Boxing for Better Living: Parkinson’s Care and Other Benefits of Senior Living

Boxing may not be the first activity that comes to mind for seniors, but these dynamic classes offer incredible benefits for those living with Parkinson’s disease. Fun offerings like these are just one of the many benefits of senior living communities. 

Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 3, participants can join us at The Woodlands Building at Kensington Park Senior Living for weekly boxing classes. 

These sessions, in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA), are created for aging adults and individuals with mobility limitations. 

Led by Dion, a SPIRIT Club Trainer with expertise in adapting fitness for diverse needs, our classes provide a supportive environment for participants to improve their physical fitness and coordination.

Dion is a certified personal trainer living with cerebral palsy. He is skilled in Muay Thai and boxing and focuses on strength, conditioning, and functional fitness. His programs are designed to enhance balance, endurance, and self-defense skills, offering practical benefits for daily life.

Explore the advantages of senior living exercise programs with us every Tuesday and see how these classes can help enhance your lifestyle. 

Classes and wellness programs are only one benefit of senior living. Let’s explore the many other advantages of senior living for those with Parkinson’s and other conditions. 

Join the PFNCA Boxing Classes to actively boost your health and well-being.

How can exercise programs benefit seniors?

Regular physical activity is necessary for seniors, offering numerous health benefits that significantly enhance quality of life. 

Studies show that active seniors have a 30% lower mortality risk than their sedentary counterparts. 

Regular exercise helps maintain muscle strength, improves balance, and enhances cognitive function to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

14 benefits of boxing for seniors

Exercise programs such as boxing offer specific benefits that are particularly advantageous for seniors.

 Here’s how boxing can significantly enhance a senior’s health and well-being:

1. Improves coordination: Boxing routines boost hand-eye coordination and motor skills, which are essential for maintaining independence in daily activities.
2. Strengthens muscles and joints: Regular boxing sessions help strengthen muscles and joints, reducing the risk of falls, a significant concern for older adults, specifically those living with Parkinson’s.
3. Enhances mental health: Boxing requires mental engagement, which can sharpen focus, accelerate cognitive processes, and improve mental health overall.
4. Increases flexibility and agility: Boxing’s dynamic movements maintain and even enhance flexibility and agility, helping seniors stay active and mobile.
5. Promotes active lifestyle: Boxing encourages a more active lifestyle, contributing to overall health and a more satisfying day-to-day experience for seniors.
6. Improves cardiovascular health: Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure.
7. Enhances respiratory efficiency: Aerobic exercises can improve lung capacity and efficiency, which are essential for overall health and stamina.
8. Boosts immune function: Physical activity can strengthen the immune system, helping seniors fight off infections more effectively.
9. Reduces chronic pain: Exercises such as stretching, yoga, and water aerobics can increase strength and flexibility and alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other chronic conditions.
10. Improves sleep quality: Regular physical activity can help seniors achieve faster sleep onset and deeper sleep cycles, which are crucial for physical health and cognitive function.
11. Increases bone density: Weight-bearing exercises can help combat the loss of bone density that occurs with age, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
12. Enhances digestive health: Keeping active helps maintain a healthy digestive system, reducing the likelihood of constipation and promoting overall gut health.
13. Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression: Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood lifters that can reduce feelings of depression and enhance overall well-being.
14. Social interaction: Group exercises provide an opportunity for social interaction, which is vital for mental health and can help prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness.

What kinds of exercise programs do senior living communities offer?

Senior living communities such as Kensington Park offer a variety of specialized exercise programs that cater to seniors’ unique needs. 

These programs provide options that might not typically be available when they are cared for at home, such as an on-site gym and fitness center.

Specialized exercise programs at Kensington Park:

• Boxing classes: These classes, often in partnership with organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation, are designed to improve strength, coordination, and agility and are tailored specifically for seniors.
• Physical therapy: Focuses on enhancing mobility, balance, and overall physical health for seniors recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.
• Occupational therapy: Helps residents maintain independence by improving daily living skills and cognitive functions.
• Group outings and live music: These activities are part of a broader wellness initiative that encourages social interaction and mental stimulation.
• Yoga and Tai Chi: Gentle forms of exercise that improve flexibility, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity, suitable for seniors at various fitness levels.
• Walking clubs: Encourage mobility and provide a social, active way for residents to enjoy the outdoors and stay physically active.

Frequently asked questions about the benefits of senior living

What age do most seniors need assisted living?

The typical age for transitioning into assisted living varies widely, but most seniors enter these communities in their late 70s to early 80s. 

How do you know when your loved one is ready for assisted living?

Consider assisted living if your loved one struggles with daily tasks—such as bathing, dressing, or managing medications— or experiences frequent falls or injuries; additionally, if they exhibit signs of cognitive decline or social withdrawal.

How long does it take an elderly person to adjust to assisted living?

Adjustment periods for seniors moving into assisted living can vary by the individual. Typically, it takes seniors three to six months to get used to the new environment, routines, and community.

Regular visits and communication from family can help ease the transition. Encouraging participation in social activities can also accelerate the adjustment process.

Enjoy the benefits of senior living at Kensington Park

Located in Kensington, Maryland, Kensington Park is a premier independent living, assisted living, and memory care community specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. 

Our residents enjoy a rich calendar of events and access to top-tier rehabilitation services to maintain mobility and enhance their daily lives. Access to activities that enrich lives and preserve health and socialization is one of the most significant benefits of senior living. 

At Kensington Park, every day is filled with events to stay active and engaged, ensuring a vibrant community atmosphere. Our team is here to love and support you and your family as we would our own. 

Contact us today to learn more about our community and commitment to our residents.