The single most important thing that an older adult can do to stay independent and aging in place is strength train. Period. We all lose muscle mass as we age, and this is ultimately what robs us of our independence. But you can actually do strength training at any age and rebuild muscle mass and regain strength and function. If there is a fountain of youth on this planet, it is strength training - no joke. The benefits are so numerous, it's incredible.
The biggest challenge, of course, is convincing an older adult to do strength training and to do it consistently and challenging enough so that they see outcomes. One way to facilitate this is to do it with them. Their greatest motivation is likely to spend time with their adult children, so if you can use that as the primary motivator, do it. I'm actually the CEO of a program called Vivo (teamvivo.com) that provides this service through online, live and interactive classes. I've been doing Vivo twice per week for the last 18 months with my dad. We live in different cities but participate in this class together, and over this past 18 months my dad has NEVER missed a class. It's crazy to see the difference in his life as a result.
Whether it's Vivo or anything else, find a strength class or personal trainer that your parents can participate in and that will hold them accountable. And if you need to participate with them to get them started, do it. It will provide the motivation they need to start and will ultimately improve your relationship, as well.
Best of luck and I'm happy to answer any questions!
The biggest challenge, of course, is convincing an older adult to do strength training and to do it consistently and challenging enough so that they see outcomes. One way to facilitate this is to do it with them. Their greatest motivation is likely to spend time with their adult children, so if you can use that as the primary motivator, do it. I'm actually the CEO of a program called Vivo (teamvivo.com) that provides this service through online, live and interactive classes. I've been doing Vivo twice per week for the last 18 months with my dad. We live in different cities but participate in this class together, and over this past 18 months my dad has NEVER missed a class. It's crazy to see the difference in his life as a result.
Whether it's Vivo or anything else, find a strength class or personal trainer that your parents can participate in and that will hold them accountable. And if you need to participate with them to get them started, do it. It will provide the motivation they need to start and will ultimately improve your relationship, as well.
Best of luck and I'm happy to answer any questions!