Exercise and activity are important at any stage of life, but especially as people get older. As well as helping to reduce some of the symptoms of frailty, such as fatigue and muscle weakness, keeping active can help older people to feel more positive and independent.
But it’s not always easy to stay active or try a new activity as we get older. The person you care for might need encouragement and extra support, particularly if they haven’t tried something new for a while. Or you might need to adapt an activity to make it manageable for them, or to give them extra support.
Everyone is different
It can be helpful to remember that we’re all different. Not everyone enjoys doing the same things, so it’s important to find the activities that the person you care for likes.
Here are some ways you could support the person you care for to keep active. You might even discover an activity that you both enjoy doing and find a new way of spending time together.
Being as independent as possible, for as long as possible
Carrying out everyday tasks is one way to build activity into someone’s day. For example, some carers have said how important it is for their parent to get out of bed every day and, where possible, to get themselves dressed.
There might be some activities that just aren’t possible any more. But even if someone can’t complete a whole task themselves, there might be part of it that they can do safely. For example, while they might not be able to garden outside, maybe they can sit at the kitchen table to plant seeds in pots or take care of indoor plants.
If someone is struggling to complete a task, it can often feel easier or quicker to jump in and do it yourself. But it can be helpful to resist doing that, and instead let the person do as much for themselves as is possible. Being supportive, rather than taking over, can help them to maintain the skills and muscle strength needed for everyday tasks.
Take a walk
Taking a walk can help someone to maintain their physical health, improving mobility and flexibility, and strengthening muscles.
It’s also a great (and free) way to support the person you care for to feel more independent, positive and connected with the world. A gentle stroll around the park or walk to the local shop can be a welcome change of scenery, particularly if the person spends a lot of time at home.
Many areas arrange local walking groups for older adults. You could look into finding one through your local library or by searching online.
And if the person you care for needs assistance with walking, it might be helpful to take a look at our article on ‘Equipment and technology to help someone live independently at home’.
Exercise classes for older adults
From seated keep fit to adapted yoga, there are lots of classes tailored specifically for older adults. These classes can help to improve mobility and range of motion, as well as build muscle strength.
You might like to look for sessions at a local community or sports centre. Or if the person you care for has a medical condition, there may be exercise sessions available through related groups, such as Parkinson’s support groups.
Exercise can also be a fun way to feel part of a community. You can read about other ways to stay connected in ‘Supporting someone who is older and frail to stay connected to their community’.
Enjoying a hobby or finding a new interest
Hobbies are a great way to regularly practice a particular skill or learn a new one. A new interest can help someone to stay physically and mentally active, and it can be satisfying to practice and improve a new skill.
That might be anything from colouring or crafting to gardening or music appreciation. You might like to try Age UK or local community groups to explore new interests and hobbies with the person you care for.
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Staying mentally active
It is just as important to support someone to stay mentally active as physically active. That might be anything from doing word searches to listening to radio programmes, playing board games or doing jigsaw puzzles. You could also encourage them to carry out everyday tasks, such as writing shopping lists.
Or you could look into an online class that the person would enjoy. As well as being mentally stimulating, they can be a good way of spending time with new people in a virtual classroom. While the person (or you) might need support to get set up on a class, it could be worth it – even listening in to interesting conversations and talks can be uplifting and inspiring.
Spending time outside
Being outside, especially in nature, can make people feel happier, healthier and more connected. A walk in the park can give someone the chance to get some fresh air, connect with the outside world and increase their energy levels.
If that’s not possible, then even a short, supported walk around the garden can help them to feel the breeze on their face and listen to birds singing.
You can read more ideas in ‘Supporting some who is older and frail to get out and about’.