Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Senior Parent

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Exercises You Can Do with Your Elderly Loved One in Toronto, ON

One of the easiest ways for aging adults to maintain their health is by getting into better shape. If you have an elderly loved one who needs to exercise more, you’ll have an easier time convincing him or her if you participate as well. Here are a few suggestions for getting fit together.

Go for a Walk

Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise for people of all ages to begin and maintain, and walking for 30 minutes a day at a brisk pace can do wonders for the leg muscles. All you and your loved one need are comfortable shoes and half an hour of spare time. Walking is a joint-friendly form of aerobic exercise that can boost your loved one’s energy and endurance, increase his or her lung capacity, and enhance his or her cardiovascular health. If there are no good sidewalks or walking trails nearby, try heading to the nearest mall or shopping center for a stroll. There’s a good chance you’ll find other older adults and younger family members doing the same thing.

Exercise to a Video

There are a number of exercise videos available on DVD or online that are geared specifically toward aging adults. These videos can help your loved one build and maintain flexibility and muscle strength, and many of the exercises can even be performed from a seated position. You can also make the exercises more challenging for yourself by doing them from a standing position or by adding additional movements or weights.

If your loved one has mobility challenges or other health issues that make following an exercise routine difficult, he or she may benefit from the assistance of a dedicated caregiver. In-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.

Swim in a Pool

Water is the perfect exercise medium because the body’s weight is completely supported, which means there’s little risk of joint or muscle injury. Simply walking back and forth in the water can help your loved one build muscle mass and increase joint mobility. If possible, your loved one can try more vigorous swimming techniques, such as the freestyle leg kick or the front crawl. You can also incorporate some fun aerobic activity by tossing a ball back and forth.

Depending on your loved one’s level of mobility, he or she may require assistance with swimming or performing daily tasks. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Toronto homecare provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

Lift Weights

If your loved one doesn’t have any challenging health problems, encourage him or her to start a weightlifting program. Weight training can help your loved one build muscle strength, which can make it easier to perform daily tasks. Weight training doesn’t have to involve heavy barbells or intimidating machines at a gym. Your loved one can use light dumbbells, resistance bands, or even soup cans from the pantry to do a few bicep curls as you follow along using heavier weights. In addition, using weights for exercises such as squats and leg curls is one of the most effective ways of increasing leg strength. 


While these exercises and activities can be fun to enjoy with your parent, you may not always have time to participate in them. If you’re on a busy schedule, a professional caregiver can help. 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. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (416) 488-8777 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

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