How to Get Your Elderly Parent Active

Everyone needs to be physically active. Getting an elderly parent to increase his level of activity can pose some problems, but by working with him, you can devise a routine that will help him become and stay physically active.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• Physician's approval
• Gym membership (optional)
• Clothes
• Equipment
• Love

How to Get Your Elderly Parent Active

1. First, you need to talk to your parent to figure out what kinds of activities she likes best. Walking, water aerobics and swimming are some good choices, as they are not as hard on the joints and bones.
2. Work with your parent’s physician to make sure she is healthy enough for the activity she chooses.
3. Once you get the go-ahead from the doctor, find a place where your parent can participate in his chosen activity. There are many walking programs for older adults in malls across the country. The local YMCA or another gym is a good choice for water aerobics or swimming. Another way to help is by engaging in the activity with your parent. Take him to the beach for the day for a swim, and go to the mall with him to walk in the morning, before the place gets busy. Join the YMCA and make the days you go there together family-bonding sessions. Performing these activities with your parent provides a great incentive for him to continue, because he will want to spend more time with you.
4. Get your parent the right clothes and equipment. Be sure she has properly fitting shoes to walk in. Take her to a reputable shoe store that does fittings, and replace the shoes at least every three months. You don’t want to take a chance of doing harm to your loved one's feet! If she chooses swimming or water aerobics, help her find a good, breathable swimsuit that is easy to move in. Also, look into ear protection so that she doesn’t get water in her ears and develop infections.
5. Check with your parent to verify that he is sticking to the routine once it’s been established. Or, if you are exercising with him, make sure you stick to your guns and go every time you are supposed to. Don’t let him down! Stress to him the importance of exercise at every age. Once he becomes physically active, he will feel and look better. Hopefully this will be an incentive to stick with the activity. Reinforce how proud you are of him; it will go a long way in keeping him constant in his routine.

Tips & Warnings

• Present your parent with documentation that proves physical activity is good for her.
• Be consistent!
• Make sure your parent doesn't overdo it at first.
• Always check with your physician before starting an exercise routine.