Physical fitness needs change as people get older. While those in their teens may work out to enhance their physiques or win competitions, older adults are often working on maintaining or increasing their health. Seniors also sometimes experience challenges that make it difficult to stay motivated. These five tips can help you break your senior loved one out of his or her workout rut and get him or her excited about moving every day.
1. Address Specific Worries
Your loved one may have a valid reason for not wanting to exercise. For instance, he or she may be scared of getting hurt or lost outside on a walk, be afraid to drive to the gym, or feel lonely when working out. Ask your loved one to open up about what prevents him or her from exercising. Make sure to listen without judgment. When your loved one is done sharing, work together to find solutions. Your loved one may need a caregiver to provide support during exercise routines, or he or she may prefer taking a group exercise class.
Albuquerque elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Tap into the Inner Child
Many fitness programs today incorporate elements of play that make it more fun to work out. Look for an exercise class that includes things such as hula hoops or balls that add a sense of whimsy to a normal fitness routine. While your loved one may need to throw a ball gently or use a hula hoop with assistance, seeing these types of equipment in the gym is bound to make him or her smile.
3. Take the Pressure Off
Seniors sometimes avoid exercise because it hurts. The pressure placed on the joints by gravity can make arthritis symptoms worse. Low-impact forms of exercise are better for aging joints, and feeling less pain makes working out more enjoyable. Swimming, cycling, and doing floor mat exercises are a few options to get your loved one moving without putting too much strain on the body.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, hiring a professional caregiver to take over on occasion is a great option. Albuquerque respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Start Gently with Sedentary Seniors
For seniors who are mostly sedentary, even small amounts of extra movement each day can get them back into shape. Long or intense workouts may intimidate your loved one or lead to soreness that makes him or her give up. Consider having your loved one do simple exercises in the beginning, such as performing leg lifts in a chair or taking a short walk. Once your loved one gets used to those easier movements, he or she can then transition slowly to longer and harder workouts.
5. Ask for Help with Your Own Health
Seniors love to know they’re needed. They also enjoy doing what they can to help their families. Instead of focusing on why your loved one needs to get in shape, try making the exercise sessions about you. Tell your loved one you need help staying motivated to work out. You can even invite him or her to come with you to the gym or take a walk around the block. Your loved one may be eager to accept your request, and the bonus is that both of you will likely begin to enjoy better health.
Assistance with exercising safely is just one of the benefits seniors receive when families enlist the help of a trained professional caregiver. Albuquerque home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call us at 505-798-0800 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.
