5 Ways to Motivate Seniors to Exercise Regularly

One of the biggest health concerns among seniors is a lack of regular activity. Though seniors might think exercise is just for those who want to look toned and muscular, the reality is that physical exercise is an essential part of good health. You can help your senior loved one live a more active life by taking the following five steps.

1. Discuss the Benefits of Exercise

You cannot make your loved one exercise regularly if he or she does not want to, so it is important to provide reasons why exercise is a good idea. It may be helpful to discuss all the specific benefits of exercise with your loved one. Take the time to mention benefits that could personally help him or her, such as lowering blood sugar levels, reducing stroke risk, increasing overall mobility, or assisting with weight loss. You can even bring up the subject at the doctor’s office to get advice from a professional your loved one trusts.
By staying active and making healthy lifestyle choices, older adults can enjoy a high quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Dayton elderly care. Services our caregivers provide include transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.

2. Take Things Slow

Many seniors get frustrated because they start out with intense exercises that leave them exhausted and sore. Start with a 5-minute walk around the neighborhood, then add 5 minutes to the total walk time each week, which can gradually increase your loved one’s exercising capability while helping him or her get used to a new activity.

3. Make Exercise Fun

Running and weightlifting may be the most common forms of exercise, but they are not for everyone. When exercise is a fun activity instead of a boring chore, seniors are more likely to do it. For some, this may take the form of signing up for a yoga class, taking a bike ride, or playing a sport.

4. Offer to Exercise Together

Your loved one may be more likely to exercise when you offer to do it together. Having a workout partner may help your loved one stay motivated, and he or she may realize how important exercise is if you are volunteering to do it as well. Many caregivers find exercising together to be a nice way to spend time with their loved one while boosting their overall health.
Some aging adults prefer to exercise at home, and they can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of professional in-home caregivers. In Dayton, Ohio, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

5. Provide Proper Nutrition

Eating a big meal right before working out can lead to cramps, but if your loved one has not eaten enough beforehand, he or she might feel too tired to enjoy the workout. Provide a filling snack that contains both carbohydrates and proteins about an hour before working out.
Some seniors have medical conditions that make exercising and managing daily activities difficult. Aging adults who need help around the house, transportation to medical appointments and social events, and assistance with exercise can benefit from having an in-home caregiver. Dayton seniors can enjoy greater independence and receive regular mental and social stimulation when relying on a trusted professional who is expertly trained in various aspects of senior care. To create a customized in-home care plan for your elderly loved one, give Home Care Assistance a call at [hca_phone] today.