Focusing on physical fitness is one of the best things your elderly loved one can do at any age, and making a few lifestyle changes related to exercise and diet are some of the easiest ways to accomplish this. Mississauga part-time care experts have a few tips to help your loved one implement these changes and stay fit.
Make Exercise Part of the Daily Routine
When exercise becomes a natural part of your loved one’s day, you likely won’t have to force him or her to do it. Schedule exercise for the time of day when your loved one has the most energy. For most seniors, the best time for physical activity is the morning, though this may vary depending on your loved one’s health.
Exercise as a Social Activity
If your loved one exercises with other people, there is more motivation and support for him or her to stick with the exercise. Your loved one is also less likely to skip out on exercising if other people hold him or her accountable to staying fit. Encourage your loved one to gather a group of friends or neighbors for a regularly scheduled walk, take an exercise class at the local gym, or even start an exercise group at his or her place of worship.
Choose Enjoyable Activities
Exercise can feel like less of a chore and more of a fun activity if your loved one is doing something he or she likes. Seniors who enjoy gardening should make it a habit to tend to their gardens regularly, and competitive seniors can set up a weekly tennis match. For those who like quiet meditation, yoga is the perfect exercise.
Eat Healthy
It’s important for your loved one to eat according to dietary restrictions his or her doctor has specified. If your loved one overeats or becomes ill from eating the wrong foods, he or she will not have the energy or desire to exercise. When providing Mississauga home care, keep your loved one’s consumption of carbohydrates and added sugars to a minimum by only providing recommended serving sizes.
Diet and exercise routines can be more easily managed with the help of a part-time or live-in caregiver. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers can assist your loved one with mobility, encourage regular physical activity, cook healthy meals, and help with a wide array of other tasks. We also offer specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s home care Mississauga families trust. For more information on our in-home care services, call one of our qualified Care Managers at 905-337-1200 to request a free consultation.