Taking care of the Caregiver—Part I—Exercise

By Lisa Cook Bayer

Lisa Cook Bayer, J.D., is President of Life Management Resources, LLC, a private elder care advocacy firm located in northern New Jersey.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, Caregiving in the U.S., 2004, the typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 60% of family caregivers are women. That said, many MyWorkButterfly.com members can relate to and have themselves experienced the responsibilities of family caregiving.

While there are innumerable moments of joy associated with taking care of a loved one, at times it can also be overwhelmingly frustrating and stressful. Such stress can manifest itself both physically and emotionally. Physically, studies have found that caregivers may have increased blood pressure and insulin levels, impaired immune systems and that they may be at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease as well as other negative health issues. The psychological effect on the caregiver can be even greater than the physical. Studies regularly report higher levels of depression and other mental health problems.

One way to help alleviate the physical and emotional stress affecting family caregivers is by participating in a regular exercise routine. As stated by Joyce Gardner, a certified personal trainer and ACE member, “if a loved one is physically unable to do certain things on his or her own, from a practical perspective, it is important for a caregiver to stay fit in order to be most helpful and effective as well as to avoid his or her own personal injury.” In addition to physical strength, when a person exercises, the brain releases endorphins. Gardner explains that endorphins make a person “feel good” and that the result with regular exercise is usually improved mood and a notable decrease in anxiety and depression.

Of course, Gardner points out that before starting any exercise routine it is important to have a doctor’s medical clearance and that any program should be individually tailored to a person’s abilities.