Swimming is a great senior activity!
One of the most complete sports
Swimming remains the most complete and less violent sport for the body . This activity will allow you training your entire body! You could also muscle your back and shoulders, abdomens, and buttocks muscles. Your body will become more resistant. Therefore, the probability for you to fall down will be lower.
Interesting, isn’t it?
I have noticed it since I started to swim! Besides, if you regularly practice breast stroke, you will relieve lumbar pains, from which many seniors suffer. Swimming sessions are great activities for senior citizens.
Swimming to prevent diseases: A perfect senior care activity.
Indeed, swimming improves the blood flow while reducing the water holding in our body. Therefore, a regular pratice will make our heart more resistant. This will lower the probability of suffering from hart diseases or disorders.
Besides, swimming:
- Diminishes our heart rate and blood pressure
- Maintains the amplitude of various articulations and lowers the risk of suffering from arthrosis
- Lowers the probability of suffering from type 2 diabetes
- Improves blood flow. Swimming is great or people suffering from venous problems.
A senior citizen activity which improves your wellbeing
Swimming stimulates relaxation, while feeling water on your skin.
Swimming is one of the non violent activities for seniors. Besides the floating sensation will give you pleasure. Indeed, you brain will produce a natural hormone: endorphin (commonly called “the pleasure’s hormone”). It will help you fighting against fear, stress and depression.
You should swim, it will make you happy… like me! Therefore, Swimming is a great seniorcare occupation.
A great senior care activity to avoid lonelines
By regularly going to the swimming pool, you will meet up with many other seniors and you could discuss with them. Don’t hesitate to subscribe to swimming clubs, aqua bike or aqua gym clubs. Indeed, you could then make new friends and go out with them at other times. Swimming activities are great care activities when organised in Nursing homes!
How often should you swim?
Regularity and frequency are the key elements of a good swimming pratice.
It would be great if you could swim up to 2 times per week, during 40 minutes.
If you find it too long, you could start with 25 minutes swimming sessions. If you manage to do more, then increase your objectives.
I love challenging myself! Why won’t you?
A great senior Citizen activity which improves your memory
A regular sport pratice is also useful to improving our memory.
“Acta psychological”, an English experimental psychology journal, recently published a study explaining to what extent sport pratice is good for our memory.
In order to carry out this study, scientists organized an experience in which participants had to attend memory tests, before and after sport sessions.
This study has shown that results were far better when memory tests were performed after sports sessions rather than before.
According to Audrey Duarte, a psychology professor who participated to this study,
“Even without using expensive brain scanners, our results give of an idea of which brain parts benefit from memory improvements due to sport pratice.”
Swimming won’t only train your body, it will also train your brain !
Senior care golden rule: The most important is to have fun! Don’t be obsessed in beating new records, and swim at your own pace!
You need to check your physical conditions before going to the swimming pool. In fact, there are some incompatibilities with swimming pratice:
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- ENT disorders
I hope that this would make you want to swim! Thanks again for reading this, and see you later!
Take care!
The Social Benefits of Swimming for Seniors
Swimming is not just a physical activity; it also provides significant social benefits for seniors. Engaging in group swimming sessions or classes can foster a sense of community and belonging. Here are some key social advantages:
- Building Friendships: Regular visits to the pool allow seniors to meet new people, share experiences, and form lasting friendships.
- Enhancing Communication Skills: Participating in group activities encourages conversations, helping seniors maintain and improve their social skills.
- Reducing Isolation: Being part of a swimming group can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among seniors.
- Encouraging Team Spirit: Swimming in a group fosters teamwork and camaraderie, enhancing the overall experience.
Swimming Techniques for Seniors: Staying Safe and Effective
While swimming is a low-impact exercise, it’s essential for seniors to adopt safe and effective techniques to prevent injuries and maximize benefits. Here are some recommended swimming techniques:
- Focus on Breathing: Practice rhythmic breathing to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue.
- Use Proper Strokes: Techniques like the backstroke and breaststroke are often easier on the joints and can be beneficial for seniors.
- Start Slowly: Begin with short distances and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your swimming sessions.
- Incorporate Water Aerobics: Water aerobics can be a fun way to combine swimming with strength training without putting excessive strain on the body.
The Role of Swimming in Mental Health for Seniors
Swimming is not only beneficial for physical health but also plays a crucial role in improving mental well-being. Here’s how swimming can positively impact mental health:
- Reducing Anxiety: The rhythmic motion of swimming can be meditative, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Boosting Mood: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which can enhance mood and reduce feelings of depression.
- Improving Cognitive Function: Regular swimming can enhance brain function and memory, contributing to better cognitive health.
- Encouraging Mindfulness: Being in the water encourages seniors to focus on the present moment, which can be beneficial for mental clarity and stress reduction.
Swimming as a Rehabilitation Tool for Seniors
Swimming can be an effective rehabilitation tool for seniors recovering from injuries or surgeries. Its low-impact nature allows for safe movement and recovery. Here are some ways swimming aids rehabilitation:
- Improving Mobility: Water provides resistance, helping to strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility without the stress of gravity.
- Enhancing Recovery: Swimming can speed up recovery times by promoting blood circulation and reducing swelling.
- Building Strength: Regular swimming sessions can help rebuild strength after an injury, making it easier to return to daily activities.
- Providing Pain Relief: The buoyancy of water can alleviate pain, making it easier for seniors to perform exercises that may be difficult on land.
