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Senior Activities

Since every person is different, it’s important to be aware of the body and how much exercise can be to tolerated while maintaining good health. When caring for an aging parent or loved-one, a recommended exercise target is 150 minutes or about 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week. 

 

But if they’re not there yet, don’t worry! Start by building up endurance, trying to increase exercise time each week. Be sure your loved-one has physician approval before beginning any exercise program.

10 Great Ideas for Senior Activities

  1. Take a walk around the neighborhood, a local park or a nature center.
  2. Work in the yard, no matter what the season: planting flowers, mowing the grass, raking leaves or shoveling snow. (These can be fun activities to share with grandkids)!
  3. Ride a bike. If you don’t have one, borrow one from a friend.
  4. Take a yoga class or other senior activity program offered at your local community center.
  5. Clean the house. Put on your favorite upbeat music and make it fun!
  6. Play a Wii or other video game fitness program with your grandkids; see who wins!
  7. Take an exercise class from your local community center. It’s a great way to make friends.
  8. Join or organize a mall-walking club. Exercise while shopping!
  9. Go dancing. This can be with your friends or family. 
  10. Take a water aerobics class or go swimming.

Safety Tips for Senior Exercise

  • Warming up is important. Stretch muscles or take a short walk before beginning exercise.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • When exercising outside, always be aware of the surroundings. Exercise during the day or in well-lit areas. Also, stay in groups if possible.
  • Wear the right shoes for exercising.
  • Listen to your body! Your breathing may become faster but even while exercising, you should still be able to talk clearly. Don’t push beyond the body’s limits.
  • Cool down after exercising: stretch again or take a short, light walk.

A Customized Senior Care Experience

At Comfort Keepers®, we understand that each senior has different interests and needs. If you are caring for an aging parent, learn more about the Interactive Caregiving to see how we customize each senior’s care plan to meet the unique needs, interests and abilities of each senior we serve.