The first thought that comes to mind when we think of our aging parents and grandparents is the unconditional love, valuable advice, and the many pampering treats they spoiled us with. The truth is, the presence of elders in a house gives it comforting energy that makes it feel like home. The thought of them away from us, stuck to bed in a hospital, frail and weak, gives us the heebie-jeebies.
So what are the things we can do to ensure they live happily in their own home for as long as possible? We make sure they stay active and healthy!
How Can Elders Benefit from Physical Movement?
According to the medical community, physical activity slows down the downsides of aging, making you healthier and live longer. Daily exercise and mind-building activities can improve mental health, physical fitness, and defense against germs and bacteria.
When we help our elders get routine exercises, we help them build cardiovascular health, boost their energy, and improve overall health. When the elders stay active, they build flexibility and strength that will enable them to live independently for a long time.
Besides offering them our genuine care and support, here are some basic steps you can take to ensure your elders can age as gracefully as they can and remain active and healthy at home with you.
1- Get Them Professional Help
Several families have elderly members who suffer from long-term illnesses like Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, or Dementia. These illnesses require full-time care. However, financial and domestic responsibilities can often come in the way of spending time and providing the necessary care.
Don’t shy away from getting third-party help here. Now, with the modern world offering e-degrees and training, it is easier to get professional help at home. Numerous people enroll in msn to np programs online and get an in-depth insight into nursing. These professionals are equipped with skills and training to deal with older adults efficiently and remove the much-needed stress off of their shoulders.
2- Educate Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Often older people are not easy to talk to, and sometimes they become stubborn as they age. You must equip yourself with persuasion skills and convince them to be more fit. Many people have relatives who suffer from health issues that they could have avoided if they had been more active.
You can convince your loved ones to leave the bed or sofa and move around a bit with the right information.
It is also important to know what types of exercises your elderly can do, as some illnesses can limit their abilities. Ignorance can lead to health issues; therefore, it is best to consult with experts and come up with the best plan.
3– Provide them with Resources to Workout
Purchasing gym equipment can encourage our loved ones to exercise at home. The new sleek machine at home will serve as a reminder to try something new.
As another option, you can help them subscribe to physical trainers’ programs online so they can watch videos and try out some exercises at home. Sometimes, workout gear serves as a boosting factor and develops an urge to work out and stay fit.
To motivate them further, you can also try working out with them. It will not only improve their health but also provide some quality time they will treasure.
4- Encourage Them to Take Stairs
Stair climbing is beneficial for the elderly in many ways. Not only it reduces the risk of falling by increasing leg strength, but it also helps increase the good cholesterol levels in the blood.
Encourage your elders to take stairs so they can pump up their heart rate and stay active. Walking up and down the stairs is the cheapest low-impact exercise that anyone can adopt in their routine to stay active and upbeat.
However, this varies on the age and disease of a person, so keep them company and start with fewer steps in beginning to avoid any mishaps.
5- Involve Them in House Chores
Many elderly parents or grandparents have a lot of time on their hands and minimal activities to do all day. Sitting idle all day is not only bad for your physical health, but it is also dangerous for your mental health.
Many people don’t involve their older relatives in house work because of their age. This can have adverse effects on their health. Instead, let your loved ones engage in home chores they like to do, or arrange some easy activities for them, like watering the plants, baking, or other tasks that keep them involved.
If they are passionate about cooking, family members should let them play with spices and cook occasionally. However, it is important that you keep a look out and make sure that they do not exhaust themselves.
The Bottom line
Health is the most valuable asset that plays a vital role in every aspect of human life. By living an active life, we not only gain physical health but also enhance psychological health. As we age, we become weak and susceptible to various diseases. This may take all our energy and enthusiasm away to take part in daily physical activities. Our older family members may be going through the same thing. They contribute significantly to other family members’ lives and their existence in the house empowers us all. Thus, it is the responsibility of other family members to keep a close watch on their aging loved one’s health and encourage them to stay active so they can age with grace, and spend a long live with them.
