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Hand Exercises With Therapy Balls For Older Adults : Improving Strength and Dexterity

Hand Exercises With Therapy Balls For Older Adults : Improving Strength and Dexterity

As we age, our hands can become weaker and less dexterous (less able to perform precise and coordinated movements) due to natural muscle loss and decreased activity levels affecting our ability to perform everyday tasks. 

Arthritis can have a profound impact on hand function, making everyday tasks difficult and painful.

Fortunately, regular hand strengthening exercises can help improve grip strength, dexterity, and overall hand function, making it easier to perform daily activities and maintain independence.

Today we are going to be covering some exercises for the hands using therapy balls to help provide resistance and improve hand strength and flexibility.

Glute Strengthening Exercises For Seniors

Glute Strengthening Exercises For Seniors

The gluteal muscles (our buttocks) are comprised of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus and they are the largest and strongest muscles in our body.

They're responsible for many important tasks, like walking, running, jumping, and standing up from a seated position.

The gluteal muscles serve as the foundation of our musculoskeletal system, and when they are weak, it can lead to a host of issues. It can reduce our ability to move and function well in everyday life, affect posture and balance, and increase the risk of injuries and pain in the back, hips, knees and ankles.

On the other hand when we strengthen our glutes, we will move about much easier, balance and posture will improve and it will also take the strain off our hips, knees and ankles.

The Power Of Light: Getting The Right Light For Improved Health

The Power Of Light: Getting The Right Light For Improved Health

Natural light, especially sunlight, plays a vital role in our health.

Exposure to sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, promoting a healthy sleep-wake cycle. It is also a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function.

Moreover, the brightness and colour temperature of natural light influences our mood and overall mental well-being. Like other living organisms, our relationship with light is fundamental to our health and vitality.

On the other hand, with the rise of technology and the increase in screen time over the past decades, certain types of light emitted from these devices can impact our health.

In this article, we'll explore light's impact on our health, how light affects our moods, and how we can maximise the use of light to our benefit.

Why I Embarked on the More Life Health Journey | My Personal Motivation

Why I Embarked on the More Life Health Journey | My Personal Motivation

ver since starting More Life Health, I’ve wanted to share more about myself, and why and how More Life Health started.

I’ve actually had the bulk of what I am sharing in this email sitting there for years, I just never got around to finish it & sending it out…

So without further ado, here is how it all got started…

How To Engage Your Core - Essential Exercises for Over 60

How To Engage Your Core - Essential Exercises for Over 60

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain a strong and stable core, which is essential for overall functional fitness and everyday activities.

A strong core not only improves posture and balance but also supports daily activities and reduces the risk of injuries.

A simple technique to engage the core is to "draw the belly button to the spine."

How To Progress Your Exercise - Gradually!

How To Progress Your Exercise - Gradually!

You would have heard me say in my videos at times, the importance of progressing exercises, gradually.

Now any exercise is great! If you’re overwhelmed by it all. Keep it simple.. some is better than nothing.

However, if you stick to exercise, you ARE going to make improvements; you’ll find yourself becoming stronger, balancing better, moving better. Things will start becoming easier.

This is great, and to continually make improvements you want to make the exercises a little more challenging.

There are several ways you can progress exercises to make them more challenging and continue to improve your fitness levels. The principles are the same at any age!

Here are some common methods to progress your exercises:

BUILDING STRENGTH AT ANY STAGE: MASTERING PUSH UPS FOR OLDER ADULTS

BUILDING STRENGTH AT ANY STAGE: MASTERING PUSH UPS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Pushups are one of the best exercises to strengthen the upper body. More specifically, pushups strengthen the muscles of your chest, your shoulders, your arms and your core.

Unfortunately, pushups are not the easiest exercises to perform. If you struggle with them, or you just can’t do them, that’s ok!

You can still perform the pushup exercise, no matter your current strength levels, by modifying the exercise to suit your individual needs.

And here is how!

Vestibular Exercises: Exercises For Dizziness, Vertigo and Motion Sensitivity

Vestibular Exercises: Exercises For Dizziness, Vertigo and Motion Sensitivity

As we age, it is not uncommon to experience symptoms of dizziness (lightheadedness and unsteadiness), vertigo (a sensation of spinning or whirling), motion sensitivity (motion sickness) and balance problems. These are all vestibular symptoms and can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Fortunately, there are proven strategies that can reduce symptoms of vestibular issues.

