We know exercise is beneficial. But what if we have limited mobility? Can we still exercise? How can we support elderly ones in this?

Treating our bodies with kindness as we age involves understanding the needs of our body and doing our best to support it through the aging process in this system. As part of providing loving care at Jah-Jireh, we try to facilitate these needs with good nutrition and healthy exercise routines. We wanted to share some of the things that have helped us and a few tips to ensure that older adults exercise despite limited mobility.

As one Awake! article beautifully put it:

“Yes, often physical exercise makes the difference between enjoying life at seventy and being burdened by aches, pains and boredom at the same age.”

Let’s delve into it then and see how we can enjoy life at 70 and beyond!

Why It Matters: Stay Active, Stay Engaged

According to research, active aging allows the aged to lead richer lives.

A meta-analysis in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (2025) established that when older people had at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, they had a 31% reduced risk for all-cause mortality compared to individuals with minimal or no significant physical activity.

Coverage in Medical News Today reinforces this finding. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real people: a grandparent who can continue baking with grandchildren, a neighbour who feels steady walking to the Kingdom Hall, or a friend who finds new joy in gardening again.

What We Do at Jah-Jireh

Although some of our residents are limited in their mobility, we ensure that they get in the movement that they need. Some of the arrangements in place are:

1) Weekly Exercise Classes:

We have an arrangement for regular weekly exercise classes that the residents take part in. The residents are free to join in if they prefer. We have an arrangement with VON (Victoria Order of Nurses) to conduct exercise classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We find that many of our residents look forward to this time and are more motivated to exercise this way.

2) Activities that Promote Mobility:

There are many opportunities for our residents to flex their muscles and get in some activity, doing things that they enjoy.
For instance, we have a beautiful garden where residents enjoy growing herbs and other plants. Gardening is like a fun workout – lifting pots, digging soil, and raking leaves are all great forms of exercise. It improves heart health, strengthens your body, and keeps you active. Raised garden beds and lightweight tools have been provided so it is easier for elderly ones.

3) Providing safe spaces to walk:

The beautiful grounds on our property are ideal for walks, and our residents are encouraged to make the best of this. We have areas of rest as well, like Nettie’s Pond, where they can rest up and enjoy respite during their walks.

4) Safe Aesthetics inside the Home:

Residents can do their walks inside the home in the hallways if they prefer. Safety features such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and well-lit pathways ensure that they can be safe.

A Friendly Tip: Take It Easy, Be Safe

It is not just exercise that is important. We should also consider our own capacity and limitations. Each body is unique, and that's alright. Keep a few reminders of safety in mind:

First, consult with your family physician before you intend to initiate any kind of exercise. Your physician can assist you in selecting the right plan in case you have any medical issues.
The key is to start slow. You can gradually build stamina and endurance. Maybe start with just 5-10 minutes a day and then increase it slowly.
Make sure that you exercise on level ground and you have support aids as required.
Stay hydrated.

For Those with Limited Mobility: You Can Still Move

Some elderly ones may be confined to a chair or need help to walk. But movement is still possible and beneficial. Even the smallest motion can bring comfort, circulation, and a sense of joy. Here are some suggestions:

Chair Exercises – These exercises relax your body and make movement easier.
Resistance Bands – Gentle bands can strengthen arms and legs without straining.
Seated Stretches – Slow stretching and focused breathing will soothe the mind and relax tension.
Soft Ball Squeezes – These are strengthening for hands and may even lower stress levels.
Indoor Walking – Level walking in the hall with support supports circulation.
Water Therapy (if accessible) – Water lessens pressure on joints, allowing easy movement.

Creating A Modest Routine

Gentle repeated movement is the solution.

It makes a whole lot of difference in how we feel, both mentally and physically. You don't have to push yourself to the limit to exercise. It is treating our bodies with kindness—those same bodies that have seen us through the ups and downs of life. Just as Jehovah loves the work of his hands, we should strive to take good care of it as well.

If you’re helping elderly loved ones, be patient and gentle with them. Celebrate every small win. So, whether it's a stroll at dawn, a couple of steps down the hall, or clapping to music—every step counts. Led by Jehovah and with the patient care of loved ones and friends, active aging is not only attainable but deeply fulfilling.

Staying Active in Later Years: A Loving Gift to the Body