Many of us tend to overindulge in tasty treats during the holidays. At FootPrints Home Care, we know from personal experience how easy it is to forget your diet when someone is cutting a slice of pie for a special occasion. Don’t settle for hiding extra pounds under a large holiday sweater! Instead, try the following tips for you and your senior parent to move around more, stay in shape and drop some unwanted pounds. It’s never too late to get healthy!
STAYING ACTIVE
Regular exercise can also help seniors stay safe. Medline’s report Exercise for Seniors notes that “balance exercises help prevent falls,” which is of particular concern for seniors because of the potential for injury. Exercising can also reduce blood pressure, lower risk of heart diseases, and fight off the onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If it’s not already a part of your routine, or your elderly loved one’s routine, make an effort to try it this year. Here are some ideas for you and your loved one to try:
- Sign up for exercise classes
- Participate in senior dances at the community center
- Try water aerobics in the pool (easier on the joints)
- Practice Tai Chi or Yoga to stay limber and keep the blood flowing
Even if you or your parent do not exercise on a regular basis, it’s easy to get in the habit of going for a daily walk around the neighborhood, a local park or inside a mall if the weather is inclement. FootPrints Home Care wants to remind you to consult a physician before starting a new exercise program.
Once you get yourself into a fitness routine, keep it up! The team at FootPrints Home Care hopes you and your senior will make exercise a habit throughout the year instead of just a temporary measure to shed holiday weight gain. Our caregivers really care about you and your senior, and we want you to stay happy and healthy! Contact us to learn more about our caregiving services and how we can help you!
