Raising arms and legs, rolling necks and shoulders, and other movements, even for those confined to wheelchairs, are strenuous and healthy activities. The exercise activities that patients like best are a series of movements based on their former occupations or activities. A resident who pretends to hoe a garden, knead a loaf of bread, or dig a ditch gets arms and shoulders moving and creates happy memories of their past active lives. Often, a musician will provide live harp music as a soothing background to a series of simple yoga and breathing exercises creating a restful and relaxing atmosphere for the participants. According to a MacArthur Foundation study of aging in America exercise can reduce the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and cancers of the breast, uterus and colon.
Exercise can also counter depression, decrease the risk of falls and increase stability.
Physical activity, concluded the study, is essential to successful aging. Ideal Senior Fitness Program Ideal has developed an extensive formal and structured physical fitness program with seniors in mind that seniors may join. A personal fitness assessment which includes a review of medical history, blood pressure assessment, flexibility, balance and muscular strength testing. Some members may require their physician s approval to participate. For more information call the Ideal Senior Fitness Program at 786-7399.