The 5 Best Senior Exercises for Chronic Pain Management

Many older adults experience chronic pain or pain lasting longer than three months. Whether related to the normal aging process, osteoarthritis, or other disease or disability, chronic pain can contribute to decreased mobility, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life. It can be continuous or come and go and sometimes has no underlying cause. 

Senior exercise can help chronic pain management. Low-impact exercises help decrease chronic pain in older adults by increasing flexibility and improving muscle tone. Keep reading to discover the best senior exercises for chronic pain management.   

Best Senior Exercises for Chronic Pain Management

Walking 

Walking has always been encouraged as a low-impact exercise to help maintain mobility, strength and improve heart health. Walking can decrease pain levels, along with improving mood and sleep. Bonus, it is a cardio exercise that can reduce cholesterol levels.

Thai chi 

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that combines movement and breathing to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Tai Chi exercises incorporate a series of weight shifting and body rotation positions that can improve lower leg strength and balance. Older adults with aches and pains caused by joint stiffness and arthritis can benefit most.

Yoga 

Yoga for seniors is another low-impact exercise that improves muscle tone, coordination, and flexibility and can also improve bone density. Yoga exercises can also help decrease fall and fracture risk. 

Water aerobics 

Water aerobics helps with chronic pain management because exercising in water reduces the stress placed on your muscles, joints, and bones compared to exercising on land. 

Pilates

Similar to yoga, pilates helps improve and strengthen core muscles. Strong core muscles help decrease chronic pain by better supporting the spine, which improves posture and can reduce pain levels. 

Home Care Services for Chronic Pain Management

If you require more support to manage your activities of daily living due to chronic pain, UJCES Home Care services. Our home health aides help seniors living with chronic pain by assisting with , like housekeeping, laundry, meal prep, bathing, and grooming. You can also check out our activity calendar and find many exercise classes both online and in person