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Hi. My mom is 58 years old and has been recently diagnosed with diabetes. Not sure what type. I know exercise can really help her with managing it (along with diet).
My mom has been very sedentary the most she will do is walk 5 blocks. I'm trying to think of any other exercises she can do. I asked her if she would be able to do jumping jacks and she said no. I can see her easily tiring out after a few minutes.
I'm thinking maybe I should get a stationary bike or a threadmill. Something that's not too much for her since she's used to not doing anything. If I got her a gym membership I doubt she would go.
Hi. My mom is 58 years old and has been recently diagnosed with diabetes. Not sure what type. I know exercise can really help her with managing it (along with diet).
My mom has been very sedentary the most she will do is walk 5 blocks. I'm trying to think of any other exercises she can do. I asked her if she would be able to do jumping jacks and she said no. I can see her easily tiring out after a few minutes.
I'm thinking maybe I should get a stationary bike or a threadmill. Something that's not too much for her since she's used to not doing anything. If I got her a gym membership I doubt she would go.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Walking is going to be her best option. She is probably not walking 5 blocks every day, so the first goal is to get her to do that every day, and then gradually increase it. Once she gets serious about walking, she is ready to think about other programs. She needs to set small goals such as walking 10 blocks without stopping.
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Yes, start small and gradually increase whatever she decides to do. I'd choose something she likes that she will do like walking. I wouldn't suggest the exercise equipment, especially in the beginning. Too many are being used as clothing catchers. She'll be surprised how quickly she can increase her intensity and distance. She does need to push herself, which she probably won't like. And the most important thing? She needs to want to do it herself. Certainly, you can encourage her (but don't push). Maybe walk with her?
It can be done. I'm 57 and I didn't start exercising till I was in my late 40's. The longest journey starts with the first step.
Best of luck to you both. I hope it works out for her. You're obviously a loving daughter who cars about your mom. She did a good job.
My dad got diagnosed at 50 with diabetes. He walks at least 3 miles everyday and no longer has to take medicine for the diabetes from how good of shape he's gotten into. It isn't pleasant going from sedenatry to active, but if she can push herself it gets easier and she'll feel better in the long run.
I agree with the walking. Another painless thing she can do is put some small handweights where she sits to watch TV. Tell her to use them whenever she is just sitting there. Everything helps!
Walking is perhaps the best place to start. However, do you think she would like group classes? How about water aerobics at the local Y or aquatic center? She needs low impact exercise to start, even jumping jacks may be too aggressive. I think a stationary bike or treadmill would be probably too tedious. I love to exercise, and I can't stand cardio machines, they are like torture devices to me.
Walking is the best, don't push jumping! Outside is always best of course but a tredmill in a comfortable location with a tv is also an option. I know many people who watch and hour long show while walking on the tredmill. Of course it could also end up being an expensive coat rack but who knows...it depends on your moms motivation. What gets me going is having someone to do stuff with, whether it's a walk around the park or going to the gym.
If she lives in a retirement community, you might find out if there's a bicycle or tricycle group in the community that meets for rides. If so, a real actual bike, is less likely to become a clothes-catcher (good term, nomoresnow!) than a treadmill or stationary bike. And don't think of a trike as a kiddy toy - that's just one kind of trike. There are some pretty amazing adult trikes, some of which are designed for people with limited range of motion or more severe disabilities.
They're really meant for people who live either in the burbs where there's not too much traffic, or in semi-enclosed senior communities where there are bike paths, wide pedestrian walks that can accommodate electric wheelchairs and scooters, and golf cart communities where wheeled transportation other than cars are common and practical.
But if she does live in one of those types of places, it's really an awesome choice for transportation -and- exercise.
Hi. My mom is 58 years old and has been recently diagnosed with diabetes. Not sure what type. I know exercise can really help her with managing it (along with diet).
My mom has been very sedentary the most she will do is walk 5 blocks. I'm trying to think of any other exercises she can do. I asked her if she would be able to do jumping jacks and she said no. I can see her easily tiring out after a few minutes.
I'm thinking maybe I should get a stationary bike or a threadmill. Something that's not too much for her since she's used to not doing anything. If I got her a gym membership I doubt she would go.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
If you live nearby, walk with her at least 4x/wk. Keep extending the distance bit by bit, walk by walk. Take her shopping (mall walking) or on local trips which will require walking like to a historic site, botanical garden, etc... . Swimming is another low impact exercise. If there is a YMCA near her with a pool they will usually have "lap only" or senior recreation times when no kids are allowed. Dancing is another good activity.
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