5 Activities for Older Adults Who Lead Sedentary Lives

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Top Activities for a Sedentary Parent in Toronto, ON

Sitting can be just as dangerous for seniors as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet. Older adults who remain sedentary for hours at a stretch are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, circulatory issues, and limited mobility. If your senior loved one is sedentary most of the day, encourage him or her to start moving and prevent these health issues. Take a look at some of the best activities for sedentary seniors.

1. Going to the Park, Museum, or Mall

Many seniors lead sedentary lives because they cannot step out of their homes without assistance. Simply getting out of the house occasionally can make older adults active. Seniors should consider heading out to the park for a walk, visiting a local museum, or mall walking. By finding a good spot to walk, aging adults can let go of their sedentary lives and become more active.

Older adults who need help getting some physical activity should consider professional in-home care. Toronto home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2. Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent choice for people who want to remain active in their golden years. Walking dogs at an animal shelter, playing with children on the playground at an after-school program, and packing boxes of canned goods are a few options worth considering. Most volunteer opportunities provide a way to stay active and maintain a sense of purpose.

3. Gardening

Gardening is a great way to get up and move, and the activity can be modified depending on your loved one’s mobility level. Whether your parent starts a big garden full of veggies or grows a few plants in containers out on the patio, gardening is a wonderful way to stay active and engaged.

Helping older adults with daily activities can be a challenging task, especially for overworked caregivers. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Toronto, ON, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

4. Spending Time with a Dog

Taking care of a dog involves going for walks, playing fetch in the backyard, and engaging in other activities that boost physical health. Just make sure your loved one is comfortable with the idea of a new pet. You can take your parent to a local animal shelter or rescue to see what kind of dogs are available in your area.

5. Using a Fitness App

Something as simple as a pedometer or Fitbit could be what your loved one needs to get moving. Set a daily step goal and challenge your parent to meet it. You can also work together by having contests to see who takes the most steps each week.

Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to boost your parent’s health and wellbeing. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Toronto senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (416) 488-8777 today.

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