Professional Caregiver Blog – from CCG

Well all know that physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it can challenging to motivate your residents to get up and get moving. Here are a few tips adapted from Go4Life, a fitness initiative from the National Institute on Aging: 

Help people fit physical activity into a busy life.

• Offer physical activities at a variety of times that work with your resident’s schedule and preference
• Offer shorter activities, such as 15-30 minutes as well as hour-long classes or programs.

Create an empowering atmosphere.

• Make sure that staff cultivate a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
• Make sure that staff who lead programs are experienced and knowledgeable.
• Offer modified options, such as chair exercises, for those living with chronic conditions

Make physical activity fun.

• Residents will want to be active if it’s fun. Cultivate the social aspects of your physical activity programs. Offer group activities. Encourage people to bring a friend or family member.
• Have your program leaders mix up their offerings so participants don’t get bored.
• Invite guest trainers once or twice month

Important note: Always physician recommendations regarding physical activity and exercise.

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