TMC No. 06 - Move it or Lose it

It's true what they say.

Author

VaNessa Duplessie
October 27, 2023

Editors Note:

Let’s face it: Caregiving can be a lot. Yep, i said it. Sometimes you need a break.

Peace and quiet. Sometimes we need to just breathe. Today’s edition comes to you while I am 3,000 miles away from home getting a little respite from daily life as we hang out at the beach in Florida. There’s a purpose to this trip as we explore our future retirement options, but at the same time, there’s a break.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there has been some work involved. The ability to work remotely and from my phone or laptop is not lost on me when it comes to self care.

If you read last week’s edition, I have to share…it came down to the 11th hour, but I got all the chores and set up done in time to allow me these few days. It was a huge push at the end and I only had 4 hours of sleep before getting on the plane but the laundry got done and the product launch at work is complete. It was a good week.

For today, it’s enough to say - it was a good week. I hope the same for you.

Onward now to our topic of the day - movement. I’d love to hear your tips, so hit reply and let me know if this resonates with you.

Happy Weekend.
VaNessa

Staying active is super important for keeping our bodies and minds healthy as we get older. But let's be real, sometimes it's hard to convince our older relatives to get up and move. And hey, even I struggle to get off the couch sometimes! There’s a little, or a lot, of stubborn in all of us. For over 5 years I encouraged dad to get up and move. I was met with resistance.

Then when he turned 80 this year, he decided he needed to move because he watched a TV show where someone said, “Move it or Lose it.” I was like, “Really Dad? What I have been saying for the last five years?!” Sigh.

Here's the thing, if we don't use our bodies, we'll lose our abilities. Walking becomes harder, reaching for things, lifting things, etc.

Today is all about encouraging our family members to get moving, but it's also a little reminder for us to step up our game too. We can do better now so we'll be ahead of the curve later on.

Here are some suitable exercise routines and activities for seniors:

  1. Walking: Walking is a low-impact and accessible exercise that can be done at your own pace. Consider taking a daily walk in your neighborhood or at a local park, or go to an indoor mall when the weather is less than idea.

  2. Chair Exercises: Seniors with limited mobility can perform seated exercises using a stable chair. These exercises can include leg lifts, seated marches, and arm circles. Here’s a great youtube channel that can help: IMPROVED HEALTH CHAIR EXERCISES

  3. Balance Exercises: Improving balance is important for preventing falls. Stand on one leg, walk heel-to-toe, or practice yoga or tai chi, which incorporate balance and flexibility. Here’s another channel recommendation: SENIOR FITNESS WITH MEREDITH

  4. Stretching: Regular stretching helps maintain flexibility and reduces the risk of injury. Focus on stretching major muscle groups, like your legs, arms, and back. And here’s your video: IMPROVED HEALTH STRETCHING EXERCISES

    Did you know there’s a program called SilverSneakers for adults 65+ and over available at no cost through certain Medicare Plans? Yah, me neither until I did a google search for senior fitness. Learn more here:
    SilverSneakers Website

    These are just a few ideas and channels that hopefully will help you and the senior in your life.

❝

“To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

Buddha

Fine Print because it needs to be said: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this newsletter and on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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