Why Elderly Should Use a Recliner Chair

A recliner chair provides comfort and relaxation for elderly individuals in a way that no other chair can. As we age, our needs change. Back pain, joint pain, decreased mobility, and other health issues become more prevalent. The unique design of a recliner addresses many of these concerns. Unlike a traditional chair, a recliner adjusts to multiple positions, providing the ideal seat angle and back support for reading, napping, watching TV, and more. The adjustability allows the user to customize the chair to their current needs, whether they want to put their feet up and relax or get an assisted lift up to standing. Recliners promote better sleep, improve circulation, reduce pressure points, and enhance overall wellbeing. With safety and accessibility features not found in standard chairs, recliners allow the elderly to sit comfortably and maintain their independence. This versatile piece of furniture has many advantages that make it an excellent choice for older adults.

Comfort

As we age, our bodies need extra comfort and support. A recliner chair provides cushioning and padding that helps relieve pressure on joints and sensitive areas. The cushions mold to the body's shape, providing customized comfort and contouring. 

Recliner chairs have padded armrests, high backs, and extendable footrests that allow you to find the most comfortable position. The generous padding and ergonomic shapes cradle the body, reducing strain. With adjustable headrests and lumbar support, you can customize the angles and support for your neck, back, arms, and legs.

Unlike regular chairs, recliners let you change positions easily. You can recline fully or partway to take pressure off the lower back. The gentle rocking motion can have a soothing effect as well. With top-quality cushioning, recliners prevent pain and discomfort so you can truly relax.

Customizability

One of the key benefits of a recliner chair for the elderly is the adjustability and customizability it provides. Recliner chairs allow users to adjust the backrest, legrest, and footrest to find the perfect comfortable position. This is especially useful for the elderly who may experience limited mobility or difficulty getting in and out of chairs. 

Most recliner chairs allow the back to recline fully backward into a lying down position. The legrest and footrest can be raised up to support the legs at different angles. This allows the user to go from an upright 90-degree sitting position to a fully reclined 135-degree or 180-degree position. Some chairs even allow the feet to be elevated higher than the heart which can help improve circulation.

The elderly will appreciate being able to customize the chair to the exact position that feels most comfortable to them. The adjustability allows them to gently change positions to help avoid aches and pains from remaining static too long. It also makes it easier to get in and out of the chair at their own pace.

Pressure Relief

A recliner can help reduce painful pressure sores for the elderly. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to injuries. Sitting or lying in the same position for prolonged periods can cut off blood circulation, especially around bony areas like the hips, lower back, and heels. This leads to uncomfortable pressure sores that are difficult to heal. Recliners help by redistributing weight and reducing pressure on those high-risk zones. 

The customizable positions allow shifting pressure from one area to another. Reclining opens up the angle between the back and seat to get weight off the tailbone. Raising the footrest moves pressure from the heels. This movement and change of posture gives relief to any spots bearing too much pressure and promotes healthy blood flow. As a result, recliners can prevent painful, dangerous pressure sores that could otherwise confine the elderly. The ability to periodically take pressure off high-risk areas is a major benefit for older users prone to skin injuries.

Circulation

Recliner chairs are designed to improve blood circulation in the body. As you recline back into a comfortable position, it takes the pressure off your legs and allows blood to circulate more freely. The reclined position with legs elevated helps venous blood flow back to the heart. This is especially important for the elderly who are at risk of circulatory issues. Poor circulation in the legs can cause swelling, pain, muscle cramps and fatigue. Using a recliner allows the legs and feet to be elevated above the heart, harnessing the power of gravity to let blood flow downwards. The improved circulation provides much-needed relief and reduces the chance of dangerous clots forming in the legs. With the simple press of a lever, a recliner chair enables the elderly to comfortably obtain the circulation benefits of elevating their feet on a constant basis.

Sleep Better in a Recliner Chair

A recliner chair can help the elderly get better quality sleep and make napping more restful. The ability to fully recline the backrest and adjust the leg rest creates a comfortable sleeping position. This allows the body to fully relax, making it easier to fall asleep, avoid tossing and turning, and sleep more deeply. The customized positions reduce pressure on the back, hips, and other sensitive areas, increasing comfort. Recliners provide proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine for side sleeping as well. For daytime napping, a recliner is preferable over a bed because it's easier to get in and out of as needed. Seniors who struggle with mobility limitations or conditions like arthritis can still comfortably nap in an adjustable recliner. Being able to nap in a chair helps boost energy levels, mood, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.

Easy Standing

Getting in and out of chairs can be difficult as we age. Recliner chairs provide assistance when moving from a seated to standing position.

The lifting mechanism gently tilts the chair forward, making it easier to slide off the seat and gain footing. This takes pressure off the knees and back compared to rising from a low, soft couch.

Some recliners even feature power lift functions. At the touch of a button, the chair slowly lifts and tilts upright, gently pushing the body to a standing position.

Recliners make the process of standing up much simpler and more comfortable. The chairs minimize strain, reducing pain and chances of injury. Overall, recliners allow older adults to get on their feet and start moving with greater stability and ease.

Relaxation  

A recliner can help reduce stress levels in seniors by promoting relaxation. The comfortable padded cushions and ability to recline in different positions allows the body to fully relax. This helps relieve muscle tension and anxiety. 

Reclining with your legs elevated improves circulation, which also contributes to an overall sense of calmness. The change in posture from sitting or standing upright to reclining also signals to the brain that it's time to unwind. 

Seniors deal with a lot of stress from health issues, caregiving responsibilities, grief over lost loved ones, and other challenges. Making relaxation a priority is so important, and recliner chairs facilitate that by creating the perfect environment to decompress. The simple act of sitting back in a recliner can be like a mini-vacation from stress when seniors need it most.