San Diego County Seniors Get Moving For American Heart Month

Heart disease has been a growing concern in the United States for years. This is likely the result of major lifestyle changes in the modern age. Countless people live sedentary lives, and stress levels seem higher than ever. Because the problem is so widespread, the American Heart Association now recognizes February as Heart Month. One of the goals in doing this is to teach people that they do have options in terms of averting this deadly disease. Instead of remaining sedentary, people must get more exercise and develop other positive habits to relieve stress (such as meditation).

If your parents are elderly and live in San Diego County, they may find a wealth of activities available to them. In fact, many forms of exercise can be done at home and during the course of an afternoon spent running errands. Other activities are available at local gyms and senior centers. Regardless of which activities your parents choose to engage in, it’s important to encourage them to stay active during their senior years. You can help your elderly parents to get in the best possible condition – and Heart Month is the perfect time to get them started.

Walking at the Mall

One activity that is overwhelmingly popular is often referred to as mall walking. Walking throughout an entire mall can be great exercise, especially if a person maintains a brisk pace. However, even if your parents prefer to window shop as they walk, they’re still getting some exercise. There are plenty of shopping centers and malls in San Diego County, so your parents may stay relatively close to home.

Working Out at Home

Some seniors feel intimidated by the prospect of working out in a gym, but this does not mean they can’t do regular workouts anyway. There is an abundance of workout classes and programs that may be found online. Your parents might enjoy low-impact aerobics, Pilates, yoga, or the latest dance-workout routine. If your parents used to have a particular interest in a specific kind of exercise, this might be the best type of workout for them. They could get in shape relatively quickly if they do certain workouts together at a specially designated time each day.

Housework as Exercise

One way to stay active while also accomplishing a major household chore is to do some spring cleaning (this can be done at any time of year, of course). Your parents might have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, and they probably don’t need or use half of it. They probably won’t want to get rid of some sentimental items, such as your baby pictures. However, many of the items being stored in their home may not be at all relevant to their lives now – so you might encourage them to go through some boxes to find the unwanted items. They can donate what they don’t wish to keep to a local thrift store that benefits a charity. Such thrift stores typically welcome donations of used books, clothing, household goods, tools, and toys. You may help your parents select from several charity-based thrift stores in San Diego County.

Taking the Stairs

Any time that your parents have a chance to take the stairs instead of an elevator, you might encourage them to do that. Unless they have problems with their joints (such as back problems or an upcoming knee replacement), taking the stairs is almost always the better option. Walking up a few flights of stairs can sometimes feel more strenuous than a workout at the gym. If your parents are frail, they may need some help navigating the stairs – but the outcome is generally worth the effort. You can always get respite services if you require some additional assistance – just remember to contact a licensed San Diego County home care company to get help for your parents.

Participating in a Senior Exercise Class

Many communities offer exercise classes for the elderly. San Diego County residents may certainly get involved with various exercise classes tailored to their needs, and many of these classes may even be free. Your parents might appreciate learning Tai Chi, stability ball exercises, or even movement awareness. Encourage them to explore the possibilities, so they may remain in good health for as long as possible.

Heart disease should not affect as many people as it does. If your elderly parents live in San Diego County, the possibilities for getting exercise are abundant. Help your parents to become involved with a new form of activity for Heart Month; you could help them to avoid getting heart disease altogether.

Photo by MarioMancuso