Seniors who exercise every day are less likely to experience serious health conditions. However, many seniors are nervous about exercising, especially if they’ve experienced workout-related injuries in the past. If your aging loved one is reluctant to engage in physical activities, you can use these tips to help him or her get over the fear of exercising.
Emphasize the Benefits of Exercise
It’s easy for seniors to think about only the negative aspects of working out. For instance, they may focus on how their muscles feel sore afterward or claim exercise is boring. Help your loved one cultivate a positive attitude about exercising by listing the benefits of physical activity, such as easing the pain associated with arthritis.
A professional caregiver can encourage your loved one to exercise and make healthy lifestyle choices. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Speak with a Physician
Seniors who are afraid of getting hurt while exercising may feel more confident with their doctors’ approval. During your loved one’s medical appointment, ask the doctor to help him or her choose a few safe methods of exercise. The physician can also reinforce several health benefits regular exercise offers, such as lowering blood pressure. In some instances, your loved one’s doctor may even be able to provide ideas for exercising safely, such as hiring a caregiver to help.
Find Fun Activities
Show your loved one there’s more to exercising than doing strenuous sit-ups or jumping jacks. Introduce your loved one to enjoyable workout options, such as water aerobics or interactive video games that encourage movement. Even activities such as gardening or taking a walk through the zoo or a botanical garden can boost your loved one’s health.
Help Them Find Workout Partners
Many seniors tend to feel safer when they exercise with partners. Whether your loved one enjoys doing stretches in bed with the assistance of a caregiver or prefers stationary cycling next to a friend, adding a social component to exercise can make it less scary.
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Track the Progress
Goal setting gives your loved one something to work toward. Help your loved one set goals, such as walking for five minutes extra each day until he or she can manage a full workout. Then set up a calendar or chart system to mark the progress. At the end of each week, plan something special to mark your loved one’s efforts toward reaching his or her goals. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care San Diego families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us today.
