How to encourage older relatives to exercise
Many of us are looking after elderly relatives as we have an ageing population. Advances in healthcare mean we have our loved ones around much longer with us which is wonderful allowing for more happy times and memory making. However, caring for older people brings challenges as well as joys. Older people can become set in their ways. As aches and pains become more prevalent with age, we can see our loved ones going out less and become inactive. This is not good for their health at all. How can you encourage your elderly relatives to take exercise?
Check things out with a doctor
It’s always vital to check with a GP before taking any new form of exercise. Taking your relative to see their doctor can provide reassurance that they can take some exercise to improve their wellbeing. A physical examination and a friendly chat with a medical professional can set your loved one off on the right path with baby steps towards taking healthy exercise. They might even give you ideas on what form of exercise will work best for the individual person.
Exercise equipment for older people
You might encourage your older relative to attend exercise taking place in the community such as walking groups or chair yoga. Sometimes such things can be a bit daunting at first so you might want to invest in some suitable exercise equipment for older people. Stationary bikes are a good option and one that they might remember from their earlier days. Recumbent bikes put less stress on their back and knees for an effective workout. Elliptical machines in gyms are super popular and you can buy versions for a low impact workout in the comfort of your loved one’s own home. The very real benefits to health for older people of taking exercise make any financial investment in kit worthwhile.
Tips for exercise for elderly people
Point out to your loved one that they don’t have to push themselves too hard. In fact, it would be potentially dangerous to do so. Get them to start slowly with baby steps seeing how that feels. There is help with exercise ideas for the inactive available. Celebrate whatever progress they make as that will encourage them to keep going. As they become more comfortable, set short-term goals with them. This will motivate them to keep going with healthy activities. Try to incorporate exercise outdoors as that means they get vital Vitamin D which helps to boost their mood. This is particularly important in the darker months when many of us experience Seasonal Affective Disorder leading to low mood.
Keep an eye on your relative
You may well be watching your relative vigilantly ensuring they eat well. Sometimes you might need to ensure they replace things like old slippers to stay safe or have appropriate clothing and shoes for inclement weather. When they are exercising, you need to take special notice of them. Watch out if they become breathless, feel dizzy, have any pain or seem to break out in a cold sweat. If any of these happen, call an end to the exercise session and consult their doctor.
