5 habits that could help keep you out of a nursing home, from an orthopedic surgeon
In that small 1990 study, nine nursing home residents who completed eight weeks of high-intensity resistance training increased their muscle strength by an average of 174%, and also showed improvements in muscle size and mobility.
For older adults, staying active can help preserve the ability to handle everyday tasks independently. (iStock)
The National Institute on Aging recommends that older adults perform muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week, targeting all major muscle groups, with recovery time between sessions.
Some options include resistance bands, hand weights and body-weight exercises. Beginners are advised to start gradually and seek guidance from a doctor or physical therapist as needed.
No. 3: Eat enough to support strength
Older adults tend to eat less, which can undermine efforts to maintain energy and build muscle, Wright warned.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“It’s something I see even happening to my 86-year-old parents; they’re just eating less and less,” she said. “And we cannot fuel the muscle we want to build [and] the energy we need without a protein-forward, adequate-calorie diet.”
“The most common mistake I see seniors making as they age is assuming that aging is an inevitable decline from vitality to frailty.”
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/5-habits-keep-nursing-home-orthopedic-surgeon