The advantages of swimming for older adults

Bob Purcell, swim fanatic

Bob “Spider” Purcell admits he doesn’t transfer as quick as he used to. But he’s OK with that. At 96, Purcell is greater than content material getting in his train by swimming laps practically each morning on the YMCA in Ottawa, Illinois.

“I’m a slow swimmer,” says the retired highschool instructor. “I just freestyle for a half hour, and that’s it. It keeps me going in the morning, really. I can feel down or not ready to do anything, but I get in that water, and it just peps me up.”

Purcell shouldn’t be the one senior who will get his train within the pool. Experts agree that water train is the best selection for a number of causes.

Travis Swink, DO is a household observe doctor at OSF HealthCare. He has seen the advantages of swimming firsthand. When he injured his shoulder, a part of his rehab was swimming to assist enhance his vary of movement and maintain his joints versatile.

“For my elderly population, I love when they’re out swimming,” he says. “Because it’s less impactful, especially if they’re walking in the pool, it alleviates some of the weight.”

Dr. Swink says there are lots of causes to swim. The assist from the water can assist folks overcome painful motion attributable to arthritis and different well being points. It can assist with weight reduction, cut back the danger of coronary heart illness and enhance general endurance. It impacts all main muscle teams – particularly the higher physique, core and legs.

There’s extra. Dr. Swink says it could assist with circulation, cut back the influence on the backbone, enhance steadiness and cut back falls. It may even assist with menopause.

“It increases strength and it increases mobility. When you have more agility, you have a lot better balance,” says Dr. Swink. “So yes, people that are recovering, and you’ll see it with pro athletes when they have ankle injuries, they’re in a pool walking. It’s to increase that flexibility and mobility.”

Purcell, who was tagged “Spider” in highschool when a classmate remarked how skinny he was, discovered to swim in grade college. But he actually dipped his toes within the water when he retired from educating 40 years in the past. Purcell used to stroll and kayak however has discovered doing laps extra to his liking.

He says swimming has helped him with general endurance. Every morning, he drinks a wholesome shake earlier than heading off to swim. One day every week, he and his spouse, Kathy, volunteer at OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center.

Purcell says he’s had a few minor well being points over time, and has observed a lack of muscle mass, however stays wholesome to at the present time. “I just like water,” he says. “It’s really nice to be able to get in it. And it does make me feel good.”

Dr. Swink says Purcell is a good instance of how swimming can profit seniors.

“Not only is he doing something that’s good for his heart, but he’s also doing something that’s releasing some natural endorphins, which is good for his mental health,” he says. “By doing that activity every day, he’s not only helping his physical health, but his mental health. I congratulate him on that.”

And when you don’t have entry to a pool, no worries. Dr. Swink suggests utilizing band remedy or a rowing machine that can provide the identical sort of exercise.

Purcell’s recommendation to different seniors is just to get transferring. No matter what you do.

“I would start with walking and build up where you can walk a couple miles every day,” he says. “I think that’s probably one of the best things an older person could do. And then if you want to swim, and you know how to swim, that will really add to it.”