Staying active can be a great method for flu prevention and dealing with depression in seniors. Here are some great tips to get you started.

1. 6 Tips to Help Seniors Stay Active

2. Being active, avoiding inactivity, preventing disease and managing
stress are four good ways to maximize your health, ward off
infection and boost your mood.
But we should take a little bit closer look at specific ways seniors can
stay active.

3. It’s easy to simply sit there and say to yourself, “I need to do
something,” but for many, including seniors, people may not
know exactly what will help, or more important, what they are
capable of doing to make an impact.

4. Making exercise a lifelong habit is the best way to do this.
> Making exercise a lifelong habit is the best way to do this.
> Once you can do the same thing for a week or two, it starts to become
part of you.
> If you can stick with a routine for at least six months, it’s a good sign
that you’re on your way to making physical activity a regular habit.

5. The National Institute of Health provides these six tips to
help seniors make exercising everyday like the back of
your hand:

6. 1 Make it a priority
We lead active, busy lives, and it’s easy to put working out on the
back burner. Make it a point to include physical activities in what
you do throughout the day. Try being active first thing in the
morning before you get busy. Think of this time as a special
appointment, and mark it on the calendar.

7. 2 Make it easy
If it’s difficult, costs too much, or is too inconvenient, you probably
won’t do it. If it’s easy, you will want to do it. Put your 2-pound
weights next to your easy chair so you can do some lifting while
watching TV. Walk up and down the soccer field during your
grandchild’s game.

8. 2 Make it easy cont.
Do more of what you already like and know how to do. If shopping
is your foray, walk the entire mall or weave in and out of every
aisle in the grocery store. This may not seem like much, but it adds
up. Lastly, join a gym or fitness center that’s close to home. Try to
walk there.

9. 3 Make it safe
Exercise and moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, are
safe for almost all older adults. However, preventing injury is key,
especially if you’re just beginning to work out. Talk to your doctor
to make sure you can exercise if you have a long-standing medical
issue.
If you feel minor discomfort when
you start exerting yourself, this
should go away as your body
adapts to your new routine. It’s
important to remember that if you
feel sick or have strong pain, stop
immediately.

10. 4 Make it social
Work out with a good friend or family member, even your partner.
Many people agree that an “exercise buddy” keeps them going.
Take a yoga class with a neighbor.
If you don’t already have an exercise
partner, find one my joining a walking
club at your local mall or an exercise
class at a nearby senior center. You can
even walk during lunch with a
co-worker.

11. 5 Make it interesting and fun
Don’t be afraid to pick up the pace if you’re finding yourself in a
groove. If you love the outdoors, try biking, fishing, jogging or
hiking. Listen to music on your phone or iPad, heck even a CD,
while walking or doing various activities in your yard.

12. 5 Make it interesting and fun cont.
Most people tend to focus on one activity or type of exercise and
think they’re doing enough. The goal is to be creative and choose
exercises from each of the four categories – endurance, strength,
balance and flexibility. Mixing it up with give you more benefits
along with prevent injury and monotony.

13. 6 Make exercise an active decision
Seize opportunities to multi-task in everything you do. When
unloading groceries, lift the milk carton a few time before putting
it away. When shopping, build your endurance by parking the car
at the far end of the parking lot and walking quickly to the store.
• Also, get off the bus one or two stops earlier than usual.
• Instead of calling or e-mailing a co-worker, do it in person and take
the stairs.
• While waiting in line, practice balance by standing on one foot for
a few seconds, then the other.
• Nobody will notice, and it will pay off in the end.

14. Learn more about boosting a senior loved one’s physical and
emotional wellbeing this holiday season and beyond with
BrightStar’s “Healthy for the Holidays” program.
Families looking for senior care help and support in whole person
wellness for their loved one in the comfort of their home can turn to
our BrightStar team for help.

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