Making a Splash in Wellness: Aquatic Therapy for Seniors
September 12, 2024
It’s well known that adults of all ages can benefit from regular physical activity. In fact, exercise has been shown to prevent disease, improve mental health, strengthen social connection and improve brain function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 50 years of age and older need more exercise than they’re getting, because physical activity is essential for healthy aging.
However, every person needs to be aware of their level of fitness and the forms of exercise that are best for them. It can be difficult to pick up a new fitness routine or adjust as a person ages. Appropriate for almost anyone, swimming and water exercise are low-impact activities that can improve cardiovascular health, flexibility and balance.
Taking that one step further is aquatic therapy, a safe and effective form of physical therapy to help patients move and feel better by way of a gentle, supportive exercise environment. Water’s buoyancy and soothing properties offer less resistance for patients experiencing pain.
Water Exercise vs. Aquatic Therapy
The primary difference between regular water exercise and aquatic therapy is that aquatic therapy involves performing exercises in a warm water pool with the guidance of a trained physical therapist. Water exercises, including aqua walking, water marching, flutter kicks, jumping jacks, leg lifts, swimming and more can be practiced without a physical therapist present.
Both forms of activity can ease symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, and reduced mobility. Those interested in trying water exercise, swimming or aquatic therapy should consult with their doctor prior to beginning any activity program.
There are several physical, mental and social benefits to water exercise, swimming and aquatic therapy that make the activities perfect for seniors. Aquatic therapy is a great tool to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, joint replacements, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, tendinitis, stroke and other conditions.
Physical
Exercise provides many physical benefits, including reducing risk of injury and death, and preventing and managing chronic health conditions. Water exercise and aquatic therapy have distinct benefits, like helping with balance and coordination, lowering fall risk, reducing stress on joints and bones, building muscle and endurance and increasing aerobic capacity.
Doing activities in the pool without bearing one’s full body weight can help a person ease into exercise for the first time or return more easily after an injury, illness or surgery. It can also improve joint flexibility, core stability and gait.
Environmental
Water exercise doesn’t require any extra equipment. Put on your swimsuit, head to the pool and see the benefits. As a result, water exercise is appropriate for individuals at all fitness levels. Exercisers may choose to use pool weights, pool floats or other equipment, but it isn’t necessary to feel the impacts of the exercise or gain desired results.
The water is a great place for exercise because no sweating is required. In fact, water can help keep you cool depending on its temperature, reducing risk of overheating, according to the Canadian Chiropractic Association. It also supports the body while providing gentle resistance while also soothing sore muscles.
Social & Mental
In addition to environmental benefits of water exercise and aquatic therapy, the activities can soothe the mind and enrich the soul. Water exercise is proven to encourage stress reduction, muscle relaxation and even enhance mood and reduce anxiety. Plus, it can be a lot of fun!
Another benefit? It can also support a healthy social life by offering an opportunity for social interaction where participants can build a community over the shared activity. On the flip side, water exercise and aquatic therapy can also be practiced alone or with a physical therapist, giving space to enjoy peace, quiet and even a meditative time, as desired.
Wellness at The Westerly
Wellness is at the heart of all of The Westerly’s offerings. Our residents enjoy dozens of amenities, including a social and dining room called The Comet Club, a tea room, a health and fitness center, rooftop patio, golf simulator and an outdoor memory-care courtyard. Additionally, all residents have access to the Aquatic Center, which features an approximately 40 foot by 26 foot indoor pool perfect for staying active and having fun.
Whether you’re looking to exercise, enjoy time with friends, or join in on pool events and programming, the pool is just one of the many amenities making a splash at The Westerly.
Ready to jump in? Contact us to schedule a tour or to learn about leasing options.