How to Prevent “Sitting Disease” in Seniors

Sitting disease. It is, pretty much, how it sounds. It basically means that the more sedentary we are, the higher our risk will be for certain illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, cancer, chronic kidney disease, circulatory problems, and more. And the facts are, when individuals get older, they tend to be more sedentary, whether it’s because they are tired, or because of various aches and pains, seniors are most likely to have “sitting disease” than any other age demographic.

Always Best Care Senior Services, an in-home senior caregiver provider, also provides information on senior living services, including the various senior living communities and their exercise and socialization programs. If you are looking for in-home care information in Anderson, South Carolina, or other types of senior living services in Greenwood, South Carolina, call (864)229-1211.

Preventing Sitting Disease

Whether you or your loved one lives in an assisted living community or not, there are ways to combat sitting disease, not just in seniors, but in all ages. Some of these include:

• Start a new hobby with family or with friends such as gardening, biking, regularly visiting the museum or planetarium, etc. Anything that gets people (and seniors) off the couch and outside moving will help prevent sitting disease.
  
• Engage in low impact activities with family or just by yourself. Activities like tai chi and yoga are perfect for stretching and endurance. They are always more fun when you do them together!
  
• Pick one day a week to engage in a bike ride together, or walk, to catch up on what’s been going on in everyone’s life. Stick to that day and don’t divert. If it rains, walk the mall and catch up!
  
• Whatever your destination, whether it’s the movie theater, the grocery store, or some other location, park at the far corner of the parking lot to force yourself to walk.
  

If there isn't enough family around to encourage and sustain these activities, an assisted living community is perfect for the senior who wants to stay active. With so many activities in place, the senior will not only get in exercise, but also socialization which has been proven to enhance quality of life. If you are interested in more information and you live in the Greenwood or Anderson, South Carolina area, call (864) 229-1211 today.