Keeping Active
As we age, staying physically and mentally active is key to maintaining health and independence.
Keeping Active: A Guide for People with Reduced Mobility
Staying physically active can be more challenging when living with a health condition or disability—but it’s absolutely possible. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of movement without needing to jog, hit the gym, or overexert yourself. Even gentle activities can make a huge difference to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Benefits of Exercise for Disabled People and Older Adults
Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Back pain
- Osteoporosis
It also improves mood, helps manage stress, supports mental wellbeing, and lowers the risk of falls in older adults.
How Much Activity Do I Need?
Adults aged 65 and over should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. That could mean just 10-minute sessions, spread throughout the day. The key is consistency—doing something every day, even in short bursts.
Types of Exercise You Can Try
1. Aerobic Exercise – Get Your Heart Pumping
These exercises raise your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.
Examples:
- Short walks – start with a walk across the room or garden.
- Chair exercises – sit upright and try air punching forward or upward.
- Water-based workouts – try swimming or walking in water. Pools often offer aqua aerobics classes, which are great for both fitness and socialising.
2. Strength Training – Build Muscle Safely
Muscle strength helps with daily activities and reduces your risk of injury.
Examples:
- Resistance bands – great for upper body strength while sitting.
- Chair squats – stand up and sit down from a chair repeatedly (hold onto something for support).
- Core tightening – sit upright and engage your abdominal muscles regularly.
Strength training won’t count toward your 150 minutes of aerobic activity, but it plays a vital role in staying mobile and independent.
3. Flexibility Training – Stay Limber and Mobile
Stretching keeps joints flexible and improves posture and balance.
Examples:
- Gentle stretches – target arms, legs, and back.
- Yoga, pilates, or tai chi – many movements can be adapted for those sitting or using wheelchairs.
- Online or local classes – many community centres offer gentle classes for all ability levels.
Keep Your Brain Active Too!
Just like your body, your brain benefits from regular stimulation. Mental activities can delay memory loss and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Brain-Boosting Tips:
- Do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles
- Read books or play card games
- Get regular sleep (7–8 hours per night)
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Stay socially active—talk, laugh, and engage with others!
How OrconeCare Can Help You Stay Active
At OrconeCare, we understand the importance of keeping both your body and mind active. That’s why we support our clients in staying healthy and engaged in ways that suit their needs and lifestyle.
Our compassionate CareGivers can:
- Assist you with safe home-based exercises
- Accompany you to local classes, walks, or swimming sessions
- Help with transportation and mobility
- Encourage regular movement and mental stimulation
No matter your current ability, a more active lifestyle is possible—with the right support and encouragement.
Explore our services to learn how we can help you or your loved ones stay fit, happy, and independent.
How it works
Your path to personalised care in just a few simple steps.
Need Assistant for your need?
At Orcone Care, we understand that everyone’s needs are unique. Whether it’s support with daily routines, companionship, or specialized care, our team is here to assist you with warmth, respect, and reliability. From a few hours a week to full-time care, we tailor our services to suit your lifestyle—because your comfort and wellbeing come first.
FAQs – Keeping Active Service
Even with limited mobility, there are many ways to stay active. OrconeCare can support you with chair-based exercises, gentle stretching routines, water-based exercises like aqua aerobics, and light strength training with resistance bands. All exercises can be adapted to your personal ability level.
Yes! Our trained CareGivers can assist with safe, guided home exercises. Whether it's light aerobic activity, flexibility movements, or muscle strengthening, we ensure your sessions are both effective and comfortable—right in your own home.
That’s absolutely okay. Our team will help you start slowly and build up your activity level at your own pace. Even 5–10 minutes of gentle movement a day can make a big difference over time.
Yes, we can accompany you to community fitness classes, swimming pools, or other activity venues. Our CareGivers provide support with transport, mobility assistance, and companionship to ensure you feel confident and safe.
Definitely. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It also boosts mood and energy levels. At OrconeCare, we support activities that promote both physical and mental wellness.
