5 Active Ideas to Keep Your Aging Loved Ones Moving

As your loved ones age, they’re likely to slow down. For instance, they might not participate as much in the activities and hobbies that they once loved. Instead, they change their routines to accommodate chronic pain or other health issues. However, you shouldn’t let them become totally inactive.

Spending 10 hours or more in a sedentary position isn’t healthy for anyone, especially aging adults. Staying fit is important for their emotional and physical well-being as well as their sense of independence. Even doing mild exercises can positively impact their health, help them stay independent for longer and ensure good quality of life. Below are various levels of activity that your loved ones can do to keep moving.

1. Walking Around the Block

Taking a walk around the neighborhood is a great way to get mild exercise. At the same time, walking outside can relieve cabin fever and allow your loved ones to get some fresh air. Consider going with them as a safety precaution.

2. Dancing With Others

Older adults who can do more moderate exercises may enjoy dancing. In fact, it’s one of the best activities to keep them moving. You could organize a dance party with family and friends at your loved ones’ homes. In some communities, there are senior groups that they can join, which gives the added benefit of social interaction.

3. Household Chores

Another form of mild-to-moderate exercise is keeping up with household chores, such as cooking, dusting, gardening and vacuuming. Encouraging your loved ones to participate can be very beneficial for their independence even if they receive care at home from you or a full-time nurse. In general, in-home caregivers can provide assistance so that older adults can pursue their interests.

4. Seated Exercises

If your aging loved ones have limited mobility, exercise isn’t totally out of the question. Even those who need care around the clock can benefit from low-level exercise. In such cases, seated exercises are ideal. These can include raising their legs or lifting weighted objects to maintain muscle tone. Additionally, meditation and some yoga positions can be achieved while sitting and are known to reduce anxiety, depression and stress.

5. Adapted Hobbies

Sometimes, older adults get discouraged from doing the things that they love. Obstacles get in the way, and they don’t know how to overcome them. You could find a way to adapt their hobbies for those challenges. If they love gardening but struggle to get around outside, bring the gardening indoors. If they love playing instruments but arthritis prevents it, maybe they could give music lessons instead. Talk to their doctors or occupational therapists for more ideas to customize their hobbies according to their needs.

Finding ways to keep aging adults active can be difficult in some situations. Fortunately, Caring Home Care is a registry that can pair you with a knowledgeable in-home caregiver for help. Your care assistant will work with your loved ones to find out which activities they like to do and will spend time doing those activities with them too.