Older adults need to be physically active to maintain their energy levels, prevent chronic illnesses, and alleviate the symptoms of various existing medical conditions. Engaging in some type of activity regularly increases overall balance and strength and reduces the risk of falls. The cardiovascular system and cognitive abilities also benefit from regular exercise. Here are a few ways you can motivate your aging parent to get some exercise.
Offer an Invitation
Invite your loved one to accompany you to the mall and spend some time walking around the area while window shopping. Treat your parent to lunch and continue shopping. Almost all malls have seating in case your loved one needs to sit and get a few minutes of rest. Other options include taking your parent to the zoo, a local park, or a nature center.
Helping your parent with exercise can be a challenging task, especially when you have other important duties to tend to. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Provide Encouragement
Initiate a conversation concerning why your loved one needs to become more physically active. Encourage your parent to choose the types of activities he or she might enjoy. Make a plan and devise ways to boost your loved one’s physical health. By giving seniors control of the situation, they’re more likely to follow through.
Do Some Research
Look for senior groups in the community that enjoy physical activity together. There might be a group that takes regular walks. Perhaps the local senior center offers exercise classes. Community swimming pools often host water aerobics classes during the summer. Search for some senior-friendly activities in your area.
Purchase Exercise Equipment for the Home
Maybe your loved one is reluctant to join an exercise class because he or she is self-conscious. Perhaps the embarrassment comes from being overweight. Get your parent a stationary bike or a treadmill that can be used in the privacy of his or her home. Include a set of lightweight dumbbells or wrist and ankle weights.
While watching a favorite TV program, both of you can get up and spend two or three minutes exercising when a commercial appears and then rest between commercials and enjoy the show. You can also give your loved one some beginner exercise videos.
Some older adults have serious health issues that make it difficult for them to exercise. The type of elderly home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Senior Stride Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
Set Goals
Once your loved one starts becoming a little more physically active, praise his or her accomplishments. Keep motivating your parent by setting goals together. Give your loved one a simple pedometer. If your parent completes 2,000 steps in the first week, encourage him or her to set a goal of completing 3,000 or more steps in the next week. Encourage your loved one to go up and down a flight of stairs. The more your parent exercises, the more likely he or she will remain physically active.
Seniors who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Oshkosh at-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. If you need professional care for your loved one, Senior Stride Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.