Studies show that a walk in nature does amazing things for your health. It helps boost attention skills, eases stress, lowers the risk of mental illness, and improves your mood. When was the last time you went outside and took a walk in a park?
March 30th is National Take a Walk in the Park Day. Take time and head outside for a walk with your parents. Whether you head to the ocean to walk on a boardwalk or head to a state park to hike an easy trail, get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Here are tips for choosing the right path for your parents’ needs and getting them to get outside.
Start Small
Don’t plan a long walk at first. Work your parents into longer walks by starting small. Get them outside for short walks around the neighborhood. That helps them improve muscle strength and stamina and prepares them for longer walks.
Look for Groomed Trails
Groomed trails are best if your parents need a cane or level ground while walking. With a groomed trail, landscaping crews take care of the path to lower the risk of tripping. You’ll still want to support your parents on the walk, but you’re not battling tree roots or uneven ground while you help them along.
If your parents need a wheelchair or walker, a boardwalk or paved path is ideal. When you’re searching for a park to explore, look specifically for ADA-compliant trails or boardwalks. You can find them through online searches for ADA-accessible parks and trails.
Ask Local Agencies for Guidance
Resources like the Agency on Aging may have resources to share that help you find suitable parks for your parents’ needs. If they don’t have pamphlets or online listings, the staff can point you in the right direction for finding the information you need.
Explore Them With the Entire Family
Your parents may feel more comfortable getting outside if everyone joins in. Get your brothers, sisters, and grandchildren to meet for a family walk. When it’s done, you could have lunch together at a local restaurant or have a picnic if the weather is warm enough.
Getting Regular Exercise with the Help of Senior Home Care
What if you aren’t able to be there every day or every other day to make sure your parent is getting the exercise they need? They can still get out for walks safely with the help of senior home care. When you can’t be there, senior home care can ensure your parent gets their steps in, their nutritious meals for the day, their medications taken and more. Consider senior home care to step in when you can’t be there.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Aurora, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
