Staying healthy means moving at least a little bit, for both you and your senior. Before you jump into a big exercise plan, make sure that you talk with your senior’s doctor about how much movement is safe for her. Then it’s time to start putting that plan together.
Make it Fun
One of the most important things to remember about exercise, for both you and your elderly family member, is that the more fun it is, the more likely you’re going to be to keep going. So, looking for games or hobbies that incorporate movement in them can be a great way to move more. Thinking outside the box is an important tool when you’re solving some of these problems.
Make it an Appointment with Each Other
Lots of times people tend to let themselves down but they can pull through and commit to a task when someone else is counting on them. You and your senior can make appointments with each other about exercise, even if you live farther apart. Checking in and being accountable to each other can be just as helpful as actually meeting up and taking a walk together.
You Don’t Have to Have a Long Workout
Sometimes people don’t exercise because they only have a few minutes here and there to get moving. That’s actually a lot more helpful than most people realize. If that’s what’s holding you or your senior back from moving more, talk with each other about when you have a few minutes. Then start brainstorming the little things you can do to move more, like stretching while you’re waiting for tea to steep, for instance.
Incorporate Exercise into What You’re Already Doing
Something else that you and your senior can both do is to incorporate extra movement into what you’re already doing. In your senior’s case, that might mean that she walks in place during commercials while watching her favorite show. Or that she does a few extra laps around the yard as she gardens. For you, that might mean you take the stairs more often than the elevator. It can all play a part.
If your senior still insists that she doesn’t have the time or the energy to exercise, she may need some extra help. Elderly care providers can take over some of the things that are taking up her time and energy now, making it easier for her to move her body more in ways that are fun and enjoyable for her.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.