain muscle mass.
One of the things they can do is strength training. This should be done 2 to 3 times every week. However, your elderly loved one should speak to their doctor before starting a strength training routine to assure it is safe for them.
Your elderly loved one can do endurance activities, too. Again, this should be discussed with your loved one’s doctor first. However, if the doctor approves, your loved one can start doing pilates, yoga, walking, or swimming. These are all excellent endurance activities that build core strength, endurance, and muscle mass.
Lastly, your loved one should be on a balanced diet. Getting enough protein is important if your elderly loved one is trying to maintain or gain muscle mass.
If you want to help your elderly loved one gain muscle mass, try these things with them after speaking to their doctor first.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Elder Care in Suwanee, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.
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Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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