How to Help Your Grandparents Get Started With Exercising 

It is incredibly important to remain active as people get older, but it is also something that many people struggle with as they age. People often struggle with mobility and are unable to perform the same activities that they could when they were younger, so what can you do to help your grandparents, or an elderly loved one to get active and reap the benefits of regular exercise?

The Benefits

First, it is important to explain the benefits that should encourage them to get moving. Regular exercise for seniors can reduce weight, prevent disease, improve cognitive function and could help them to live longer. In addition to this, there are mental health benefits and the chance to socialize and have some fun.

Exercise Options

While they might not be able to run a marathon, you should find that there are exercises that they can do that can provide the benefits mentioned above. Daily walking, yoga, pilates and strength-training exercises that can be done sitting down can all help. If they are able to, swimming is an excellent form of exercise for seniors as it provides a full-body workout and is low impact.

Having a few different activities that they can do can help to keep things varied. It is a smart idea to have an exercise that they can do at home, such as yoga, as well as exercise that will get them out of the house (even better if it is a social activity). 

Help If They Get Injured

Injuries are an obvious concern for a senior when exercising. It can be easier for an older person to hurt themselves while exercising, especially if they have mobility problems. If possible, they should be supervised while exercising so that someone can help them if they hurt themselves. If they suffer an injury that was not their fault, such as slipping on a wet floor, then you can help by contacting a personal injury lawyer and seeking compensation.

If they are recovering from an injury, you could attend their appointments with them and speak to the doctor to see what you can do to help. Additionally, do not rush them into exercise again and make sure that you provide emotional support for them. 

Hopefully, this post will help you to get your grandparents, or an elderly loved one to start exercising. Not only is this important for their health, but it could also greatly improve their life in a handful of different ways.