Helping your parents stay active and engaged

Helping your parents stay active is confirmed by research that tells us staying active and engaged at any age is important, but none more so than when you reach your senior years. If your parents need inspiration to keep active and engaged, here are some ideas on how you can encourage and help them.

Helping your parents to take a walk

The next time you visit, take a walk together around the neighbourhood or their senior living village. This is a wonderful way to get fresh air and exercise, and it’s a fun way for you to catch up with their lives. You will benefit from the exercise too.

Exercise group

Some senior living villages have group exercise programs, and it is a great idea to find out and encourage your senior parents to attend. If it is paid for, offer to pay for the first month or two. Not only are these groups great for exercise, but they will also foster friendships.

Helping your parents from not missing out?

Your senior parent may be missing out on their friendships if they are no longer driving, for example. Why not offer to host an afternoon tea or morning coffee date? Or you could offer to pick up a friend on the way to your next visit and play hostess while they catch up.

Video chat

Cell phones and the various apps that are available mean that your senior parent can chat with friends and family. If they don’t already know how to use video chat (using Wi-Fi) then teach them how to use it. Include teaching their friend too!