Aging can cause seniors to lack the muscle strength, energy, and desire to be as physically active as they once were. However, being active can help aging adults stay in shape and stave off cognitive decline. As a family caregiver, you should encourage your senior loved one to be active, whether he or she participates in group activities or exercises at home on a regular basis. Here are some of the ways you can help your loved one stay physically active.
1. Suggest Going at an Easy Pace
Many seniors shy away from exercising because they’re afraid to fail. Some are reluctant to join a gym or exercise group due to their inability to keep up with the people around them. If you encourage your loved one to do exercises at a slow pace, he or she may be motivated to work out and stay active, which keeps the mind and body in good shape.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a trusted provider of home care. Edmonton caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Provide Plenty of Hydrating Beverages
Dehydration can easily be avoided by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks. By staying hydrated, seniors can reduce the risk of dizziness, disorientation, and lack of balance. As a result, they may be willing to stay physically active instead of being sedentary. You can help your loved one stay hydrated by keeping water bottles and other healthy drinks close by.
3. Make It Fun
When physical activity feels like a chore, seniors are less likely to participate. Seniors want to do activities and exercises that are fun and enjoyable. For example, dancing may seem like simply a fun pastime, but it’s a type of physical activity that could help your loved one stay social and lose weight. Here are some other physical activities seniors are likely to enjoy:
- Gardening
- Zumba
- Swimming
4. Encourage Eating Healthy Foods
The foods seniors eat impact their physical abilities. For instance, fresh fruit contains natural sugars that keep blood sugar levels steady and offer an immediate energy boost. Nuts, whole grains, and dark chocolate are other energy-boosting foods seniors should add to their diets.
5. Make Sure Your Parent Takes Days Off
Physical activity should enhance your loved one’s health, not cause it to get worse. Too much exercise could lead to muscle pain, broken bones, and other health issues. A good exercise routine is limited to three or four days each week for 30 to 60 minutes each day. This gives the body time to recuperate between workouts.
Seniors who need assistance with exercise and help around the home can benefit from having in-home caregivers. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a trusted provider of respite care Edmonton seniors can depend on.
6. Offer Encouragement
Having a positive attitude allows seniors to focus on activities they can do instead of things they cannot do. The more comfortable your loved one is with the activities and the environment, the higher his or her chances are of staying physically active. Offer words of encouragement and compliments for your loved one’s progress, and join in physical activities together from time to time.
In Edmonton, in-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at InCasa Home Care Services, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at 780-604-9688 today.
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