San Gabriel Valley Seniors Get Moving For American Heart Month

According to the American Heart Association, February is Heart Month. Heart disease kills an alarming number of people every year – which is particularly devastating because this medical condition can be prevented in many cases. If you are the adult child of elderly parents, you are likely concerned about their general health. A variety of health conditions can manifest as people get older, from diabetes to depression to heart disease. Most conditions such as these can either be prevented from manifesting or managed more effectively in people who remain active.

You can help your parents to stay active and have fun while they’re doing that. You may want to accompany your elderly parents in some of their activities – you could find yourself having as much fun as they do! Anytime that your parents might need assistance and you aren’t able to be there (or are simply feeling overwhelmed), don’t forget that respite care is available. Just be sure to hire someone from a licensed San Gabriel Valley home care company – so you can be secure in the fact that your parents will be in good hands. Here are a few fun activities for elderly parents in the San Gabriel Valley.

Going for a Walk

If your parents are frail or out of shape, that doesn’t mean that they can’t get some exercise. Getting the heart pumping is vital to staying in good physical health, and it’s one of the best ways to ensure proper heart health. You could take your parents for a walk along the beach or in a community park. You might also look up some of the hiking trails in the San Gabriel Valley – getting out in nature is important for everyone, including senior citizens. If your parents are very frail and probably wouldn’t be able to handle a hiking trail or even a walk on the beach, you might consider simply taking them for a walk around the block. Anything to keep moving is helpful in the battle against heart disease.

Frolicking With Kids

Being around children is a sure way to feel younger and reenergized. Running to keep up with little ones could provide anyone with a great workout. Additionally, if either of your parents has suffered from depression or dementia, getting outside with the grandkids could work to lift his or her spirits. Children can also keep adults laughing, and laughter is excellent for the mind and the body. If your parents feel unsure about starting an official exercise routine, you may want to get them started by bringing your kids to their home to play. If you don’t have children, you could enlist the help of a close friend or family member who does.

Gardening for Health and Pleasure

Another viable strategy for staying in shape is to start gardening. Pulling weeds can be a great form of exercise when it’s done for an hour or two. Moving flowerpots and plants back and forth may also aid in keeping your elderly parents in better physical condition. The sunshine and fresh air are also necessary for staying healthy mentally and physically. Research indicates that vitamin D deficiencies may lead to congestive heart failure and heart attacks, so encourage your parents to take up gardening if they haven’t done so already. They may even want to join a club to be around other gardening enthusiasts in the San Gabriel Valley.

Getting on a Stationary Bike

If your parents aren’t always able to be outdoors, you might consider buying them a stationary bike. Getting on one of these bikes regularly will certainly contribute to better heart health for your parents. Many bikes like this are now equipped with technology to monitor your heart rate, so your parents can keep track of their progress. You can assist them in getting the equipment set up, so they don’t need to feel overwhelmed if they aren’t experienced at doing that.

Weight Training for Seniors

Weight training is beneficial to the heart as well as the muscles and bones. A workout session with weights done a few times per week could help your elderly parents to avoid heart problems. Weight-training equipment may be found at virtually any gym in the San Gabriel Valley. Your parents could also benefit from working with a personal trainer to guide them.

Staying in the best shape possible is important for everyone, including seniors. You can assist your parents in finding healthy activities in the San Gabriel Valley. Heart Month is the perfect time to get your elderly parents started on a fitness routine that works well for them.

Photo by Salvation Army USA West