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A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cincinnati, OH
January 21
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MyLungCancerTeam

What exercises are safe and beneficial for seniors with lung cancer?

For seniors with lung cancer, low-intensity exercises are generally the safest and most beneficial options. These activities can help strengthen your lungs, reduce fatigue, and improve overall well-being without overexertion.

Here are some recommended Show Full Answer

What exercises are safe and beneficial for seniors with lung cancer?

For seniors with lung cancer, low-intensity exercises are generally the safest and most beneficial options. These activities can help strengthen your lungs, reduce fatigue, and improve overall well-being without overexertion.

Here are some recommended exercises:

* Walking (even short distances, like two blocks at a time with rest breaks)
* Tai chi
* Gentle yoga
* Stretching exercises
* Seated exercise classes (like Seated Zumba)
* Light yard work or gardening
* Swimming or water-based activities

Many communities offer gentle exercise classes specifically designed for seniors at local senior centers. These classes can improve mobility and provide a positive mindset while exercising in a supportive environment.

A MyLungCancerTeam member shared: "I'm going to Easy Does It, an exercise class sponsored at my local senior center. On Thursdays, I take a class called Seated Zumba. I find these classes improve my mobility, as well as a positive mindset."

Before starting any exercise routine, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess your fitness level and help create a personalized plan that's safe for your specific condition. If you experience increased shortness of breath or uncontrolled coughing during exercise, contact your doctor for guidance on adjustments.

January 21
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Good to know @A MyLungCancerTeam Member

January 21
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I have found a lot on Youtube. To prepare for surgery i did a pulmonary rehab workout that I recently started again. I'll try to share it.

January 21
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

What kind of results are you looking for? I had to start off with jistvwalkingvto build up stamina. Itvwasntveasy. Walking 25 yards was difficult. But I took my time and eventually got to 1 mile. I lost a lot of muscle tone and strength in my arms. It may sound stupid. But I started off curling a soup can a few times a day. Eventually got my hands on some small weights (2 to 5 pounds). Eventually I joined a gym. Thay served 2 purposes. A) It got me out of the house and some type of socialization. I took it real slow. I didnt want to risk muscle strain and hurt. Much later I started jogging short distances. Very short distances. It's important to know. Chemo can cause some scarring of lung tissue and itvwill take a while to regain the viability to walk or even jog any distance without feeling my lungs would collapse. I'm 63 and I'm notvreadyvto check out just yet. So, caution is the key.Always speak with your Doctor and maybe get a personal trainer who is familiar with recovery from cancer.

January 21
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Never give up and push, push, push! I'm almost 83 and was diagnosed with S4NSCLC over four years ago... during which I've endured 71 bouts of chemo and immunotherapy, radiation, and get happy steroids. (That's after prostate cancer 12 years ago, surgery, lots of radiation, hormones, and all that crap.) Thankfully, I still hike up and down hills, lift relatively heavy weights (which I've been doing since age 14), do various chair and standing exercises, and generally stay active. When I was pledging a fraternity long, long ago, I learned from a brother the philosophical concept of treating almost everything that you do as an exercise. E.g., when you pick up that heavy cast-iron pan, do ten curls with it and twirl it around your head. Really, but be careful. Also, get some proper weight dumbbells at Target or wherever (usually 20# or lighter) and do whatever you find to be doable. Never, ever, give up until your telomeres finally dry up and fall off. Got it? Okay, I'm off for a walk in the snow drifts...

February 3

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