Simple Senior Exercise Tips

Written by Nancy

American Council on Exercise/Personal Fitness Trainer

Senior Caregiver

Simple Senior Exercise Tips….

Motivating a senior to exercise can be a challenge, “I am just to old they might say”, or I don’t want to hurt my self, or, to boaring”. My experience has taught me over and over, a little patience, and an upbeat attitude go a long way, and this could be just the thing to get your older client up and moving.

Here are some tips:

1. Check to see if your client or family member has access to a physician prescribed exercise plan.This takes all the guess work off the caregiver. Most healthcare providers are enthusiastic about exercise training and are more than happy to assist you.

2. Keep it Simple and Keep it Going. Have a daily plan you stick to..Example.walking 10 minutes every day and increase duration 5 minutes every week for a month.

3. Ask your senior what they like, you may spark a memory about physical activity that has been forgotten such as ” I ran track in high school, or I use to really enjoyed walking in the park, or I rode my bike every Sunday for years before I got sick”.

4. Never underestimate your encouraging words.. We all like applause..”You did it, good job”, never gets old.

5. Try to schedule exercise session the same time every day, this establishes a routine.

6. Invite others to join you in your activity if available, a neighbor or friend.

7. Reference other senior success stories, this may encourage a “If they can do it I can do it” attitude.

8. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.

9. Have Fun with exercise activity. Positive emotions just plain feel good, thus recreating positive emotions over time can lead to increased exercise adherence and improved performance.

10. If it hurts ” Don’t do it”. Contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

If you need to find a prescreened caregiver to work privately for your love one contact us at: http://www.seniorhomecareusa.com