I have been working out with a trainer and reading a lot about staying healthy, and I realize that I spend a lot of time sitting at a computer, so even with the time at the gym, I am still at risk for cardiovascular diseases. My Gramps spent his days in a wheelchair or in his recliner. He could not ambulate well after his stroke, so it was hard just transferring to the commode, the recliner to watch t.v., or the bed at night. His everyday life became a workout just to get around. It is so hard for Caregivers to make time to workout and take care of themselves, but it’s also hard for our loved ones and patients to get moving. It’s also important to work out our minds as well as bodies, and we need to fit that in as well.
I was just watching this show where this 92-year old man was playing golf and enjoying every minute of it. Isn’t that wonderful? We should all be so blessed. He said, “you’ve got to use what you’ve got.” It’s hard for people like Gramps because of their limited mobility, but even that, there is always stretching and breathing exercises at minimum. I read that breathing exercises, Pranayama, helped alleviate constipation, so I introduced that to Gramps. Sometimes I would have him blow bubbles to get him breathing properly. As far as mind exercises, there are crossword puzzles, word finds, suduku, and cards (Gramps favorite!).
Find time and find something you enjoy doing to workout. It’s the best thing you can do for your health paired with a good diet. Exercise is the one thing that all experts agree is good for you, so definitely fit it in to stay healthy. Get creative with ways to fit it in for your loved one too. Its never too late to start, and you will feel stronger for it.
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