In this article, we will look at the vestibular system so you can better understand what may be happening when you're experiencing these symptoms. We will also look at what can improve symptoms, including exercises and more.

Keeping Up Your Exercise

Keeping Up Your Exercise

Exercise and movement is medicine. Medicine that should be undertaken consistently each week (preferably daily in some way) to get the benefits and keep the benefits.

Getting started with exercise or another new habit is usually relatively easy. However, when motivation wanes or something comfortable tempts us, it can be challenging to override this in the moment and stick to what we had originally planned.

Our minds will find ways to justify why we don’t have to exercise. We miss a session, and then one missed session turns into two missed sessions, then maybe three or four. And then more. Until it gets to “I haven’t exercised for a while”.

Exercises To Do Before Knee Replacement Surgery

Includes VIDEO ON PRE-Knee Replacement SURGERY ExerciseS

So you’re booked in for an upcoming knee replacement surgery.

You most probably have been given a list of exercises to do before this surgery (and other pre-operative instructions) by your surgeon. This will ensure your legs are strong as possible before your surgery, which will help with the recovery.

As a Physiotherapist who has helped many people in your exact situation, I want to help you by going through the exercises in a video so you can follow along to them.

Before we get into this, however, let’s go through a few other things you can do to allow for better recovery following surgery.

Preparing For Knee Replacement Surgery

MENTAL PREPARATION

Undergoing any kind of surgery can be daunting, but it's important to remember that knee replacement surgery is very common and typically has a successful outcome. Still, it's normal to feel some anxiety about the procedure. Here are a few tips to help you mentally prepare for your surgery:

  • Talk to your surgeon: If you have any questions or concerns about the surgery, be sure to voice them to your surgeon ahead of time. This will help put your mind at ease and ensure that you understand everything that will happen during the procedure.

  • Educate yourself: Learning as much as you can about knee replacement surgery will also help reduce your anxiety. Talk to your surgeon, read books or articles, and watch videos about the surgery so that you know what to expect.

  • Find a support system: Whether it's friends, family, or a support group for people who are undergoing knee surgery, having a supportive network will help you feel more comfortable going into the procedure.
    You will find many people who have undergone this surgery in the MORE LIFE HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP - which you can join HERE

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

In addition to preparing mentally for your surgery, it's also important to take some steps to prepare physically. This will help ensure a smooth recovery and decrease your risk of complications. Here are some things you can do:

  • Lose weight: Carrying extra weight puts more strain on your knees. Not only will losing weight help with the pain prior to surgery, it will also allow for a smoother recovery. Speak to your doctor about weight loss techniques.

  • Quit smoking: If you smoke, it's important to quit at least six weeks before your surgery. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Speak to your doctor about weight loss techniques.

  • Get healthier - Start introducing healthier habits into your life - eating a healthier diet, getting optimal sleep and reducing stress are some great ways to improve your health.

  • Exercise: Strong muscles help support your joints, so it's important to exercise regularly prior to your surgery. This will help you stay strong and improve your overall health. We will cover exercise in the next section.

  • Get your home ready: Before your surgery, you'll need to make some changes to your home to accommodate your recovery. This may include: making sure you have someone to help, setting up a comfortable place to sleep, removing any rugs or other trip hazards, and stocking up on easy-to-prepare meals.

Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure, but if you take the time to prepare both mentally and physically, you can help ensure a successful outcome. Talk to your surgeon about any questions or concerns you have, and be sure to follow their instructions for a safe and smooth recovery.

I also cover more on what you can do (plus exercises), in the video below.

EXERCISES TO DO BEFORE KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Exercises to do before Knee replacement surgery

5 Simple Health Tips!

5 Simple Health Tips!

This morning I was thinking about what I could write to help motivate to get everyone moving more and to be healthier this week.

At the time, nothing much came to me.

But after opening my laptop and sitting down to write, I want to talk about what steps you, or anyone, can take right now to improve your health. And to improve how you are feeling right now.

