You can’t always be there. But we can.
What Might Your Senior Need if She Wants to Start a Walking Program?
Is it Possible to Prevent Hearing Loss for Your Aging Adult?
February 26, 2018
Is It Really Depression or is Your Mom Just Feeling Sad?
March 5, 2018What Might Your Senior Need if She Wants to Start a Walking Program?
Starting a walking program is an excellent way for your elderly family member to add exercise into her routine. Being prepared can help her to be successful.
Senior Care West Hills CA – What Might Your Senior Need if She Wants to Start a Walking Program?
Clearance from Her Doctor
The very first thing your senior needs before starting to walk for fun or for exercise is to talk with her doctor. Her doctor may need to restrict some of her activity or verify that exercise is safe for her right now. Once you’ve got medical clearance, you can get to the heart of the matter.
A Pedometer
A pedometer isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help your elderly family member to keep track of what she’s doing now, how much she’s improving as she continues to walk, and how close she is to her goal. This is especially helpful when your senior is feeling discouraged at not seeing more progress in other ways.
New Sneakers
The right footwear can make all the difference for an elderly family member who is starting a new walking program. Make sure that you find shoes that are just the right size and that fit comfortably. If possible, go to purchase them in person so that you can be sure of the correct fit.
A Water Bottle
Avoiding dehydration is essential when exercising, especially for older adults. Having a water bottle that is easy to carry while walking ensures that your aging adult has the water she needs throughout her walk. Lightweight versions that have a wrist strap are a good choice.
A Walking Companion
While your aging adult may be perfectly able to walk on her own, having someone to walk with her offers her companionship and is just safer. This is true whether she’s walking at home on a treadmill or through the neighborhood. Ideally, you could be your senior’s walking companion, but elder care providers can also step in and make great companions in general.
A Schedule
You and your elderly family member might opt to walk simply when the urge strikes, but that might not be as often as you’d really like in order to help her stay healthy. Having a schedule gives structure to her new walking program.
Once you have an idea what your elderly family member needs, you can start putting everything together. It’s only a matter of getting out there and walking now.
