May 9, 2025
Ideally, seniors can hold onto their mobility by exercising regularly. For some seniors, exercise isn’t easy or safe for them to do in traditional ways. Another option could be doing exercise in bed. Home care assistance can offer an additional layer of safety for seniors, while also helping them establish exercise routines that work for them.
It can be a big surprise to seniors that it’s perfectly okay to exercise in their own beds. They probably won’t do any major cardio, but they can easily stretch and do mobility exercises that reduce stiffness and improve circulation. Like other types of exercise, they can also experience better moods and become stronger. Some of the exercises seniors might want to try could involve leg lifts, ankle circles, arm lifts, and neck rolls. There are lots of videos, exercise books, and websites that offer variations on exercises seniors can do in bed.
If seniors haven’t already been exercising on a regular basis, they should talk to their doctors before starting to exercise in bed. That helps them to make sure they are healthy enough to exercise at all, whether in bed or anywhere else. Their doctors may also have some specific exercises they want to recommend to meet specific health needs for seniors.
Something seniors need to remember is that they can still overdo exercise, even if what they’re doing is lying in bed and stretching. They need to listen to their bodies, because any pain or discomfort is a sign that they should slow down or stop what they’re doing. Over time, seniors can add more repetitions and try more elaborate exercises. But in the beginning, it’s better for them to take it slow and gradually increase what they’re doing.
It might sound strange for seniors to worry about fall hazards when they’re exercising in bed, but it’s a very serious situation. Elder care providers can offer help with exercise safety in bed. Seniors should stay aware of the edge of the bed, especially if they’re doing exercises that involve rolling over. Using adjustable bed rails while exercising can improve safety.
Like any other exercise plan, consistency is going to give seniors better results when they’re exercising in bed. Home care assistance can help seniors set up routines that work for them, like remembering to exercise before bed or right after waking up. They can also help seniors to use any tools they need while exercising, like additional blankets and pillows or other supportive devices.
Exercising in bed might sound like a lazy way to exercise, but the seniors who benefit most from this type of exercise often experience limited mobility or pain when trying to exercise in other ways. Home care assistance can help seniors do more than just exercise, too. They can assist with safe bathing, eating healthy meals, and getting to doctors’ appointments when it’s time to go.
