About Me

Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

Latest Posts

Search

Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

3 Exercise Options For Seniors

by Valerie Stevens

The elderly have to be careful when it comes to exercise. It is not a good idea to do heavy weight training. It's also not a good idea to go out and run full speed on the racetrack. Even jogging can be too strenuous for many seniors.

But exercise is important for the elderly. It is not just important for physical health, it is also important for emotional and mental health. Studies have shown that exercise can combat depression in seniors.

So, what are some specific types of exercise that are good for seniors?

Yoga

Yoga is fantastic because it is low impact. This means that people with joint problems, including arthritis, will be able to practice yoga. Yoga is good for mobility, which is especially important in seniors. It also helps with muscle tone and provides a light cardiovascular exercise.

There are special classes that cater to seniors. These classes won't include strenuous yoga poses that would be too difficult for older people. Many senior centers and community centers will provide yoga classes.

Walking

Some people don't think of walking as exercise, but it is. Walking is one of the best exercises because it is low impact and you can do it anywhere. You don't have to join a gym or have any special equipment. All you have to do is put on your sneakers or shoes, and go outside and walk.

A good exercise would be to go for a half hour walk. The walk does not have to be strenuous. You don't have to walk up hills. A regular walk around the neighborhood or through a shopping mall is great.

Exercising In The Pool

Swimming isn't the only type of exercise you can do in the pool. Aquatic therapy in a facility like Advanced Physical Therapy is a very popular form of rehab and exercise. The pool allows people to walk, jog, lift weights, and perform other exercises without any impact. This is fantastic for seniors.

Aquatic therapy is especially good for seniors who have limited mobility. The pool is a safe space where they do not have to worry about falling and injuring themselves. Often times during aquatic therapy sessions there will be an attendant or aid there to assist.

While weight training in a gym is often not advised for seniors, weights in the pool are very popular. These are small weights that are used to help maintain muscle mass. The weights are not like the large steel ones you see in the gym. These weights are soft and are used to prevent muscle atrophy.

Share