Walking is the ultimate exercise for seniors. Going for walks exposes seniors to fresh air and sunshine, and walking is light enough for them to do it on days when they might not be feeling their best. As with any other form of exercise, seniors still need to be cautious. Aging adults should follow these tips when they take walks.
1. Give the Weather a Quick Check
The weather can sometimes be far different from what it looks like through the window. For instance, your aging loved one might get hot rather quickly if he or she is walking in a park with a lot of direct sunlight. Your loved one should also avoid getting caught in a sudden rainstorm if he or she is far from shelter. Take a look at the weather report and plan your loved one’s route and attire accordingly.
2. Remember to Warm Up & Cool Down
Your loved one might be eager to get out there and pound the pavement, but first he or she needs to get his or her body ready. A warmup can consist of a few light stretches, and your loved one can do the same thing to cool down. Remind your parent to take the first and last five minutes of the walk at a slightly slower pace than the rest of the walk.
3. Tell Someone the Walking Route
There are many things that can happen on a walk, and your loved one can get hurt or lost even in his or her own neighborhood. Make sure your loved one lets you or someone else know before going on a walk by sending a quick text. Your loved one should also carry his or her smartphone and consider inviting a caregiver along to increase personal safety.
If you usually help your loved one walk for exercise but need a break now and then, hiring a professional caregiver to take over on occasion is a great option. Surrey respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Pay Attention to the Body’s Signals
By now, your loved one should know his or her body well enough to know when he or she is pushing toward the limit. Seniors shouldn’t try to push forward when facing physical difficulties. Your loved one should maintain a pace that allows him or her to breathe comfortably and have a conversation with a companion. If your loved one gets tired, he or she should take a break or slow down the pace. Your loved one is more likely to keep up the walking habit if he or she doesn’t overdo it.
If your loved one needs help exercising safely, hiring a professional caregiver can be an ideal solution. Surrey at-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
5. Dress for the Occasion
A good pair of walking shoes is an obvious wardrobe choice. Yet your loved one may want to think about a few other pieces of gear. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can protect the skin and eyes on sunny days. A lightweight jacket can also help your loved one stay warm on a cooler walk, and it can easily be tied around his or her waist if it gets hot.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Hazards
Walking is one form of exercise that comes with a low risk for injuries, but seniors can still fall down and get hurt. Seniors should make sure to glance at the paths in front of them periodically to check for potential obstacles. Your loved one could easily encounter a rock or another hazard on routes he or she has taken a hundred times. Paying attention helps your loved one adjust the route as needed to prevent an injury.
Assistance with exercising safely is just one of the benefits seniors receive when families enlist the help of trained professional caregivers. Senior 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. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (778) 279-3634 today.