As the weather continues to warm up, this is a great time to get your senior loved ones out exercising more and enjoying the outdoors. Sometimes it takes a plan and a little encouragement but the benefits of exercise during old age are plentiful. Staying physically active can boost overall health as well as longevity.
Explain the Benefits
Motivate your senior by listing all the ways exercise will specifically benefit him or her. Each person is unique and the results and motivators vary by person. Will exercise help him or her socially? Maintain a healthier weight? Feel less joint and muscle pain? Sleep better? Be specific and help the senior visualize the benefits.
Find A Group
Often exercising alone is not as enjoyable and without accountability is easier to avoid. Exercising in a group provides physical benefits as well as much needed social time. These groups may be found at senior daycare centers, public or private gyms, assisted living facilities or adult community centers. If you are having trouble locating one, you can start your own group. A group of seniors can simply meet to walk the neighborhood together on a routine basis.
Make It Fun
Whether done in a group or individually, finding an exercise routine that the person actually enjoys is key to establishing a consistent routine. Pickle ball is currently a huge trend for all ages. Yoga (or chair yoga), tai chi and other stretching activities are also popular. A walking route that allows the person to see interesting people and sights along the way is also a great way to make exercise fun.
Take Baby Steps
A very simple workout routine is the best way to get started. Over time, the routine can progress to more challenging workouts. Walking, simple yoga stretches, using light weights and simple aerobics or tai chi moves are great ways to start.
Reward Positive Behavior
Create simple fitness goals that the senior can easily work towards and accomplish. At each milestone, provide a reward that encourages the senior to continue on the path. The rewards can be healthy smoothies, a visit to a museum, a small gift or a meal out. The rewards can also be a chart with stars, small certificates they can hang on the wall or some other way to show off their accomplishments.
Start the spring and summer with a fun, new exercise routine for you senior loved one. Contact the elder law attorneys at Stouffer Legal in the Greater Baltimore area for more information on our services to help seniors prepare for retirement, long-term care, estate planning and incapacity planning. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com.
