Seniors are reluctant to exercise for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common include fear of injury, physical ailments, and lack of knowledge. Exercise is an important component of healthy aging, and there are a few ways families can help their senior loved ones overcome the common barriers to exercise and provide motivation for keeping up with regular physical fitness routines.
Schedule a Doctor Appointment
Because seniors are often worried exercise will worsen preexisting conditions, it may help to schedule an appointment with your loved one’s primary care physician to get advice about exercising. When a medical professional explains the right exercises can be safe and beneficial, your loved one may be more motivated to engage in an active lifestyle.
Provide Supervision
As mentioned above, seniors often shy away from physical activity because they’re afraid they’ll hurt themselves. Sometimes a senior simply needs a bit of assistance or supervision. Offer to help your loved one begin a new fitness regimen or see if a professional caregiver can offer assistance and monitoring.
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.
Make Exercise Fun
Seniors may simply avoid exercise because it seems like a boring activity. To boost your loved one’s interest in exercise, create an exercise plan that includes the things he or she likes to do. Remember, exercise doesn’t have to take place at a gym or fitness center. Exercise can take the form of gardening or hiking. If your loved one does try a physical fitness routine, spice up the activity by providing fun, colorful workout clothes and playing uplifting music to lighten the mood.
Change Up the Routine
Changing up your loved one’s exercise routine can add excitement when things become too repetitive. Have your loved one exercise outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. You may also consider group fitness classes. Many community and senior centers offer group classes designed specifically for older adults that allow seniors to get their dose of regular physical activity while also presenting the opportunity to make new social connections with others who share an interest in staying active.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Tucson Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Partner Up
Exercise is always more fun with a companion, and seniors are often more motivated to keep up with a regular exercise plan when someone else is involved. Consider joining your loved one for a weekly walk so he or she has something to look forward to, or hire a professional caregiver who can partner up with your loved one if you’re unable to meet with your parent on a regular basis.
From exercising to preparing nutritious meals, seniors may need help with a wide variety of activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare. Tucson, AZ, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (520) 276-6555 today.