I’ll keep it to my top 5 so this email isn’t too long. I have ordered these tips by what I feel you should start with first, that being……

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALLS PREVENTION FOR SENIORS - PART 3

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALLS PREVENTION FOR SENIORS - PART 3

This next part is essential for everyone and could be the most important section of this article, so please take your time going through the content. All of it!

I say it’s most important because there is always a chance that a fall could happen to anyone, and that means you or someone you know.

The outcomes of a fall when older are usually much more severe with an increased risk of more serious injury, and getting up off the floor usually isn’t so simple and quick. It can be difficult if the physical capabilities required are not there.

Getting off the floor incorrectly can cause more injury, and those who may be around to assist may also put themselves at risk of injury or falling and risk being stuck on the floor also.

So it’s essential to be prepared by having a plan to avoid falls the best you can and get help if you fall.

It’s also important to know what to do if you fall and how to get up off the floor most efficiently and safely. And also how to help someone who has fallen.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALLS PREVENTION FOR SENIORS - PART 2

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALLS PREVENTION FOR SENIORS - PART 2

When we understand the factors that increase the risk of falling, we can eliminate or minimise them as much as possible, thus decreasing our risk of falling.

This is what we will be doing in this section, Part 2. Taking the appropriate steps to prevent falls.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALLS PREVENTION FOR SENIORS - PART 1

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALLS PREVENTION FOR SENIORS - PART 1

Falls are NOT a normal part of ageing! They CAN be prevented! 

Over my years working as a Physiotherapist specialising in seniors' health I have presented numerous times on falls prevention.

With falls being a huge problem facing everyone over the age of 65, I feel it's important to write this guide and get everything I know about preventing falls out to more seniors and do my bit in ending this problem.

PREVENTING FALLS - OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF FALLING

PREVENTING FALLS - OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF FALLING

A fear of falling is common among older adults, especially if physical capabilities start to decline (i.e., weaker legs or increasing unsteadiness when walking) or after a fall.

Fear is healthy and normal. Everybody experiences fear.

Fear is our mind's way of alerting us to the dangers present, and it can protect us from entering dangerous situations.

However, if the fear is uncontrollable, something that you think about a lot and is negatively impacting your life, this fear must be dealt with.

YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO WALKING AIDS

YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO WALKING AIDS

We should always strive to be in our best physical condition and health by being active as much as possible and exercising, regardless of age.

Sometimes, however, for various reasons, there may come a time when a little assistance is required to help keep you steady, active and living your life safe from falling.

That bit of assistance might be the use of a walking aid.

Walking aids can give benefit in many ways.

THE STEADY SENIOR: The Complete Guide To Great Balance Over 60

THE STEADY SENIOR: The Complete Guide To Great Balance Over 60

Training balance is a great way to achieve your health and fitness goals, to prevent falls and keep you getting the most out of life. In this article you'll LEARN what is necessary to improve your balance (PART 1), How to test your balance in your own home  (PART 2) and everything you need to improve your balance (PART 3) all in the comfort of your home. 

Adhesive Capsulitis - The “Frozen Shoulder”

Adhesive Capsulitis - The “Frozen Shoulder”

Adhesive capsulitis, more commonly known as “frozen shoulder”, is a condition characterised by pain, stiffness and an increased difficulty (or an inability) to lift the affected arm.

With frozen shoulder, what was once simple activities like over head, tucking in a shirt or doing up a bra can become impossible.

The good news is, frozen shoulder is not permanent. It does take some time (usually ranging from 9 months to 3 years) however, it will resolve itself and a full, functional recovery is usually made.

There are solutions to help with the pain and loss of range of motion with frozen shoulder.

In this article, we will take a look at what frozen shoulder is and what you can be doing to help this condition - including the best exercises (including a video) to help.

All About Spinal Stenosis & What You Can Do About It!

All About Spinal Stenosis & What You Can Do About It!

The word “stenosis” is used in medicine to describe a narrowing of a passage of the body.

In spinal stenosis, as you may have already guessed, the narrowing is of an area of the spine.

The symptoms associated with this condition can make daily life difficult. However, it’s important to understand that chronic pain (and other chronic symptoms) are usually caused by multiple factors. NOT solely from the diagnosed issue itself (in this case, spinal stenosis).

There are also many effective treatments available.

By taking the right steps and seeking the right Health Professionals, YOU CAN GET RELIEF!