How To Get Your Senior Parent To Exercise At Home

One of the more challenging tasks that family caregivers have to do is try to get a senior parent to exercise more. Movement is very important for seniors who want to maintain their flexibility and mobility. But if your mom or dad has a medical challenge or physical ailments it can be tough to get them to move more at home.

A great way to get your senior parent to exercise at home is to have home care assistance. If your mom or dad has home care assistance they will have someone in the house with them every day to encourage them to get up, walk around, play games, and try to incorporate more movement into their daily routine.

Movement is more fun when it’s done with a friend, and with home care assistance your mom or dad will have a friend in the house with them that will play games with them that emphasize senior-safe movements like playing balloon toss or beanbag toss. Some other fun ways to encourage your mom or dad to move more at home are:

Encourage Chair Exercises

If standing or walking is difficult for your mom or dad, chair exercises are a great way for seniors to stay active. Encourage your senior parent to do gentle movements like arm lifts, leg extensions, or seated marches while sitting in a sturdy chair.

Resistance bands or light weights can also be used to build strength. Chair exercises help improve flexibility and circulation without putting too much strain on the body.

Take Short, Frequent Walks

Even if long walks are not possible, taking short, frequent walks throughout the day can make a big difference for your mom or dad. Walking around the house, down the driveway, or through the backyard can help keep their muscles active.

If your mom or dad uses a walker or cane setting small goals, like walking to the kitchen during commercial breaks or making one extra lap around the living room, can add up to more movement each day.

Make Everyday Activities More Active

Simple daily tasks can be turned into opportunities for movement. Instead of staying seated while folding laundry, encourage your mom or dad to stand for a few minutes.

If they enjoy cooking, they can stir ingredients, chop vegetables, or set the table while standing or leaning against a counter. Even doing small stretches while watching TV can keep them engaged and moving. These small activities help maintain strength and coordination.

Use Music and Dance

Music can be a great motivator to get moving. Playing your mom or dad’s favorite songs and encouraging them to stand up, wave their arms, or do other gentle movements can make exercise feel more fun.

They can tap their feet, sway their arms, or do simple dance moves while sitting or standing. Dancing, even for just a few minutes, can help improve balance, flexibility, and mood. Listening to music can also help seniors maintain their cognitive health.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Upper East Side, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 646-480-6266