Easy Ways to Help Your Elderly Loved One get More Exercise

Exercise, even if it’s mild, is incredibly beneficial for people of all ages. Whether it’s a swim a few times a week or a walk every night after dinner, exercise helps to build stamina, build muscle, and even helps develop balance. Whether you can be there for every step with your elderly loved one or you need help from elder care providers who can build your loved one’s exercise program, there are easy ways to get more exercise into your loved one’s day.

Start Walking Daily
Set aside a few minutes every day to walk with your elderly loved one. It doesn’t have to be far or at a great rate of speed. Just a time or two around the block is enough, and it gives your elderly loved one some much-needed activity. It also gives you time to bond with your loved one, and you can both catch up with what’s going on in your daily lives. As your loved one’s stamina increases, you can work up to things like walking at the local elementary school track or even doing regular nature hikes.

Do Yoga Together
Whether you pop a beginner’s yoga tape into the DVD player or you decide to head out to a class together, yoga is excellent for both stretching and for balance. Many people are intimidated by yoga, but it is a highly adaptable style of exercise. If you’re at a beginner level too, then you can learn right alongside your elderly loved one. And who knows, she might even become an expert.

Swimming
Your elderly loved one will get a lot of benefits from just swimming around the pool on her own, but you can also look into water aerobics classes. These are a great way to get more exercise, and it’s also a way to help your elderly loved one to socialize. This is particularly important if she doesn’t have as many opportunities to get out and meet people.

Yardwork and Gardening
If your elderly loved one has always liked getting out into the garden, take advantage of that now for a little bit of exercise. Whether you rake leaves together or simply take a walking tour of the yard a few times a day, there are lots of opportunities to turn the yard into a time for some movement. Your loved one can stretch while you do the heavy lifting. Or, if she’s still in pretty good shape, you can just be there in case there’s something too big for her to handle.

Exercise doesn’t have to mean “no pain, no gain.” In fact, it’s best if your loved one doesn’t experience pain while exercising. Keep activities within her limits, but try to have fun, too.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care services in Main Line, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.