The overall health impact of growing older can come with challenges. Fortunately, aquatic therapy is a gentle and effective way to stay active to help overcome these challenges.

Aquatic therapy is a form of physical activity performed in a body of water. The properties of water provide therapeutic health benefits to help promote physical and mental well-being. 

The benefits of aquatic therapy include: 

1. Improved balance and coordination
2. Enhanced muscle strength 
3. Pain relief
4. Increased flexibility and range of motion
5. Cardiovascular health 
6. Mental well-being 
7. Social interaction

Our community recognizes these benefits and is able to provide our residents with the opportunity to experience them firsthand with the aquatic program. 

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy involves performing therapeutic exercises in a pool. This approach utilizes the unique properties of water, such as buoyancy, resistance, and temperature, to enhance physical and mental health.

How Aquatic Therapy Works

The buoyancy provided by water reduces the impact on joints, making movement easier and less painful. This is especially beneficial for those dealing with arthritis or other joint-related issues. 

Water resistance helps in building strength without the need for weights, offering a balanced workout that’s gentle yet effective. The temperature of the water can also be adjusted to relax muscles, reduce pain, and improve circulation.

Physical Health Benefits 

Aquatic therapy helps improve flexibility and range of motion. Older adults exercising in water can perform movements they might find difficult on land. This increased mobility may lead to improved overall physical health, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable.

Aquatic therapy is a great form of enjoyable physical activity.

It’s recommended that older adults engage in routine physical activity to promote overall health and well-being. According to the CDC, older adults need: 

• 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorously intense aerobic activity.
• Muscle strengthening activities at least twice a week
• Activities that improve balance at least once a week

All of which can help improve cardiovascular, muscle, and bone health as we grow older. 

Aquatic therapy is a great form of moderately intense physical activity, muscle strengthening, and balance activity!

Mental Health Benefits

Water has a calming effect, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. The gentle, rhythmic movements performed during aquatic therapy sessions promote relaxation and mental clarity. 

Additionally, being in a supportive group environment during sessions can help alleviate feelings of isolation and depression. Creating and maintaining social connections is an important component of mental well-being as we grow older.

Cognitive Health Benefits

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as aquatic therapy, has been shown to improve cognitive function. The combination of physical movement and mental engagement required during therapy can help maintain cognitive abilities, improve memory, and increase attention span.

7 Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

1. Improved Balance & Coordination

One of the standout benefits of aquatic therapy is the improvement in balance and coordination. The water provides a safe environment where older adults can practice movements without fear of falling. This can lead to improved stability on land, reducing the risk of falls and injury associated with growing older.

2. Enhance Muscle Strength

While water may seem gentle, it offers significant resistance that can help build muscle strength. Exercises such as water walking or leg lifts use this resistance to tone muscles. 

Resistance exercises stimulate bone growth, increase bone density, and improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls or major injury. 

Strength training helps improve strength and endurance for daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and carrying heavy loads like groceries

3. Pain Relief 

Many older adults suffer from chronic pain due to conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. 

The buoyancy of water reduces the pressure on painful joints and muscles, providing immediate relief. The warm water in aquatic therapy also helps soothe aches and relax stiff muscles, offering both short-term and long-term pain management solutions for chronic health conditions.

4. Increased Flexibility & Range of Motion 

Aquatic therapy exercises often focus on stretching and extending muscles and joints. The natural buoyancy of water allows for a greater range of motion without straining the body. 

Over time, this can lead to increased flexibility, making it easier to perform everyday activities like reaching, bending, and walking.

5. Cardiovascular Health 

Engaging in aquatic therapy is a great form of aerobic exercise. It can improve cardiovascular health by providing a great workout for the heart and lungs without placing hard stress on the joints. 

Regular aquatic therapy can increase heart rate and promote better circulation. Improved cardiovascular health means a lower risk of heart disease, better regulation of blood pressure, and overall enhanced longevity.

Regular aquatic therapy can help: 

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce swelling and improve circulation
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Reduce blood sugar levels
• Improve stamina and endurance 

6. Mental Well-being

Being in the water has a natural calming effect. The rhythmic movements and the supportive environment of aquatic therapy sessions help reduce stress and anxiety. This mental relaxation can lead to better sleep, improved mood, and a general sense of well-being. 

Achieving personal goals in aquatic therapy (or any hobby) can boost confidence and self-esteem. Individuals may feel more empowered and capable of managing their overall health and well-being.

7. Social Interaction

Aquatic therapy sessions often take place in group settings, providing an excellent opportunity for social interaction. 

Studies have shown that seniors with strong social networks tend to have a high quality of life, as social connections improve overall well-being. Having a network of strong friends can provide emotional support during difficult times. Sharing experiences and feelings alleviates stress. 

Building friendships and participating in group activities can significantly enhance emotional and cognitive health, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression commonly experienced by individuals as they grow older. 

Schedule a Tour! 

Aquatic therapy offers a holistic approach to overall well-being by improving physical, mental, and cognitive health. 

Our community, the Kingston Residence of Sylvania, provides the opportunity to experience the benefits of aquatic therapy. Connect with our team to schedule a tour!