$Unique_ID{BRK01578} $Pretitle{} $Title{Exercising With an Older Person} $Subject{exercise aging Community Social Problems Older old age activity pulmonary disease coronary artery congestive heart failure hypertension arthritis cardiovascular program exercises exercising aged elderly active programs geriatric geriatrics} $Volume{Q-23} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Exercising With an Older Person ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My wife's father is now living with us. He is really a great old guy, and after years of just a mediocre relationship, he is trying to make up for it all. He knows I exercise regularly, and has asked to go along with me. Frankly it might be fun, but I worry just a bit about his health, and if this is the wisest thing to do. Please help me decide; I don't want to hurt him by turning him down, and I don't want to hurt his feelings by saying "no". Can you help me out of my predicament? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: You haven't told me what your present routine is like, but it sounds to me as if you would modify it just a bit if you could accommodate your father-in-law. Now, let's look at his side; what is his objective for starting up now? Probably his greatest motive is to spend some quality time with you, chat a bit and talk things over. Yet physical activity at any age can be a splendid contribution to his overall well being. Your first step is to have him evaluated by a physician. There are a number of medical conditions which play an important role in making these decisions. The presence of pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, arthritis, or even impaired equilibrium all may alter some of the plans you two may make together. However, a well thought out program may increase his flexibility, enhance his cardiovascular reserves, develop new muscle strength, and prolong his endurance. Your physician's expertise can help you plan the program properly. All things being equal, and with a green light from your own physician, here is a tip or two. Share time together during a full warm up with emphasis on stretching and increasing his range of motion and flexibility. Start out with a walking program, slowly, so that it doesn't take his breath away and stop good communication. After a time, allow him to continue at his pace, while you move out. If you are using an indoor or outdoor track, you can maintain your "togetherness" each time you come around. Keep the sessions short, but use the cool down period for more exchanges. It won't be too long before he may be the reason and the wherefore of keeping up your activities on a regularly scheduled basis. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.