One of the many advantages that momma and I have going for us is her excellent health. That sounds odd doesn’t it? It’s true. Except for the Alzheimer’s disease and her blood pressure being a little elevated sometimes she is as healthy as a horse and it’s my responsibility to make sure she stays that way for as long as possible.
The older she gets the harder that will become. She has always been a healthy eater and would only eat enough to keep a bird alive. Now, she can put a box of Poptarts down faster than a politician making up a lie. She eats a healthy dinner, but the rest of the day is spent in a blueberry haze. Keeping her up and active is the only way to combat that. There is no way I’m coming between her and her Poptarts.
Walking is our number one exercise and we do it once a day most of the time unless it’s nasty out and sometimes as much as twice a day on a pretty day. At least a mile each and every time. We’re lucky to have some pretty nice walking trails just a few minutes’ drive from the house and we live on a dead end street.
There are so many things that can go wrong with your health as you get older and you owe it to yourself to keep as physically active as you can handle. The longer you keep moving the longer you’ll be able to move.
I was doing some research and I came across an article by SeniorAdvice.com. That article, “Staying Physically Active As A Senior” had some great tips for when you’re looking around at facilities. They say that a few things to keep in mind;
- Are there ample opportunities to walk safely?
- Are there stores and shopping within close proximity?
- Are their fitness facilities or a fitness area?
- Does the community your considering offer fitness classes or other activities to keep you fit.
These are important qualities for the long haul that we just can’t afford to overlook.
In the summer, we add rowing to our exercise routines as we are avid canoers. This does wonders for the arms. This year, I am hoping to add a swimming pool for some aqua exercise which is perfect for my joint pain. Most if not all, Medicare plans offer the Silver Sneakers program that is taken at most gyms. Since, neither mom nor I drive that isn’t a realistic option for us. Yoga is another good option. I love it, but momma isn’t such a fan.
There are all kinds of ways to stay active. Just like the article said, “from chair fitness to aqua aerobics” it doesn’t matter as long as you’re up and moving. Finding a routine that you will actually stick with is over half the battle. Don’t overdo it, stay hydrated, and take breaks often are some great tips that have been passed along to me.
Momma just turned 80 last week and with any hope she’ll be just as active when she’s 90 and 100. Besides, we have a huge trip to get ready for! Bring it on!
Remember to:
Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with the rest.
I love you momma!
This is a sponsored post, but all words and ideas are my very own!
I’m so thankful I have dogs to walk or I never would. But I can’t resist the looks in their eyes when they know it is that time of day. So glad you have that time with your mom everyday and you both will reap the advantages in various ways.
It’s definitely better to stay in motion at all cost, luckily you have a daily reminder.
You are so right Rena! My sister in Rhode Island teaches low impact dance at senior centers and assisted living centers. She does have a few classes with those from the memory floor too. She uses music they are familiar with to promote sing along or just the familiarity. Her classes are a lot of fun.
It sounds like it would be a lot of fun!
This is the best yet of your blog designs. Clean, crisp, appealing. I like it.
Thanks for your support!
This is so true. My father was active all his life, but once in a memory care place they didn’t take time to bring him out to exercise and he simply vegetated.
I’m sorry to hear that, they should have made more of an effort to keep him moving.
I gently and lovingly remind my parents of this frequently. But more honestly through reminding them I’m reminding myself as well.
Yes! It’s truly important for all ages to keep moving.
I enjoy walking with my mom too. She actually manages to get me out of the house (and from in front of the computer) a few times a week. Happy belated Birthday to your mom, Rena! xx Abby
Thank you for the birthday wishes! I will pass them along.
Of course I agree knowIng how much movement helps body and brain. So glad you are able to get out and walk daily. Now maybe put a pop tart at pool’s edge to entice your mom.
Hi Rena! I guess I didn’t realize that with your mom’s condition that she was at the same time in excellent health. Wrong assumption on my part for sure. And you are so right that staying active and exercising is crucial for all of us we age–but especially for those that are challenged by other conditions. How great really that you can do this with her because in the end, it’s GREAT for you both. ~Kathy
Yes, yes, yes, yes!
Love that you’ve got a paddler for the photo. One of the things I like about paddling is that when I started, at least, I was in the younger end of the demographic range – it’s something people can keep doing on into later life. The oldest active paddler in our club is in her 90’s. I want to be her when I grow up! 😀
How wonderful that your mom is still so active and that there are activities that you can enjoy together. I’m happy that you have these small blessings.
Yep! If you don’t use it, you lose it! I saw my dad go through that last years of his life. I always stay active. I think it’s great that you bit walk a lot too. Bless your mom she is so lucky to have you as her caregiver. Thanks so much for sharing this oh so important info!
I’m so glad your Mum is in excellent health, Rena. How important that you keep her physically fit too. This is a great reminder for us all who have aging parents.
I once heard a very active 90-year-old share her secret: if she could do something physical yesterday, then she can do it again today. That included climbing stairs, opening jars, putting on socks while standing, etc. She never allowed herself to lose ground.
My mom walks too and I love that she’s keeping active.
I am going to start walking again myself. I love being out and about in the Spring, looking at people’s landscaping and house painting.
I think a change from Vegas to Seattle sounds perfect! I so agree about exercise – my grandfather, who is 97, still golfs every week and walks every day.
Hi Rena,
My grandma was physically active till she fell into a coma after an accident she had. Before the accident, she was articulate and smart. This is because she was doing all her chores at home with my mom’s help (but not my mom doing it for her) and walking outside.
Great post, thank you!
Zaria
Thank you, I’m sorry to hear that about your grandma. I try to keep mom moving as much as possible.
This is great advice. It is certainly important that we all stay active, especially as we get older, but it’s just as important to make sure it is done safely. Thanks for sharing!
Very true safety is number one, thank you.