The Elderly and Sedentary Behavior

Just as with other populations, sedentary behavior can negatively affect the health of the elderly. The difference, however, is that many older adults are more propense to health issues and may even succumb to conditions that other populations could survive.

Why are elderly populations at risk of sedentary behavior?

Changes in lifestyle brought about by retirement

No longer going to the office, performing activities at work, more time at home. There is no need for leaving their home, and most activities done there don’t require much moving.(Millard, 2020). Examples of activities after retirement are watching television, reading, using the computer, people watching while sitting, and naps.

What Can We Do?

Family and friends:

Make sure your loved one is surrounded by people with whom they can socialize and even exercise. This not only gives them reasons to leave their home and engage in organized physical activities; it also prevents isolation and declines in mental health.

Workout Classes and Activities

There are many options out there to maintain older adults engaged, both in mind and body. Those water aerobic classes you have heard about might just be the answer. If you want to save some money, light walks with friends can also be a great option. This not only increases daily steps, but also provides leisurely time to catch up with others. Finally, mentally engaging activities can also improve their quality of life, reducing the chances of them becoming sedentary. You could buy some coloring books, take them to a pottery class, have them learn a new language, or buy them a puzzle. It may seem counterproductive to have them sitting to perform some of these activities, but it can decrease some of the behaviors that put them at risk for sedentarism.

Don’t Force It

Chances are if you make your older loved one go to an exercise class they dislike, they won’t put in effort and will eventually want to stop. Providing opportunities for them to engage in enjoyable activities might be the best way to approach this.

Perhaps your mother has always been interested in getting into gardening. Getting them a small gardening kit might just be the push they need. Approach these interventions gently, always keeping a kind and positive attitude.

Make sure they are healthy and ready to reduce sedentary behavior. Perhaps looking into this website might help you identify if they are at risk https://exceptionallivingcenters.com/9-warning-signs-of-deteriorating-health-in-aging-adults/ . Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help if needed.

References

Colón-Emeric, Cathleen S., MD, MHS, Whitson, Heather E.,M.D., M.H.S., Pavon, J., M.D., & Hoenig, H., M.D. (2013). Functional Decline in Older Adults. American Family Physician, 88(6), 388-394.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955056/

Millard, E. (2020, Dec. 4). Sedentary behavior tends to increase as you age—here’s how to combat it: Your daily ride becomes more important. Bicycling. https://www.bicycling.com/news/a34823120/the-importance-of-exercise-as-you-age/