5 Activities for Older Adults Who Want to Avoid Being Sedentary

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Activities that Prevent Seniors from Being Sedentary in Addison, TX

Living a sedentary lifestyle can put seniors at risk for diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and heart disease. Seniors over 60 are at greater risk for becoming sedentary, particularly if they’re retired, have physical ailments, or aren’t as social as they once were. Studies have shown seniors who sit frequently are also at greater risk for developing disabilities and losing their independence. If your senior loved one isn’t as active as he or she should be throughout the day, here are some ways to make a change. 

1. Gardening

Gardening is an activity many seniors enjoy, and while it’s a highly physical activity that requires plenty of movement, it can be adjusted to fit anyone’s ability level. Working in a garden has several other benefits as well. Seniors who grow their own fruits and vegetables may eat a healthier diet or share their bounty with friends and neighbors, which encourages them to remain social.  Regular socialization can help seniors remain active and healthy. For families living in Irving, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

2. Learning a New Skill

If your loved one has always longed to learn something new that’s an active skill or hobby, now’s the perfect time to encourage him or her to go for it. Dancing, tennis, golf, karate, yoga, archery, hiking, and bird-watching are all activities that can get your loved one out of the chair and moving. If your loved one is hesitant about joining a team or taking a class with younger people, check your local senior center or religious institution for classes aimed specifically at older adults. 

3. Counting Steps

Trying to meet a goal of taking a certain number of steps per day is a great way to encourage your loved one to get moving. Your loved one may get up and walk around the house more or take long walks around the neighborhood, or he or she may walk up and down the driveway or join a local mall walking group. Any walking is good for sedentary seniors, so consider gifting your loved one with a device to track his or her fitness. An active lifestyle can boost an aging adult’s overall health and wellbeing. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

4. Joining a Social Group

One reason many seniors remain sedentary is because they live an isolated lifestyle. Their kids have grown up, their spouses may have passed away, and their friends, neighbors, and coworkers often move away. Look for social groups for seniors in your community that engage in activities like bowling, dancing, shopping, traveling, and anything else that might prevent your loved one from sitting at home in a chair all day. Your loved one may feel more comfortable doing these activities with people his or her own age. 

5. Volunteering

Certain types of volunteer work are also a great way to stay active if your loved one has the ability to do them. Find out if a local animal shelter or rescue group needs people to walk the dogs. Your loved one can babysit for a neighbor’s kids or spend time volunteering at a school. Animals and kids keep everyone on their feet. Going on charity walks, cleaning up trash from the side of the road, working in community gardens, coaching kids’ leagues, and doing chores and errands for people who can’t leave their homes are all ways to give back and stay active at the same time.  Being physically active is one of the best ways to prevent many age-related health issues. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Irving, TX, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (817) 591-1580 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.

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