Senior Care News

Elder Care Fun: Shape Up U.S. Month

Elder Care in Pittsburgh PA

It might not be the first anymore, but the year is still new, which means that you still have plenty of time to make resolutions for yourself, your aging parents, and your elder care journey together so that you can take advantage of the whole year of opportunity ahead of you and ensure that you are getting the most out of it.

January is Shape Up U.S. Month, a wonderful opportunity for you to take some first steps toward your goals for better health, fitness, and wellbeing in the new year both for you and for your senior loved ones. Making a goal to get healthy together is a fantastic way to strengthen your relationship and make long-lasting memories together, but also to get your bodies healthier, stronger, and better prepared for a more active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyle throughout the year.

Use these tips, and share them with your parents’ elderly health care services provider, to start working on your resolutions for better health and fitness in the new year during Shape Up U.S. Month:

  • Make a commitment. Do not just tell yourself that you are going to work hard toward losing weight, getting stronger, working out more, or living a healthier lifestyle. Instead, make it known. Make a commitment with your parents, tell your partner, or get your siblings or friends in on it. Making this commitment to yourself and then sharing it with others gives you greater accountability and makes the decision, and the efforts, feel more “real” so you are less likely to give up on them in a few days or weeks when the work gets harder
  • Experiment. With as many exercise programs as there are out there, you are bound to find something that you enjoy doing and that your parents will enjoy doing with you. Whether you would like something structured and traditional like running and lifting weights, or a bit more enthusiastic and fun like dance aerobics or Zumba, talk about the options with your parents and have fun experimenting with different styles of exercise so that you can find one or more than you really enjoy and will be willing to continue doing on a regular basis.
  • Have fun with it. Rather than looking at getting more active and shaping up as some sort of drudgery or chore that you are going to hate every time you do it, make an effort to have fun with the experience. Smiling and laughing during your work out is going to give you a motivating lift and encourage the release of endorphins, which will further those good emotions. Laughing, talking, and smiling during your hard work will also help to burn off a few extra calories for an even more effective workout.
  • Make it a part of life. Do not bog yourself and your parents down with formalities and requirements that you have to fulfill before you can get started shaping up, such as having the best workout clothes, or restrictions while you are shaping up, such as you have to go to the gym at the exact same time and for the exact same length of time every day. Instead, make your efforts a normal part of life. Find workouts that you will love, but also just plan activities with your loved ones that will get you active but will just seem like another day in life rather than trying to get in shape, such as a long walk through the park, a hike, or even a game of bowling.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Carnegie, PA, please call and talk to the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Pittsburgh at (412) 693-6009. We will answer all of your questions.

Stephen Sternbach

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