Older adults experience several health benefits when they exercise regularly. However, seniors who have largely lived sedentary lifestyles may be resistant to being more active. Family caregivers can use the following techniques to motivate their elderly loved ones to exercise more often.
1. Start Slow
Consider inviting your loved one to accompany you on a shopping outing. Malls are particularly great for walking. Do some window shopping and make stops in individual stores for a break. Maybe go for a relaxing nature walk or join a low-impact tai chi class together. Use a stationary bike during the commercial breaks while watching a favorite show. Take turns and encourage your parent to give cycling a try.
Many seniors need help exercising. At-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Establish Goals
By setting short and long-term goals, seniors are more likely to stay motivated. Once older adults reach milestones, they may feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Set goals for the week, month, or year. Don’t suggest goals that may cause too much stress and set your loved one up for failure. Weight loss is a goal you may want to avoid. As your parent becomes more active, he or she may naturally lose weight without giving the act a second thought. Goals to consider might include adding more healthy foods to your parent’s diet or suggesting a walk two to three times a week.
From exercising to preparing healthy meals, older adults may need help with a variety of tasks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Cincinnati home care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
3. Pay Attention to Symptoms
While engaged in activities with your loved one, make sure to watch for signs of breathing difficulty, dizziness, pain, or excessive perspiration. If your parent becomes uncomfortable, stop what you’re doing, take a break, and consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor. Discuss exercising with the physician and follow the recommendations.
4. Check Local Resources
There might be local groups of older adults who enjoy walking or doing other physical activities together, or perhaps the local senior center hosts exercise classes. Community pools often offer water aerobics classes. Your parent might enjoy joining a club that plays a particular sport. Once your loved one becomes more active, he or she is likely to feel better, have increased energy, and be more willing to venture forth into other possibilities.
5. Suggest Exercising at Home
There are many DVD sets that offer workout routines. Exercising at home is especially good if your loved one feels self-conscious being among other people in a traditional class setting. You’re likely to find a program that suits your parent’s needs even if he or she is in a wheelchair or has other physical limitations. Set aside a time when you can exercise together to provide encouragement and support. The opportunity may do both of you good and provide the chance to spend quality time together.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving extensive in-home care. Cincinnati, OH, Assisting Hands Home Care are leaders in the in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today at 513-993-5025.
