Would like information on water exercise classes for my step-father (92) who has arthritis?

Does your dad enjoy water? And do you have access to a pool? Any movement is better than no movement and there are probably simple exercises he can learn to do on his own, but if he isn't a strong swimmer and a water lover he wouldn't be very motivated to continue.

So, you might call your local area agency on aging. I see that the laguna niguel senior center has Tai Chi? Might he enjoy that?

Contact the local communities in your area, physical therapy places, any hospital affiliated therapy facilities, any community colleges, and any Jewish Community Centers.

In my area, each of these types of facilities has physical therapy and/or workout equipment, and some have either swimming pools or the smaller pools which are more adaptable for people who need water therapy but not larger sized pools.

There's been a trend by some of the more established and progressive communities to create workout facilities which are available at discounted rates to residents and slightly higher rates to nonresidents. One hospital has an affiliated fitness center, but it's priced more in line with commercial workout centers.

The municipalities are offering better rates.

The JWF has a beautiful facility with the most extensive, most sophisticated workout center I've ever seen, bar none. It used to be open to non-Jewish people as well.

Tai Chi is great for movement; that's a good subject to explore as well, and many senior centers are offering classes in it.

Check with the YMCA or YWCA as most have an arthritis warm pool exercise program. Also, the Arthritis Foundation at arthritis website is usually really good about helping you figure out what/how to do things. Doctor is on the correct path for warm water exercise is just wonderful for arthritis. Also, as doc if a hot tub on your back patio would be helpful...do some exercises in there, so long as he's supervised or accompanied in the hot tub.

Sophe509,
Brilliant answer - I used to be certified in aquatics and it is amazing. Additionally, I have hot tub and know it has prevented surgery for me. As an instructor, I have found people either love water or not. Some need reassurance that water aerobics will provide the level of cardio they need without full submersion.

The item most people don't know is water exercise seems easy because our resting heart rate drops when submersed to our chest. This makes it feel easy but we are still working hard.

I have found many hotels are happy to open up a membership to promote their swimming pool. If hesitant, remind them that the exercise times are often when their hotel guests are not even using the pool.

Because water exercise is so wonderful, an empty swimming pool makes me very sad.

I look forward to you returning and sharing a success story for your 92 year old step father.

See your doctor, get an order for physical therapy, aqua therapy.
Then, call around to physical therapists in your area who do this, paid by Medicare or the patient's insurance.

Some health insurance supplemental plans provide a gym membership as part of their wellness plans. Join a gym with a pool. Keep the elderly out of the sauna or too hot, too long in a hot tub. He will need supervision.

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