It can be tough to see our parents leading a sedentary lifestyle, especially as they get older and we worry about their health.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that our parents are adults and they should have the final say in what activities they participate in. We can provide suggestions, but ultimately it’s up to them whether or not they want to heed them.
With that said, here are a few tips on encouraging your parents to stay active in old age.
The benefits of staying active in old age
It’s no secret that staying active is essential for our health, no matter what stage of life we’re in. But when it comes to our parents, convincing them to stay active can be a bit of a challenge.
You may be wondering why this is such an important issue. Well, staying active can help prevent conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It also helps keep the mind sharp and delays the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
A sedentary lifestyle is bad for seniors. It can lead to a host of other health issues. And once these health problems start, they’re difficult to reverse.
How to encourage your parents to stay active
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We’re not asking you to drag them to the gym—although that might work for some people!—but there are plenty of other activities they can enjoy.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Get them started on gardening
- Take a walk together every day
- Sign up for classes at the nearest community center
The key is to find something that they will enjoy, and make it a regular occurrence. When they know they have something to look forward to, they will be more likely to stick with it.
Tips for helping your parents stay active for the long-term
Here are tips to help encourage them to stay active for a long time:
- Make it a family activity. If your parents can see that staying active has transformed you, they’re more likely to want to do it. Try going for walks or hikes together, or sign them up for group classes.
- Make it fun. If your parents associate staying active with having fun, they will be more likely to return to it. Try getting them involved in activities they enjoy, like yoga, bowling, or swimming.
- Make it convenient. If your parents have trouble getting around, try finding activities that are close to home. That way they won’t have an excuse not to participate!
It can be hard to see our parents grow old and become less active, but we can do our part to help them stay healthy and happy. Talk to them about the benefits of staying active and help them find activities they enjoy. Whether it’s taking a walk around the neighborhood, golfing, swimming, or playing table tennis, there are plenty of activities that our parents can enjoy well into their elder years. Be sure to express your support–they will appreciate it more than you realize!