5 Tips for Helping an Aging Loved One Get Fit

Fitness specialists report that it’s never too late to get into shape. Older adults may be reluctant to get up and feel motivated to exercise. However, a little encouragement from family members might be all it takes for seniors to focus on their own physical health. Here are a few ways you can encourage your elderly loved one to get into shape. 

1. Encourage Dietary Changes

By adopting healthier eating habits, seniors have the fuel they need for maintaining optimal body function and performing physical activities. If your loved one doesn’t eat healthy, encourage eating more fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and nuts each day. Following a proper diet can prevent unnecessary weight gain and enhance your loved one’s overall quality of life. 

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Dallas in-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

2. Keep Track of Progress

Help your loved one create a fitness diary, set goals for eating and activity, and document the progress. Include a list of current medical conditions and required medications. Monitor pulse, blood pressure, and weight. Change goals as needed but keep them realistic. When your loved one can keep track of results, he or she is more likely to keep up the good work.

3. Exercise Together

A good fitness program for older adults should include exercises that strengthen both cardiac and skeletal muscles. The American Heart Association advises seniors to get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days each week. However, the 30 minutes don’t need to be continuous if your loved one cannot tolerate the activity. The exercise plan might include going for walks, cleaning the house together, or riding bikes. Find ways to make the exercise fun by talking or listening to music while exercising. Consider dancing together to your loved one’s favorite songs. If low-impact exercise is needed, consider joining a water aerobics class together.

Consider hiring a home caregiver if your loved one needs help exercising. In Dallas, senior 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.

4. Find a Local Fitness Class

Perhaps the community your loved one resides in offers classes designed especially for seniors. Taking a fitness class enables your loved one to work out with his or her peers. By visiting with other class members, your loved one may learn that getting fit isn’t out of reach regardless of age. In time, your loved one may also build friendships with people who accompany him or her on walks or other activities. By joining a local fitness class, your loved one can receive further encouragement to continue getting into shape.

5. Consider Rewards

Offer praise and support for each goal accomplished, and consider rewarding your loved one with an outing or a small token in honor of his or her success. Make a vow that if your loved one accomplishes a certain goal, the two of you will celebrate in a specific way. Be patient, but encourage your loved one to be persistent and consistent. The better your loved one feels, the more likely he or she will be to continue maintaining fitness. 

Some seniors need help exercising and making healthy lifestyle choices. If your elderly loved one needs Dallas live-in care, turn to Home Care Assistance. We offer a program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to focus on eating nutritious foods, exercising on a regular basis, maintaining strong social ties, and other lifestyle factors known to increase longevity. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at [hca_phone] today.