Must-Have Recliners to Improve Circulation for Elderly Adults

As we grow older, circulation often slows down. Sluggish blood flow can lead to concerning health issues like swollen feet, varicose veins, numbness, and chronic pain. Finding ways to improve circulation is key to staying active and healthy in your later years. The right recliner chair can work wonders by allowing for frequent position changes that get blood pumping to the heart and extremities.

Read on to learn how certain recliners can boost circulation for seniors and the special features that make them circulation superstars.

Why Circulation Matters for Seniors

Proper circulation is crucial at any age, but especially as we get older. With more sedentary lifestyles, age-related changes, and certain medications, seniors are at higher risk for developing chronic venous insufficiency that impairs healthy blood flow.

Poor circulation can lead to varicose veins, blood clots, chronic swelling, numbness or tingling, skin discoloration, and even open sores or wounds that won't heal well. Beyond these visible signs, impaired circulation also strains the heart and leaves you feeling worn out.

How Recliners Can Help Circulation

Recliners relieve pressure on the legs and lower body while elevating the feet and legs to allow blood to flow back to the heart. The ability to periodically adjust the leg rest and backrest allows gentle circulation-boosting movements.

Features like zero gravity design and power lift functions make it effortless to re-position yourself for optimal comfort and circulation.

Most Important Features for Circulation

Zero Gravity Design

Zero gravity recliners get their name from the neutral body position they allow, simulating the weightless feel of space. Rather than compressing the back, these chairs evenly distribute body weight to eliminate pressure points.

By taking pressure off blood flow restricting areas, these recliners allow blood to circulate freely back to the heart. The extended leg rest also prevents pooling or swelling.

Power Lift & Recline Functions

Power lift recliners use electrical motors to gently raise and lower the chair back and leg rest. This makes it easy for seniors to periodically adjust positions and keep their blood circulating.

The smooth lift and recline mechanisms require minimal physical exertion. Seniors simply use a remote or side panel button to move the chair parts - no straining with manual levers.

Customizable Positions

Look for recliners that allow you to fully customize the backrest tilt, leg rest angle, and headrest position. This accommodates individual comfort needs and any restrictions in mobility.

You can tailor the positions to provide the best ergonomic posture for your circulation. Periodically adjusting the recliner opens up different channels for blood to flow through.

Other Useful Features for Seniors

Removable Covers

Recliner covers that unzip and come off make cleaning and maintenance much easier. This is especially helpful for seniors with incontinence who need to keep the chair hygienic.

Reading Lights

Convenient reading lights built into the recliner let you enjoy books, puzzles, needlework or tablets without eyestrain. The directional lighting relieves the need to get up to turn room lights on.

USB Charging Ports

Integrated USB ports ensure phones and other devices stay charged. This prevents seniors from missing important calls or alerts if devices lose power. It also provides easy access to entertainment options.

Adjustable Headrests

Headrests that adjust up and down, forward and back provide customized support. This alleviates neck soreness from subtle misalignments that can happen after sitting awhile.

Shopping Considerations for Recliners

When shopping for a senior recliner, prioritize comfort, support, and adjustability. Test different models at furniture stores to find the best fit for your body. Check that the recliner will fit through doorways in your home for delivery.

Recliners can make a big difference in boosting circulation for less mobile seniors. Models with zero gravity design and power lift features make it simple to periodically move and adjust positions.

While recliners aid circulation, it's still important to move throughout the day, do light exercise, stay hydrated, and consult doctors about other lifestyle adjustments to support healthy blood flow.