Home > Blog > July 2018 > 5 Reasons Why Caregivers Need Exercise

5 Reasons Why Caregivers Need Exercise

Posted: 7/26/2018 8:40 AM by Interim HealthCare

Family caregivers do a lot for their elderly relatives, making sure they are clean, fed and comfortable. However, many family caregivers are so focused on their loved one’s needs that they neglect themselves. The area where many family caregivers truly suffer is exercising.

The best way for family caregivers to keep their bodies and minds in shape is through exercise. However, finding the time can be tricky. Many family caregivers try to work out while at home with their loved one, while others hire home care providers to provide some respite. The home care providers step in and provide care for the senior so the family caregiver can get away and devote some time to themselves. This is an excellent way to incorporate some much-needed exercise.

Here are 5 reasons why family caregivers need to make exercising a priority:

1. Boosts Energy Levels
Being a family caregiver is hard work, and if they are feeling lethargic and slow, they won’t be doing the best job for their aging relative. Regular exercise infuses the body with more oxygen, providing more fuel to the cells and eliminating fatigue. Having more energy allows family caregivers to better execute their duties throughout the day.

2. Improves Sleep
When family caregivers exercise during the day, it improves their quality of sleep at night. Not only does it help the body maintain proper circadian rhythms, but it makes people feel tired at the right time. Deep, restful sleep is important to overall health, because during sleep the body engages in things like healing the heart, repairing blood vessels, boosting the immune system and relaxing from stress. Poor sleep over time can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease and high blood pressure.

3. Lowers Body Fat
Being overweight or obese is extremely bad for the body, affecting everything from physical ability to emotional and mental health. Regular exercise is a way to maintain a healthy weight and help the body work more efficiently. It speeds up metabolism and burns off calories. By working off body fat, family caregivers can feel better and look better. Plus, a trimmer body reduces the risk of numerous diseases and chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

4. Decreases Stress
Numerous studies show that regular exercise can affect a person’s stress levels dramatically. Exercise releases endorphins, which flood the body and reduce feelings of tension, anxiety and stress. Taking time to work out also provides people with a chance to step away from caregiving, which is stressful already. Hiring a home care provider to provide respite allows family caregivers to step away and indulge in some stress-busting exercise.

5. Reduces the Risk of Diseases
Family caregivers that want to remain healthy and well into their own golden years should start exercising right away. Exercise can reduce a person’s risk of all kinds of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and dementia, just to name a few. Exercise also strengthens bones, boosts the immune system, improves balance and builds muscle mass to increase strength. Regular exercise also boosts the immune system to help ward off germs and toxins.

Learn more about respite care.