How to Encourage a Loved One to Get More Exercise

We all know it is important to exercise to stay healthy; but what do you do when an older person you love is a confirmed couch potato and doesn’t want to change. While they are not alone, surveys show only 39% of people over 65 meet the recommended amount of activity each week; it is better to be one of those who do. Add to that, the older people get, the number decreases even more.

The U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services' Health.gov site defines an inactive lifestyle as spending less than 20 minutes each day engaged in moderate intensity exercise. Examples of moderate intensity activities include a brisk walk, dancing, aerobics, and bike riding.

The CDC’s guidelines for adults over the age of 65 is to do 2 ½ to five hours a week of moderate-intensity activity or 1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. If someone is physically unable to meet these guidelines, they suggest doing some type of regular physical activity in accordance with their abilities.

One way to get an older parent or other loved one to start moving is to get them to take a walk with you. If you live in an area with inclement weather, do it at your local mall. If they love flowers or would enjoy growing vegetables, help them start a garden and volunteer to work with them a couple of times a week. Another way to encourage activity is to help them find an exercise buddy. Other ideas include setting up YouTube exercise videos designed for their ability level such as chair yoga and stretching exercises, tai chi or beginner aerobics classes. A fitness watch is a good motivator as it lets them see their daily progress.

Experts say avoid being too preachy but let them know they will actually have more energy the more they move. They explain the bottom line is for the person to find something they enjoy doing but to remember you can’t change their mind. Before beginning any new exercise, they need to consult with their healthcare provider.

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