How To Motivate Your Older Loved Ones To Exercise
Exercising regularly is one of the best things that older adults can do for their physical and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, many loving caregivers struggle to encourage their loved ones over 55-70 to get off the couch and make time for regular exercise. If you’re struggling to motivate an elderly person to stay active, there are some simple steps you can take to boost enthusiasm and make exercising a priority without sacrificing safety or diminishing quality of life. Here’s a look at how to encourage your senior family member or friend into an active lifestyle while promoting fall prevention.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Encourage your older loved ones to make it enjoyable and sustainable. Here are a few tips to help them get started:
1. Set specific days and time
Establishing a consistent exercise schedule can help create a habit. Encourage your older family members to choose specific days and times for their exercise sessions, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with themselves.
2. Mix it up
Encourage your older loved ones to diversify their routine by trying different activities. This can help prevent boredom and engage different muscle groups, promoting overall balance and flexibility.
3. Set goals and track progress
Goals are not only motivating but also allow for adjustments and recognition of achievements. Encourage your loved ones to keep a record of their exercise sessions, noting improvements in strength, balance, or endurance. This tracking can be as simple as jotting down notes in a journal or using smartphone apps designed for fitness tracking.
4. Buddy up
Exercising with a friend or family member isn’t just about breaking a sweat together— it’s an opportunity to bond, have fun, and unlock a world of benefits. Instead of simply encouraging your older family members to get moving, why not join them on this adventure? Not only will you cherish quality time together, but you’ll also reap the rewards of exercise firsthand.
5. Choose what the person enjoys
Identify activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s dancing, gardening, or playing a sport, finding an exercise that aligns with their interests will make it easier to stick with a routine.
It is vitally important that older adults make regular exercise part of their routine to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. As a caregiver, you can support the process and help motivate your loved one in multiple different ways. Most importantly is to choose exercises that they personally enjoy so that they derive as much benefit as possible from each workout session. If your older family members want to learn more about how exercise can help reduce falls at home check out our article on different exercises you can do inside or outside. you will be helping them take control of their health and wellbeing today so they can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle for years into the future.
