As a non-medical, in-home care provider, one of our primary goals is to ensure that seniors remain active and engaged in their daily lives. Staying active enhances physical health and boosts mental well-being and overall quality of life. Here are some effective strategies to help your aging loved one remain active at home.

Encourage Physical Activity

Getting enough physical activity throughout the day is essential to improving cognitive well-being, promoting good health, and improving mobility for aging adults. The benefits of structured movement also include improved sleep, reduced feelings of depression and anxiety, and lower blood pressure, all of which contribute to healthy brains, hearts, and bones.

Chair Exercises

Many seniors may have mobility limitations, making chair exercises an excellent option for building strength. These gentle routines can improve coordination, flexibility, and balance. Consider creating a daily exercise plan that includes a variety of movements.

Walking

Simple and effective, walking can be done indoors or outdoors depending on the season of the year. Encourage short, regular walks to help maintain stamina and to explore the neighborhood. Walking is beneficial for both mental and physical health, and it’s more accessible than other forms of exercise for seniors living with mobility constraints.

Stretching and Yoga

Incorporating stretching or gentle yoga into your aging loved one’s daily routine can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness, helping to prevent injuries. Look for online videos to follow along with or classes designed specifically for seniors.

Promote Mental Stimulation

Staying active mentally is just as important as staying active physically for well-being. Mental stimulation is not only important for cognitive health, but it also enriches your aging loved one’s quality of life.

Encourage Learning

Enjoy puzzles, regular memory challenges, and games such as puzzles, family board games, and crosswords with your loved one to help keep their mind sharp. Set up a cozy reading nook with their favorite books or audiobooks and encourage them to participate in virtual classes or workshops on topics that interest them. Many platforms offer free courses tailored for seniors.

Foster Social Connections

1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 report feeling experiences of loneliness and social isolation. Keeping your loved one socially active can benefit their cognition and physical health. Help coordinate regular video calls with family and friends and look for groups such as book clubs, crafting sessions, or volunteer organizations to help your loved one alleviate feelings of loneliness.

Encourage Creative Outlets

What hobbies is your loved one interested in? Providing supplies for painting, knitting, or other crafts can spark creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment. If space permits, consider container gardening or outdoor gardening with them. Tending to plants can be therapeutic and provide light physical activity.

Provide Support and Encouragement

Help your aging loved one establish a daily routine that includes physical, mental, and social activities. A structured day can help maintain motivation and engagement. Encourage them to set small, achievable goals for daily activities, whether it's reading a chapter, completing a puzzle, or walking a certain distance. Most importantly, make sure their home environment is free from hazards to prevent falls and encourage the use of proper footwear during activities. Offer support, and encouragement, and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small.

Find Professional Help

In-home, non-medical home caregivers can play a vital role in helping seniors stay active and engaged at home to enhance their quality of life and foster independence in their daily routines. At HomeSpark, our dedicated care providers take the time to understand what your aging loved one enjoys doing and create care plans uniquely tailored to their needs. Care services include companionship, meal preparation, transportation, personal care, and help with household duties.

Contact our team to learn more about how we can help keep your aging loved one active as they age in the comfort of their own home.