Staying Healthy & Active while staying at Home

This post has been written by Renee D’Argento, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at BayPath.  Renee has a B.S. in Physical Education/ Exercise Science from UMass Boston and a Health Management Certificate from the Graduate School of Public Health at UMass Lowell. Learn more about our Healthy Living program at the end of this post. 

Exercise is key to healthy aging 

As a caregiver, you have a lot on your plate, even more than ever, due to the pandemic. One new challenge may be helping your loved one stay active even when sheltering in place. Our Healthy Living program coordinator, Renee D’Argento offers advice on ways for older adults to maintain their strength at home.

Tips to strengthen your immune system and maintain physical fitness
It is important while we shelter in place for older adults to stay physically active. Physical activity is the only way to preserve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Maintaining your strength also helps you to reduce the risk of falling, it boosts your immune system, and it can provide an overall improvement in your quality of life.

Routine activities at home that count as exercise:

• doing housework
• yard work
• dancing to your favorite music

You can also consider participating in fitness programs from your home.

Here are several ideas that I have curated for you.

Crystal Lee Yoga and Fitness, has several videos suitable for all fitness levels. They include gentle yoga, chair yoga, Pilates, and cardio.

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD), offers almost 40 videos that provide virtual exercise classes for all fitness levels.  While staying fit at home, choose the option that works best for you. This playlist provides seated and standing exercises so you can find one that is perfect for you! The video group is entitled “Home Workout, 38 videos for all abilities.”

Here are several additional exercise videos for varying age groups:

• Over 60 years of age 
• Over 70 years of age
• Over 80 years of age

***Medical Disclaimer***

Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

Healthy Living program

The programs BayPath offer follow the guidelines of The Healthy Living Center of Excellence and are the result of years of research and development at Stanford University and top medical organizations that have proven positive results for participants.  Programs are low or no-cost and are continually offered throughout MetroWest and beyond.  Workshops include Chronic Disease Self-Management (My Life, My Health), Self-Management, Self-Management, Savvy , A Matter of Balance, &