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| Exercise is essential to good health at every age. |
by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist
In recognition of National Senior Health & Fitness Day,
we’re offering tips to help caregivers and their loved ones can work together
to stay active.
National Senior Health & Fitness Day is May 28, and this
year’s theme is “Make a Move Toward Better Health!” Staying active has benefits
at every age, which is why is ideal when seniors and caregivers can encourage
one another and work toward common goals.
Exercise helps relieve stress, strengthens muscles, and even
helps manage high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions. Exercises like
Kegels can even help individuals better manage incontinence by strengthening
the pelvic muscles that control urine flow.
Staying active is just as important for caregivers. With the
challenging roles they fill, staying happy and healthy makes them better
caregivers.
Here are five ideas for making a move toward better health:
1. Aiming for at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise
most days meets the recommendation for most adults. Examples of activities that
caregivers and their loved ones can enjoy together include walking, bicycling,
gardening, water exercises, yoga and resistance band exercises.
2. Caregivers and seniors can motivate one another to keep
active. Patient, positive persuasion has a higher rate of success than
coercion. Reminding a loved one of exercise’s effects on health, well being and
longevity often is the best approach. Other family members or friends might
join in the activity to provide praise and encouragement.
3. Setting and working toward goals together can be
motivating and rewarding. An example is teaming up to participate in a
community event, such as a 1-mile walk or even a 5K. A senior can begin with
short walks, journaling her progress while reaching small, manageable goals
along the way.
4. It’s important to consult a physician before beginning
any exercise program. A senior may be reluctant to discuss medical problems
with family members for fear of loss of independence, so it’s important to
encourage a loved one to be honest with his doctor.
5. A regular exercise program is more effective when seniors
and caregivers also follow healthy eating habits, stay hydrated, get plenty of
sleep, and find ways to manage stress.
The 20th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day on
May 28 is one of the nation’s largest health promotions for older adults.
Recognizing the important of staying active, organized fitness events for older
adults will take place at more than 1,000 locations, including senior centers,
hospitals, parks, churches and other community locations. Visit FitnessDay.com
for more information.
Be sure to check out our collections of caregiver health
tips and daily affirmations on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.
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| Dianna Malkowski |
Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant
and Mayo Clinic trainednutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound
healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. She serves on the board of
professional advisors for The CareGiver Partnership and enjoys working with
patients and caregivers alike. Ask Dianna a question, or call 1-800-985-1353
for Personalized AttentionSM from a product specialist.
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