How To Workout With The Elderly

As a fitness instructor, have taught fitness classes from the youngest to the oldest being almost 100.

My most precious student was my mother, 93 years old and still going with a zest for life. She had always been active, healthy and fitness conscious. As she had gotten older, she slowed down a bit unlike her counterparts where sitting had become their favorite pastime.

Every morning she had her routine from ever since I could remember. She’d gets up early every morning without fail unless she was sick. Thank God that had happened to often. Even when she had had a mini stroke, every morning without fail, she was up. Following was her daily regimen. First she’d get dressed, made up her bed and exited her room to see who else would be awake. If no one awoke, she’d go back into her room until someone awoke. When she waited long enough and no one was awake, she’d wake someone up and let them know she was up and ready to get on with her day.

Besides family visits, her caregivers were always on hand to assist. They knew her routine and complied. From her bedroom fully dressed on sat on the den, meant she was ready for breakfast and breakfast she got. After breakfast, she’d watch some television. If television was boring, she’d fall asleep for hours. I’d call and encourage her to exercise and/or walk outdoors. She often said she would but…