Age might be a state of mind, but it is not just a number. As older adults continue to age, they need to maintain an active and socially engaging lifestyle. It is extremely important for physical health and mental well-being. The absence of these aspects will inevitably prevent age from staying just a number.
Samaritana Medical Clinic cites a report from the American Heart Association, which claims being active can help seniors with the following,
- Reduce or manage blood pressure
- Improve circulation or blood flow
- Keep body weight under control
- Increase levels of good cholesterol
- Prevent bone loss that may lead to osteoporosis
Now, the real challenge is to convince seniors to step outdoors and stay active. How should you go about it?
1. Personalize the Activity
Every person has one or more hobbies and interests that appeal to them. Think about your loved one’s passions or pastimes to inspire them. Maybe they enjoy gardening, birdwatching, painting, or attending a music class. Whatever they like, ask them to indulge in activities aligning with their interests. Remember – personal relevance is a powerful motivator.
. vv 2. Create a Routine
Humans are creatures of routine, especially seniors. You can try scheduling different activities or outings, such as a weekly trip to a community center, an art class, or a daily morning walk. The doctors of Samaritana Medical Clinic claim it adds a sense of comfort and predictability, which makes the idea of leaving the house less intimidating.
3. 3. Highlight Social Opportunities
Isolation may become a significant problem for seniors. You must shed light on the social aspects of the activities. Talk about friends they will meet or new, interesting people they will interact with. Once they know they will be in a supportive and friendly environment, they will feel motivated to go out.
4. 4. Ensure Safety & Comfort
One of the main reasons seniors find it difficult to leave their homes is the fear of safety concerns or discomfort. You must assure them by planning ahead. Make sure the activity or destination is senior-friendly with enough places to rest, accessible entryways, and supportive amenities. Once they know their comfort and safety are being prioritized, they will become less apprehensive.
5. 5. Ease & Accessibility
Transportation can be quite problematic for seniors who want to spend time outdoors but can’t drive. Offer them convenient, comfortable options, which means driving them yourself, hiring a caregiver to accompany them, or organizing accessible public transport or shuttle services. The chances of participation will increase when the journey becomes as easy as the appeal of the destination.
6. 6. Let Them Participate in the Planning
Involvement in the planning process can increase a senior’s interest significantly while making them feel excited about pursuing the activities and getting out of the house. Talk about options together, let them select the activities, and involve them at every stage of the planning. This empowerment can convert reluctance into anticipation.
Start Small
In the end, you should consider taking the whole endeavor one step at a time because the idea of leaving the house can be overwhelming to seniors, especially if they have been cooped up for months or years. Start with small, short trips to build confidence gradually. For instance, they can visit a nearby park with their caregiver from Samaritana Medical Clinic or go to a local café.