Thirty minutes of daily activity is recommended for older adults. Are your parents meeting that recommendation? It’s good to exercise, but many adults fall short of the daily goal. How do you get your parents to get up and move more often than they are?
Before starting any program with them, talk to their doctors. Make sure they are capable of doing the exercise you’ve selected. They may have health conditions that limit the types of exercises they should be doing.
Yoga
Yoga is a good way to stretch the muscles and reduce stress. Look for a beginner’s program for them that they can do at home. Some instructors offer live-streaming Yoga classes, so they’ll have expert advice without having to leave their home.
Walking
A half-hour walk every day is a good way to start getting exercise. They need to go at a moderate pace to make sure they get their heart rate up. If they don’t want to walk around the block, someone could drive them to a park to use walking paths there. Nature preserves are also good for walking as there are often boardwalks and groomed trails along the rivers and lakes.
Swimming
One of the benefits that swimming offers is your body becomes buoyant in the pool. That reduces the strain on your joints. If your parents have arthritis, swimming is an excellent exercise that works out the muscles and heart at the same time. Plus, it’s refreshing to swim on a hot day.
Rowing
Get a rowing machine and have your parents workout in their home. Rowing works out the whole body, but it also helps with arm and shoulder strength. Machines are adjustable when it comes to the tension, so they don’t have to strain their muscles. They want to gently work their muscles over time.
Bicycling
Hop on bicycles, find a bike path, and go for a ride. Your parents don’t have to worry about much traffic, and the family can get out, see the sights, and get exercise at the same time.
Make sure you bring water to stay hydrated along the route. If your parents are new to riding a bike, start with short trips. As they grow accustomed to these trips, you can increase the length.
Could your parents use encouragement throughout the week? If you work or live far away, elder care services can have a caregiver go to your parents’ house and encourage them to exercise. Caregivers can join them for walks or supervise while they’re doing exercise programs at home. Call to learn more about companionship services from an elder care agency.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Fitchburg, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
