Benefits of Facility Exercise Classes

It’s our mission to improve quality of life for all residents and health is an integral part of that goal. Fitness promotes happiness, agility and balance – three factors for a healthy lifestyle! At West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center, residents can participate in exercise classes as recreational therapy.

These programs are specifically designed with the senior body in mind, featuring low-impact and low-intensity movements. What are the benefits?

Improved Mood

Exercise releases chemicals in the body called endorphins, which trigger positive feelings. Some seniors can experience depression or isolation, so we encourage everyone to be social through our recreation programs.

Better Balance

Falls are the most common cause of injury among older individuals and unfortunately, can often be fatal. We offer exercise classes that focus on balance to help reduce fall risk.

Disease Prevention

The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of daily activity for optimal health. Regular exercise can decrease the risk of developing common health problems like heart disease and stroke, help manage the symptoms of existing ailments and may even reverse conditions like Type 2 diabetes.

Help with ADLs

Activities of Daily Living are the self-care tasks we regularly perform, like getting out of bed, dressing and feeding ourselves. As we grow older, some ADLs may become harder to do independently. If someone has trouble moving around, low-intensity exercises can loosen the joints and promote better circulation for smoother, steadier movements.

Improved Health

In general, low-impact aerobic activity keeps the heart, lungs and circulatory systems healthy. Walking, dancing, swimming and tennis can help older people strengthen their bodies and build up a better resistance to injury.

Enhanced Cognition

Nearly six million people in the US have a form of dementia; most commonly Alzheimer’s disease. Experts suggest that proficient motor skills may improve cognitive function. Exercise is a great way to keep our muscle groups and movements sharp as we age.
 
To learn more about the therapeutic recreation programs we offer, contact West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center today!