Growing old makes people wiser. Unfortunately, it also makes people weaker too. Faster or slower, there will come a time when joints will start to hurt, sleeping will be harder, memory loss may sometimes be inevitable. Generally, their health will deteriorate for various reasons. Getting the best rocking chair for the elderly should be in your top priority list.
If you have an elderly in the family, it is up to you to make their life easier in their twilight years. You don’t have to be a doctor to alleviate their growing-old pains. Tender, loving care is all they need.
Start by providing them comfort. Getting them the best rocking chair now.
What are the Benefits A Rocking Chair
What is it about old people and rocking chairs? For hundreds of years, it has become an unwritten tradition. It proved effective in making the elderly feel better. That is why the practice, so to speak, has been passed on through generations.
Modern medicine eventually proved its benefits. Rocking back and forth seems like a boring thing to do, but there is much more to it. A rocking chair provides exercise, which older people usually have a harder time doing the normal way. Stiff joints, arthritis, and weaker muscles are common problems that exercise can sometimes cause more harm than good.
Let’s see…
- A rocking chair can stimulate blood circulation, which is always a good thing for anyone.
- It can help strengthen muscles and loosen stiff joints as rocking does require movement.
- A good rocking chair can also improve balance and posture with its soft, ample cushions that support the head, neck, and back. Better posture, better comfort.
- The elderly can take a good rest as rocking proved effective in lulling them to sleep. It can combat insomnia—less feeling of fatigue and irritability.
- Most importantly, rocking is relaxing and relieves stress (ergo, the better sleep pattern). It releases endorphins, which are happy hormones. They are responsible for increasing feelings of pleasure and decreasing pain and discomfort. They help improve the health conditions of those with PTSD, Parkinson’s Disease, depression, anxiety, dementia, and others.
As a whole, rocking chairs calm the mind and body, boost physical and emotional well-being, can relieve pain, and improve mental health.
Choosing the Right Rocking Chair
As emphasized, rocking chairs are great for the elderly. However, not all are of the same size, design, strength, and features. There are chairs that are more suitable for the specific needs of your beloved parent or grandparent.
When choosing the best rocking chair for the elderly, consider these points. Always remember to go for ergonomic designs.
- You may be on a tight budget, but don’t go to the extent of sacrificing quality. The elderly will need the physical, emotional, and mental comfort that a good rocking chair can provide.
- Choose a chair that has a soft but thicker padding. It must be able to support the head, neck, and back. The goal is to decrease pain, not add more discomfort. It must feel comfortable to sit on especially for long hours.
- The chair should be the right size for her. If you can bring her with you to test it out, the better. It can’t be too small/large or too short/tall for her. If the chair can be adjusted to suit body shape and size, that could work. But again, no guesses. Make sure you get the right size for her. Test it first.
- A self-locking device is an awesome feature! It can immobilize the chair. This is very important when getting in or out of the chair. It is much safer for her especially when you are not around to help. She could fall or slip. Accidents happen, but not if you take the necessary precautions. Not all chairs have this feature, though.
- Rocking chairs need not be traditional. Some new models have springs that help with the motion.
- Reclining rocking chairs are great for seniors because you can adjust the positions according to their comfort. They should be easy to close or sit back up, though, and secure.
- One good feature is side pockets where things she might need can be placed. For instance, if she loves doing things on her chair, you can put the materials she needs in the pockets for her. It’s good for her to de-stress with hobbies like knitting or reading. It makes a lot of difference if she doesn’t have to stand up and get them.
- Autonomy is important to seniors. Swivel rocking chairs add mobility. Partial or a 360-degree swivel makes it easy for her to stay seated while reaching for certain things around her. It beats standing up or even calling you constantly for things that she wants. Ensure that the chair is sturdy. Maintain it well to prevent breaking that can cause any untoward accident.
- Ottomans are helpful, too. They can support the legs when the user is tired of sitting in one position. There are models that come with footrests. Some ottomans have storage space, so that’s a bonus. You can place her favorite things there as well.
- A gliding rocking chair could be the right one for her. It works on a flat plane, increasing safety. You can adjust the level of rocking motion. It can also swivel. Many gliders have ergonomic designs.
When it comes to choosing the best rocking chair for the elderly, keep in mind, her comfort is always the key. There should be no compromise.