Sophie Okolo, MPH

If you have an elderly loved one in your life – perhaps a grandparent or ageing parent – chances are, you’re looking into ways to improve their day to day experience and enhance their overall wellbeing. As people age, they can find it more difficult to do the things that they used to do without a second thought. You may find that that you need to help your elderly loved ones out the older that they get. Of course, there are countless ways that you can help the older people in your life, from arranging suitable living arrangements to helping them out with chores and appointments. But one way that you can really boost their quality of life is to make sure that they’re getting out and about. Many elderly people find themselves cooped up in the house for days on end and this can quickly result in poor health, loneliness or feelings of isolation. Here are some tips that can help you to help them get out and about on a more regular basis.

Exercise

Exercise is important for people of all ages. Sure, the elderly are much less likely to hit the gym, lifting weights and running marathons, but they do still need to get some moderate exercise into their routine. Getting your loved one out and about can help contribute to this. Why not meet up with them on a set schedule to get out of the house and go for a walk. This is a gentle form of exercise that is relatively easy on the joints and that you can take at your own pace. Another option is to pick them up and take them for a swim at a local pool. This is another form of joint friendly exercise that actually provides a full body workout.

Time in Nature

Simply spending some time outside can come with a host of benefits. Being cooped up in the house all day can quickly lead to cabin fever or can make the elderly feel confined and trapped. Many elderly people worry about heading out alone, for fear of getting lost, not being able to get back or coming into other trouble. Meet up to head out together. If your loved one isn’t mobile enough to go for a walk, you can always consider options like Joe Tarver Rock and Roll Cycles. These allow you to take care of the hard work while your elderly loved one simply enjoys and takes in the view, enjoying the fresh air and feeling the breeze through their hair.

Social Time

Getting out and about can provide your loved one with some social time. As we briefly noted above, the elderly can commonly experience loneliness and getting out of the house can help them to spend time with people they love, having a chat and catching up. Whether you collect your loved one and drop them at a social event or club, or whether you go out with them yourself and have a catch up over lunch or coffee, this will quickly become a highlight in your loved one’s calendar.

Getting your elderly loved one out and about really is important, so hopefully, some of the information above will inspire you!