Due to the technological advancements over the last several decades, more and more older adults are living sedentary lives. In a recent survey, more than 65 percent of seniors admitted to being inactive for 10 hours or more each day. Inactivity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and obesity. By engaging in the following activities, older adults can gradually become more active and healthier without overexerting themselves.
1. Walking
Walking is a simple and inexpensive way to increase physical activity. The next time your senior loved one goes to the store, he or she should park further from the entrance and walk a few extra steps. Your parent should also consider going for a walk through the neighborhood. Perhaps your loved one might enjoy window shopping at the mall.
By walking for as little as 15 minutes each day, your loved one can boost his or her health. Over time, your parent should gradually increase the time spent walking and the speed of his or her gait.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Hiking
Trekking through a park allows seniors to get some exercise and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds offered by nature. Older adults can make hiking more enjoyable by bringing their friends or family members along.
3. Exercising during Commercial Breaks on TV
While watching a favorite show or movie on TV, encourage your loved one to take advantage of commercial breaks. Your parent can stand up and do some bending and stretching or high-step walking in place. Commercial breaks typically last up to three minutes, which is enough time to get the blood pumping. During the course of one hour, your loved one might get close to 20 minutes of exercise without realizing it.
Exercising is just one of the many ways older adults can boost their health. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.
4. Playing Video Games
Technology can be a fun way to increase physical activity. Wii Fit, Wii Tennis, and similar video game systems provide the chance to get moving. The programs generally come with a choice of multiple activities that require upper and lower body movement. Consider hosting a family exercise night and encourage your loved one to participate.
6. Golfing
Many older adults enjoy spending time together on the golf course. The sport challenges the mind and body. Encourage your loved one to forgo the golf cart and walk from one hole to the next. A caddy or designated driver can carry the clubs around the course if needed.
6. Engaging in Water Aerobics
Communities with public swimming pools commonly offer water aerobics classes. The buoyancy of the water keeps weight-bearing joints from experiencing too much stress, and exercising in the water builds muscles and burns calories. Between class sessions, your loved one can opt to swim a few laps.
Helping seniors with exercise can be a challenging task for overworked caregivers. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24/7 home care, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.
