How to Help Keep Seniors Physically Active

Your loved one’s doctor has likely mentioned to them and you the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, but it’s not always that easy to shift to a more active lifestyle.

5 Ways to Help Keep Seniors Physically Active

Try some of these ideas.

1. Get Medical Clearance First

It’s really important to clear exercise with your loved one’s doctor before you get started on this more active path. This helps to ensure that your loved one is healthy enough to exercise. Your loved one’s doctor can also recommend the exact activity level that your loved one should aim for now. This can always be adjusted later.

2. Slow and Steady Is the Pace

If you and your loved one dive into a schedule of exercise that is too much, too soon, your loved one could end up injuring themselves. It’s always much better to start slowly and gradually increase your loved one’s activity level.

3. Avoid Exercises They Don’t Like

One of the fastest ways to shut down any excitement your loved one might have about getting more active is to choose exercises that are unappealing to them. Look at what they enjoy doing, such as dancing to music they love or gardening. Then you can build on those activities with exercises and activities that are similar.

For exercise ideas, check out: 5 of the Best Exercises for Older Adults

4. Make Exercise Social

Exercise can seem more grueling when it’s done alone. Take away that issue for your loved one and do what you can to make exercise more social for your loved one. You might want to find a gym if they’re up for that or help them connect with friends that exercise, too. If you’re not able to exercise with them, consider hiring homecare providers who can be there with them.

5. This Is About Progress

The key point to remember is that this is about a process. As long as your loved one is making some forward progress toward a more active life, that’s very good news. Work with your loved ones to make exercise as enjoyable as possible for them so that they keep going with it.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida

As your loved one becomes more active, they’ll hopefully see and appreciate some of the benefits of having a less sedentary lifestyle, like having more energy.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.