It’s easy to forget about one of the most important components of our wellbeing in the midst of daily chaos: our breath. Deep breathing is a very powerful yet simple exercise that is especially beneficial for seniors. Deep breathing can be quite beneficial as we age and realize how important it is to preserve both our physical and emotional well-being. Elder care can work with seniors to help them understand the power of deep breathing and make the most of breathing exercises.
Deep Breathing Improves Lung Capacity
The ability to breathe deeply normally declines with aging. However, exercises involving deep breathing help the lungs become larger and more effective. This means that seniors can improve their overall lung function by increasing their oxygen intake through regular practice of deep breathing. Those who have respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma may find this to be especially helpful.
Deep Breathing Lessens Anxiety and Stress
The difficulties of life don’t go away with age; they just shift. Seniors frequently deal with particular pressures like changing living arrangements, health issues, and losing loved ones. By lowering stress hormone levels in the body, this exercise can lessen anxiety and promote mental relaxation.
Deep Breathing Enhances Heart Health
Exercises using deep breathing can benefit cardiac health. Deep breathing can minimize the risk of heart-related problems by reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Deep breathing also guarantees that the heart and other essential organs operate more effectively by improving blood oxygenation.
Deep Breathing Improves Concentration and Mental Clarity
For seniors, cognitive decline is a prevalent issue. Breathing deeply improves oxygen delivery to the brain, which can improve concentration, mental acuity, and general cognitive performance. Deep breathing exercises on a regular basis can enhance memory and lower the risk of cognitive illnesses, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Deep Breathing Encourages Better Sleep
Although getting enough sleep is crucial for good health overall, many seniors experience sleep difficulties. Before going to bed, deep breathing exercises can help relax the body and mind and get the body ready for a good night’s sleep.
Steps for Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is easy to incorporate into regular activities and doesn’t require any particular equipment. Elder care can work with seniors so that they become comfortable with the following deep breathing steps:
- Choose a Comfortable Position: Seniors should choose a seat or lie down where they feel most at ease. Additionally, posture is key, so they’ll need to make sure their back is straight so that their lungs may expand fully.
- Count to Four: The next step is to breathe in deeply, letting their abdomen fill up completely as they inhale gently through their nose. When they inhale, elder care should encourage them to count to four in their head.
- Hold the Breath: At the top of their breath, they should hold it for four counts.
- Breathe Out Slowly: Once they’ve held their breath for four counts, they should breathe out slowly through their mouth, letting go of the air while they again count to four. Seniors should be encouraged to concentrate on fully expelling their lungs.
Seniors should work on this for five to ten minutes a day, extending the time as they get more comfortable.
For seniors, deep breathing is an incredibly effective and easily available tool that can greatly improve their quality of life. Because of its many advantages for mental, emotional, and physical well-being, it is a vital habit for aging well. With home care’s help, they can make improvements and take full advantage of the benefits deep breathing offers.
Sources:
https://positivepsychology.com/deep-breathing-techniques-exercises/
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Lodi, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.
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