It’s common knowledge that part of growing older in a healthy manner involves remaining physically active. However, with mobility issues and other health challenges, this is often easier said than done. For instance, anyone who has used a treadmill, power-walked around the neighborhood, or taken aqua aerobics understands that physical activity, especially cardio, is not necessarily easy even when the body is in its best form. However, “cozy cardio” is redefining cardio and might be an excellent alternative for seniors. Having 24-hour home care services can keep seniors on the move.
Continue reading to learn more about this trend as well as how having 24-hour home care can assist.
Understanding Cozy Cardio
Cozy cardio emphasizes self-care and enjoyment as much as heart rate. In other words, if physical activity means walking on a treadmill while watching television, so be it. Over the past year, it has become shorthand for any lower-impact, lower-intensity at-home exercise that raises your heart rate in a good way.
This is different from the mindset that cardio has to raise the heart rate and use every muscle in the toolbox. Instead, it lets seniors get by with less intense forms of exercise. In many instances, cozy cardio gets a pass as it is a step in the right direction, and it might also encourage additional positive choices such as eating better. It should be noted, however, that if seniors need to lose weight, cozy cardio might not be the best route to take.
Still, with 24-hour home care services providing seniors with valuable healthy food tips and the encouragement to get up and move throughout the day, this cozy cardio option might work in many situations.
What Counts as Cardio?
This is where things get a bit tricky. The purpose of cardio is to promote heart, lung, and circulation health by participating in moderate activity that increases the heart rate to the point of sweating or when it’s hard to talk or sing. Typical cardio includes jogging, swimming, and cycling, but gardening, walking the dog, mowing the grass, and cleaning the house can also get the heart rate up.
Cardio is vital at any age, but it’s especially important for seniors as it reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. It also boosts mental wellness and reduces dementia risk. It is for these reasons and more that seniors are encouraged to get in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
However, it begs the question: does cozy cardio count? Cozy? Or Cardio?
The answer truly depends on the senior in question. For some who struggle with mobility or who have led a sedentary lifestyle, opting for cozy cardio is certainly better than no physical activity at all. With home care assistance, these seniors can slowly incorporate cardio the “cozy” way as they build up their strength. And for some seniors, that might be enough. However, for seniors who need to focus on more intense fitness routines, the cozy route should be plan B rather than plan A.
Regardless of whether seniors are focused on the cozy part of cardio or full-fledged cardio, the following remains true for helping them reach their 150 minutes:.
- Choose an enjoyable activity
- Spread out cardio throughout the day
- Do something new
Following these three rules can help seniors get up and moving, especially with 24-hour home care services by their side.
Ultimately, any physical activity is good, even if it leans toward the cozy side of things. The point is to get seniors moving again and encourage additional healthy choices along the way.
Sources: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2024/what-is-cozy-cardio.html
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Shelby OH, please get in touch with the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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