Wellness experts use the phrase \u201cdiet and exercise\u201d like a magic word, as if just saying it will make people healthier. But that\u2019s just not how things work. Yes, eating right and getting movement are crucial to being heart-healthy\u2014but they can be difficult, especially for seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the thing: Most seniors want to exercise and eat right. They just face obstacles that make it hard to do so. Those barriers aren\u2019t always obvious to family caregivers, so it can be hard to know what your loved one needs to stay healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our years of experience caring for seniors, we\u2019ve learned a lot about how you can help them exercise and eat right. Here\u2019s how to overcome the most common obstacles we\u2019ve seen\u2014as well as some resources right here in the Charlotte area to help make improving your loved one\u2019s heart health accessible and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting regular exercise can be a challenge for people of all ages, and a variety of factors can make it more difficult for seniors. By making exercise more rewarding and overcoming barriers, you can help your loved one stay active and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many seniors feel lonely, so working out with a community is a lot more appealing than doing it alone. A regular low-impact exercise class gives your loved one the opportunity to connect and make friends. Find them a good group and they may start thinking of workouts as occasions rather than obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, there are many local options. The YMCAs in the Charlotte area<\/a>, Levine Jewish Community Center<\/a> and Silver Sneakers<\/a> all host fantastic classes in Charlotte. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our favorite program is Ageless Grace<\/a>, a chair exercise scientifically designed by North Carolina resident Denise Medved to stave off cognitive decline. Some of our staff members at FirstLight of Greater Charlotte are even certified to host Ageless Grace community classes. Don\u2019t hesitate to reach out<\/a> if you\u2019re interested in a class for your community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology can help you turn a simple walk into an opportunity to explore the natural world. Picture This<\/a> can fetch detailed information about over 400,000 plant species with just a photo. Merlin Bird ID<\/a> is a birdwatcher\u2019s best friend, allowing your loved one to identify birds by their sounds, listen to calls and build a digital scrapbook. These apps also give you something to talk about as you walk with your loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear of falling is one of the most common reasons seniors opt to stay home. If your loved one struggles with balance, try booking them an exercise class that reduces the risk of falling, like chair workouts or water aerobics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, see what you can do to make their preferred workout safer. Accompany them on walks and offer an arm to lean on or help them get down and back up during yoga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It might seem simple, but just having the right equipment can make exercise a lot easier for many seniors. Worn-out shoes and restrictive pants don\u2019t just feel uncomfortable; they can also make moving harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your loved one\u2019s workout clothes fit and that they\u2019re comfortable and easy to move around in. Pay special attention to shoes, which can impact balance. In addition, consider additional equipment like thicker mats or lighter weights to make exercise more approachable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest barriers to exercise is simply lack of exposure or experience. For example, many senior women we\u2019ve cared for shy away from exercise because growing up, exercise was \u201csomething that boys did,\u201d not girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the time to listen to their feelings about exercise. It may be something your loved one always wanted to try, but it never felt approachable. If so, an exercise buddy they feel comfortable around can help them come out of their shell. That person might be you, a friend or family member or even a professional caregiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve heard the basics about a heart-healthy diet: Minimize salt, alcohol and red meat (especially if it\u2019s processed). Unfortunately, that\u2019s a lot harder than it sounds. In most places, it can be hard to find a satisfying meal without meat or salt, or an interesting drink without alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But here\u2019s the good news: Charlotte isn\u2019t most places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re very lucky in Charlotte to have a flourishing culinary scene. With a wealth of vegetarian and vegan restaurants<\/a> serving satisfying meat-free meals, your loved one will never want for healthy options. And there\u2019s more to choose from every day thanks to Johnson & Wales culinary school<\/a>, which is teaching local chefs to make healthy versions of popular foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A little more good news: you\u2019re not the only one in town who can help your loved one stay healthy. FirstLight Home Care of Charlotte\u2019s capable and compassionate caregivers will help your loved one access local resources that make their healthy choices happy ones as well<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether your loved one needs healthy meals, an exercise buddy or transport to classes, our caregivers are there for them. But our caregivers are more than simple helpers. They\u2019ll form a genuine bond with your loved one, becoming a trusted companion and friend who\u2019s there to support them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMake Walks Interesting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Help Prevent Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get the Right Workout Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Address Cultural Barriers to Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Help Seniors Eat Right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FirstLight Home Care of Charlotte Helps Seniors Stay Heart-Healthy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n