As parents age, it becomes increasingly important for them to stay active. Lack of activity can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and dementia. Fortunately, there are many ways for aging seniors to keep fit, even if they have limited mobility. Let's discuss the best ways to keep your seniors healthy.
7 Efficient Ways to Keep Your Aging Parents Active
1. Going for a Walk
Walking is a nice way to stay active, and it’s something that seniors can do even if they have limited mobility. Taking a stroll through the park or near the block is an ace way for seniors to get some exercise and fresh air. If walking is difficult, consider getting a wheelchair or power chair for adults and seniors. This will help you get around without putting too much strain on your body.
Walking is also a great opportunity for seniors to socialize. If your parents are unable to walk far, consider taking them to an indoor mall where they can window shop and people watch.
Regular physical activity can remarkably reduce the risk of dying from heart disease and other conditions, such as cancer, stroke, and type II diabetes in seniors. So getting your parents up and moving is important not only for their physical health but for their mental health as well.
2. Swimming
Swimming is a top-notch way for seniors to stay active. It is a low-impact activity that's friendly to the seniors' joints. It’s also a great cardio workout and can help seniors maintain their muscle mass. If your parents don’t know how to swim, there are often classes offered at local community pools.
Check with your parent's doctor before starting any new exercise routine. Monitor the elderly while they’re working out to make sure they’re not overdoing it. A wee stretch goes a long way for seniors.
3. Traveling
Another great way to keep seniors active is by traveling. This can be done either by taking day trips or going on longer vacations. Traveling can help seniors stay active in a number of ways. First, it gets the elderly out of the house and exposes them to new environments. Second, it can be a great opportunity to explore different cultures and meet new people. And finally, travel can be physical activity in itself, especially if your parents are able to do some light hiking or walking while on vacation.
Before you start planning any trips, however, it’s important to check with your parent's doctor to make sure they’re physically up for it. You should also consider their cognitive abilities and whether or not they would be able to handle the mental stimulation of travel. Talk to a seniors’ travel specialist who can help you plan an age-appropriate trip.
4. Walking a Dog
For seniors who live alone, owning a pet can provide companionship and unconditional love. But did you know that pets can also encourage seniors to stay active? Walking a dog is a low-impact type of exercise that’s perfect for the elderly. It gets them out of the house for some fresh air and sunshine, and it gives your parents a chance to move their bodies and get their heart rates up. If your parent doesn’t have a dog of their own, offer to take them for walks with your dog or look into volunteer opportunities at animal shelters.
Pets can also provide seniors with emotional benefits and help reduce stress levels. A 2019 study found that seniors who owned dogs had lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who didn’t own pets, and they also required fewer doctor visits.
5. Socializing
Another way to keep the elderly active is to encourage them to join social clubs or groups that cater to their interests. There are seniors-only gyms, art classes, book clubs, and more. Getting involved in these activities can help your parent make new friends and stay active both mentally and physically.
6. Yoga for Seniors
Yoga is an extraordinary way to introduce something new to your parent's routine. It helps improve flexibility, balance, and strength. There are yoga classes specifically designed for seniors. Look for classes at your local seniors center or community recreation center.
7. Step-Ups at Home
If your parent has trouble getting out and about, there are still ways to encourage them to stay active. Something as simple as adding a few step-ups around the house can make a big difference. Place them near the couch so your parent can get some extra movement in while they watch TV. Add them to the bathroom so they can get a little workout while getting ready for the day.
The Major Benefits of Keeping Seniors Active
Physical activity can help aging parents maintain their independence by keeping them strong and mobile. It can also help significantly reduce the risk of falls and other accidents. Seniors who are physically active are more likely to enjoy a better quality of life than those who are inactive.
In addition to the physical benefits, seniors keep their minds sharp while staying fit. Exercise can help improve brain function in people with dementia. As well as reduce the risk of occurring Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
By socializing and staying active, seniors can help ward off depression and loneliness. Participating in activities can give seniors a sense of purpose and improve their self-esteem.
So if you have an aging parent or grandparent, encourage them to stay active. It's good for the elderly's mind, body, and soul.
How Much Physical Activity Do Elderly Parents Need?
The amount of physical activity seniors need depends on their age and health. Generally, seniors should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on most days of the week. This could include walking, swimming, or doing housework.
If your aging parent is unable to do this much activity, they should still be as active as their abilities and health allow. Even wee amounts of physical activity can have health benefits.
How to Encourage Your Elderly Parent to Be More Active?
Use the following tips to help the elderly to be more active:
- Get them a dog. Walking a dog is an ace way for seniors to get some exercise. It's also a wonderful chance to socialize and meet new people.
- Join a seniors’ exercise class. There are many seniors’ exercise classes available at community centers or gyms. This is a great way for your aging parent to make new friends and get some exercise at the same time.
- Go for walks together. Walking is a low-impact kind of exercise that is easy for seniors to do. It’s also a fine way to spend time together and catch up on each other’s lives.
- Travel with seniors. Traveling can be an outstanding way for seniors to stay active. It gives them the opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and try new activities.
Conclusion
Staying active is important for seniors for many reasons. It helps to keep their minds sharp, their bodies healthy, and their social lives vibrant. With so many ways to keep seniors active, there's sure to be one that's perfect for your aging parent. Check the tips above to improve your parent's well-being.
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