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Keeping seniors active and engaged should be a priority in daily life. We’re not expecting your loved ones to run laps around the yard, but regular activities within their limits can help prevent or delay many health problems.
Keeping your muscles active and strong will also make your loved one less prone to trips and falls, and ultimately feel better.
Mental well-being is equally important, with depression increasing the risk of physical health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes.
Remember, any physical activity and mental engagement is better than none! Start small if you have to, but try to meet the following recommendations from the CDC:
- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week (30 minutes for 5 days a week).
- At least 2 days per week of activities that strengthen muscles.
- Activities that improve balance.
- Try to reduce feelings of loneliness and prolonged ‘lulls’, by partaking in daily engaging activities and socializing.
We know it’s a lot easier to say this than to actually get up and do it regularly. Our advice is to find ways to incorporate activities into the daily routine or as part of another task or hobby.
Suggestions to Encourage Your Loved One to Be Active and Engaged
1. Take Regular Walks Together
Every time you visit your loved one, ask them to go for a walk with you around the neighborhood. This is great for removing any feelings of cabin fever and getting fresh air in the lungs! And you’ll likely be able to socialize on the move.
2. Find Programs and Groups Nearby
Many senior centers and local park districts will offer exercise groups for seniors. There are also likely many hobby groups or religious gatherings available. It’s worth researching what’s available and offering to sign your loved one up. This can also be a great place to get your loved one to socialize more often.
A professional senior home care caregiver could be a good solution if getting to and from the events is a problem.
3. Organize Social Meet-Ups
Whether it’s a meal out or grabbing a coffee, meeting up with friends and family out of the house is a great way to get the brain engaged; it’s even better if you add in some walking en route.
4. Use the Internet
The internet shouldn’t be relied upon, but for many seniors, it’s simply overlooked. Incorporating the internet into their life can allow your loved one to engage with friends and family, via FaceTime, text chats or simply researching their favorite topics. When you can’t be there in person, they can turn to a video call to fight off the loneliness. If you really want to get creative, why not consider video games or even VR games? From online chess to VR racing, there’s something for everyone.
This can be overwhelming to set up for many. By using a senior home caregiver, you can ensure someone is always on hand to set up the tech.
5. Make Hobbies Easier
Age shouldn't mean our favorite hobbies become obsolete. Analyze what is restricting your loved one from enjoying their favorite hobbies.
For example, does your Mum need new knitting equipment that is better suited to seniors? Or does Dad need a tablet version of the sudoku he usually plays in the newspaper?
Hobbies can also be made far easier with the support of a professional in-home caregiver, who will be able to assist them at any moment.
6. Retain Some Independent
Even if your loved one needs constant live-in care, you should always look for ways to encourage independence that can keep them engaged. For example:
7. Consider Hiring a Professional In-Home Caregiver
Hiring a senior home care caregiver can open so many doors to keeping seniors active and engaged. Those lonely, drab hours get replaced by engaging conversations, active encouragement, laughs, walks and assistance. It also frees up time for your loved one to get out and about, or converse with their family and friends - as the caregiver can take care of tedious time-consuming chores and errands.
Feel free to contact Visiting Angels Tampa today to arrange a referral for a professional caregiver in Pasco and North Pinelllas Counties at 727-841-8440 & Hillsborough County at 813-909-2550 Today.
What Are Some Specific Exercise Examples?
Cardio Examples
Cardio is arguably the most important part of keeping a senior active. This is all about getting the heart rate up and the lungs active. It’s very easy to neglect with age.
- Walk to the store
- Walk the dog
- Park a bit further away than usual, to promote walking.
- Learn a new dance, or encourage dancing while listening to music.
- Ride a stationary bike
- Join a water aerobics class
- Take routine walks around the yard or neighborhood, such as after lunch.
Everyone’s fitness is different. So your loved one should do what’s possible and what makes them feel good.
Muscle Strengthening Examples
Seniors need to keep making those muscles stronger at least 2 days a week. For some seniors, they might want to lift weights and work with resistance bands.
But for others, it’s a lot harder to get motivated. In those cases, you can consider doing some yoga postures or doing some gentle manual labor tasks like gardening.
Balance Examples
Every year, 3 million people are treated in emergency departments in the U.S. for falls. One in five of these falls causes serious injuries.
Seniors can help strengthen their balance by doing daily exercises such as:
- Walking backwards
- Standing on one leg
- Walking heel-to-toe
- Marching on the spot
- Raising toes with heels on the ground.
There’s also a bunch of multi-beneficial exercise activities such as Tai Chi, Gardening and walking sports.
Contact Us for a Caregiver Referral to Senior Home Care Services in Tampa, FL, Pasco County and North Pinellas County.
If you need professional senior home care, contact Visiting Angels today to arrange a referral of a professional caregiver to provide Senior Home Care in the Tampa Bay area including the surrounding counties.
Whether you're ready to get started or would like to learn more, we'll be happy to have a conversation with you or your loved one.
You can call us at 813-909-2550 today for Hillsborough & 727-841-8440 in Pasco & North Pinellas areas - Available 24/7 to talk with a Visiting Angels Representative.
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