As your parents age, you may have noticed they’re less active than when they were younger.
Due to health issues, your aging parents may have resorted to watching television all day.
Most health issues have a spiraling effect.
It may begin with feeling tired and a lack of desire to do any activity.
With less activity, there’s weight gain.
With weight gain, their knees may begin to hurt, leading to even more inactivity.
As they gain weight, they may have other health issues surface, such as diabetes.
This spiraling of health issues leads to more time visiting doctors and more out-of-pocket expenses.
It can also lead to disability and depression.
To prevent this vicious spiral, take action sooner rather than later.
If your aging parents have no interest in attending yoga or other fitness classes, find other activities to help them become more active.
Incorporate fun with each activity to make it more appealing.
Be creative.
Here are some ideas:
Take a walk with them when you visit
Encourage your older children to take them to a local mall
Take them to the zoo
Find local attractions to attend, such as museums, art exhibits, and fairs
Enroll in a healthy cooking class
Find a volunteer project for them to join
Help them grow a garden
Buy them a fitness band to track their steps and set daily challenges
They may begrudge you at first.
But stay positive with encouragement. A positive attitude is contagious.
If they’re determined to stay in their home as long as possible, then use that reason as a way to encourage a healthier lifestyle.
If they’re depressed, keep prodding. More activity will help them fight depression.
It may take time upfront to keep your aging parents active, but it’ll save you time and money in the long run.
Time you would spend taking them to doctors’ appointments and helping them deal with declining health.
Money you would spend on out-of-pocket expenses and possibly in-home care.
It’s also a way for you to stay active and healthy.
(Update to original post from August 2, 2024)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC (TransitionPG®). She believes life is more than accumulating money – it’s about living the lifestyle you envision and can afford. Niv incorporates all aspects of life when discussing money. She developed the 5 P’s of Life (Personal Relationships, Personal Finance, Profession, Peace of Mind, and Physical Health) to help clients define what they want from life. Once she understands their vision, she helps them achieve their lifestyle or adjust their expectations based on their finances. Niv actively gives back to the community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, exploring the world, and laughing often—even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’” Click here to read where she’s been quoted in the media.