Everyone needs to exercise to stay in good health. Your aging relative is no exception. But, if the thought of working out for an extended period of time makes them cringe, there’s good news. According to the new U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, gone are the days when anything less than 10 minutes of exercise didn’t count. The new guidelines say that everything counts. Even spending 2 minutes pushing the vacuum around the living room counts toward the 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity activity recommended per week. Although the new guidelines make it easier to meet weekly requirements, your aging relative may still be spending more time sitting than they should. Home care can change that. Wondering how home care can assist older adults to be more active? Here are some ways a home care provider can help seniors to sneak in a few minutes of exercise throughout the day.
Park at the Back of the Lot
When home care providers take seniors to stores or other places, they can park the car at the back of the parking lot. This will increase the distance they senior needs to walk to get in the building. And, with a home care provider along, there’s no need to worry about them falling on the walk in since they’ll have a steadying arm to lean on, if needed.
Invite the Senior to Dance
Who doesn’t enjoy some music while they complete tasks around the house? Home care can turn the radio on while they help the older adult to do the dishes or dust the living room. When an upbeat song comes on, they can invite your family member to dance with them.
Walk the Dog
If your older family member has a dog, it needs some exercise, too! Instead of framing a walk as something the senior needs to stay healthy, a home care provider can say they need to go for a walk for the sake of the dog. They may be more inclined to take a walk for the dog’s health and happiness than for their own.
Play an Active Video Game
Video games aren’t just for kids. Many older adults enjoy them, too. A home care provider can challenge the older adult to a video game that gets them moving, like bowling, tennis, or a dance game.
Do Some Housework
Even if your aging relative is confined to a wheelchair, there are some tasks they can do around the house that will keep them active even while sitting down. A home care provider can ask them to help with jobs that require them to move their arms, such as folding laundry, dusting, or making the bed.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20181112/any-physical-activity-helps-new-guidelines-say#1
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.