Seniors are usually stereotyped by many people regarding their physical capabilities and limitations. However, seniors are still able to do many kinds of activities for seniors that will not only keep them physically active, but it can also help in improving their mental functions, thus preventing development of mental diseases prevalent during senior years, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Seniors are even encouraged to follow regular exercise programs, such as strengthening exercises, cardio exercises, stretching exercises, etc. But before starting any exercise routines or programs, seniors should consult their physicians first, if it will be safe to perform any exercise routines according to their health.

Before Starting Stretching Exercises for Seniors

Seniors should be very careful when doing various exercises and other physical activities. Even if stretching exercises can help in increasing flexibility and freedom of movement in seniors, which can help seniors in enjoying more activities, seniors should not exert too much effort in performing any exercise routines, for it may cause injuries. According to the National Institutes of Health or NIH, here are some safety tips to follow before any exercise routines:

• Double check with your physician if it is safe for you to perform any exercises, may it be strengthening exercises, cardio, or even stretching exercises.
• Never forget to war up before exercising. Walking or even air pumping can be done as a warm up.
• Stretching exercises should NEVER CAUSE PAIN. Mild discomfort during stretching exercises can be normal. If your stretching exercise causes pain, stop immediately and consult your physician.
• Gently and slowly perform stretching exercises just to help your muscles stretch naturally. Never bounce into a stretch, for it can cause injuries.

Stretching Exercises for Seniors: Triceps Stretches

This type of stretching exercise targets and focuses on the triceps muscles, the muscle located at the back of the upper arm. To perform triceps stretch,

1. Hold one end of a small towel in one hand (right hand).
2. Raise and bend the arm that is holding the end of the towel (right hand) just enough to let the other end of the towel fall at your lower back.
3. Grasp the bottom end of the towel using your left hand, the one located at your lower back.
4. Slowly climb your left hand up the towel, until both your hands can touch. If you can’t reach your right hand, you can stop as close as your left hand can comfortably reach.
5. Exchange positions of both your hands.