How to Help Your Aging Loved One Get Started with Exercise 

by | Nov 20, 2023 | Senior Fitness & Nutrition

Exercise is vital to a senior’s health because it can boost quality of life and prevent certain age-related conditions. Developing a realistic plan is the best way to keep your elderly parent physically active in the senior years. Below are some tips family caregivers can use to help their loved ones start exercise programs and stick with them. 

Ask for Your Loved One’s Opinions

You should be a part of the scheduling process, but the bulk of the exercise regimen should be based on your loved one’s wishes. If you choose activities your loved one doesn’t prefer, he or she is more likely to stop doing the workouts. You should change up the routine regularly to make it more enjoyable for your loved one. Seniors need to continue learning new activities to boost cognitive health and reduce boredom, so adding different exercises is beneficial for their overall wellbeing. Creating a good exercise regimen could provide your loved one with a sense of purpose and a boost in confidence. 

Customize the Activities

Many seniors stop exercising due to the fear of falling or the misconception that all workouts increase the risk of injury. You can ease your loved one’s mind by customizing the activities based on his or her cognitive skills, reaction speed, mobility, and mental health. Although you can simplify the exercise regimen, it should continue to provide your loved one with physical challenges and mental stimulation. Speak with your parent’s primary care physician about workouts that offer the most significant benefits without putting your loved one’s health and safety at risk. 

If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Edmonton at-home care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, home care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

Explain the Benefits

When seniors understand the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of exercising, they’re more likely to create healthy exercise regimens and stick with the routines. Let your loved one know the importance of regular moderate exercise, such as better cardiovascular health, a lower risk of arthritis, a stronger immune system, enhanced cognitive health, and increased longevity. You can ask your parent’s doctor to explain the benefits as well. 

Most seniors are able to enjoy the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of professional caregivers. Home Care Edmonton 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.

Enroll in Classes Together

Make your loved one’s exercise regimen more enjoyable by joining him or her in the activities. If yoga, dancing, and swimming are a part of your parent’s regular routine, you should both enroll in local classes. Your loved one might be less intimidated by the exercises if you’re there to work out with him or her. Many family caregivers push their own self-care needs to the side, and joining your loved one in dance classes, gym sessions, and other physical activities provides you with much-needed workouts as well. If you’re unable to attend a session, ask your siblings or other family members to step in for you.

Seniors who need help exercising safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Elderly 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. If your loved one needs professional care, InCasa Home Care Services is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (587) 609-6854 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

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