Encouraging an Active Lifestyle for Elderly Relatives
Exercise and activity are vital for maintaining the health and well-being of your elderly parent—and the benefits go far beyond physical fitness. Renewed social activity can enhance your parent's mental state and emotional strength as well.
Physical Activity
Exercises involving resistance training can actually help rejuvenate muscle tissue in healthy senior citizens. Physical activity should not be restricted to simple exercises. More and more of the over-55 set have become involved in recreational activities, like hiking and even river rafting. Less extreme activities offer benefits as well. Swimming, golf, and bowling are all suitable fitness options, and each can be done at a relatively low cost.
Some elderly parents may need encouragement to resume some of the physical activities and pursuits they used to enjoy. Consider having a doctor perform a physical for your loved one to help restore confidence in an increased level of activity. You can also help to inspire a more active lifestyle by volunteering to take part in the activity as well. Doing so will help your loved one get more exercise and can also give you a chance to spend more time together.
Mental Activity
Physical well-being is only one benefit of a more active lifestyle. Engaging in activities that are mentally challenging can help keep your elderly parent's mind sharp and healthy. Enjoyable pastimes like reading, working on crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and even learning a new language can help an elderly parent maintain a healthy state of mind.
Social Activity
The YMCA offers a wealth of possibilities for keeping older adults active in mind, body, and spirit. The Y provides a venue for elderly parents to make new friends and find new ways of leading an active lifestyle. From health and fitness to senior centers and social clubs, the YMCA presents an affordable way to keep your elderly parents involved with other seniors.
If a YMCA is not readily available, many communities have senior centers of their own that can offer a place for your elderly parent to meet fellow seniors and enjoy an active social life. Look around your community for these types of facilities, and talk to your loved one to find an option that works for everyone.