When it comes to taking care of your elderly loved ones, you can find lots of useful advice. But, there is also the risk that you’re too involved in their health and well-being, especially with physical activity. While it’s good to help your parents or grandparents stay active, which benefits the mind and the body, you shouldn’t treat them like children. They still need their independence, and knowing how to keep active successfully can contribute to this. 

Don’t Overdo It 

Seniors must remember that they aren’t as young and nimble as they once were. However, it can be hard to move away from old habits, especially if they have certain expectations of their abilities. Medical experts advise around 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Of course, these are just guidelines, and some seniors may be able to do more. Even so, it is best to stick to moderate activity at first to improve conditioning before increasing your workload, as otherwise, you’ll risk a substantial injury. 

Find Local Groups and Communities 

Working out by yourself can feel lonely, and it’s difficult to motivate yourself to exercise if you have no one to go with. Furthermore, heading to the gym surrounded by young and fit athletes is intimidating. Local groups and active senior living communities can change this. Here, you’ll have a wide range of people who want the same results as you, and you can connect with them on a peer level. It’s challenging to find common ground with those much younger than you, but if you are surrounded by those who have had the same experiences, you will find exercise much more effective. 

Remember Muscle Workouts 

Weaker muscles can contribute to many more injuries, so you cannot forget regular muscle workouts. You may not be able to lift as much as you once did, but a senior-designed 20-minute strength training program can offer exceptional benefits that also improve conditioning, balance, and much more. By strengthening your muscles, you are at a smaller risk of trips and falls, and you might even be able to push yourself to tackle more demanding routines, too. 

Look For Low Impact Options 

If you’re worried about putting too much pressure on your joints, low-impact workouts are a fantastic way to stay healthy and active without putting yourself at risk of injury. The likes of yoga, cycling, and swimming are popular amongst seniors, and many will use these workouts as a foundation to improve their overall health and fitness. If you want to get back to an active lifestyle, these exercises are a good place to start, and they can set the tone to boost your confidence and encourage you to push yourself further than you’ve pushed yourself before. 

Active 

Staying active is crucial at any age, but it arguably becomes more important once you turn 55. By knowing how to remain active, your older relatives can continue to live a long, happy, and healthy life, and they might even achieve things they never thought were possible.