Take a Hike!

Well, a short walk, anyway. The University of California reports that taking  a short walk after each meal may be more effective in controlling blood sugar in people with prediabetes, than taking one long walk each day. Since a short walk is easier for your elderly loved one, anyway, give this a try! Just a little, 15-minute walk after breakfast, lunch, and dinner will go a long way in enhancing your elder's health.

Do they use a walker? As their caregiver, watch the way they're walking with that walker. Do they look down at their feet, or the path ahead? Point out interesting sights that require they straighten up and lift their torso and head. "Look at the huge crow in that tree, Dad!" is received far better than 'My gosh, Dad! Stand up straight!"


If your elderly loved one has recently suffered a stroke, you probably have some physical therapy exercises which have been prescribed. The after-meal walk may be a good time to work a few of those in! Find a stable surface such as a picnic table or retaining wall that's at the correct height. Look at page 57 of this guide for two easy exercises they may try, if approved by their health care provider. Doing these while on a walk will probably be much more pleasant than doing them in the home. Do the exercises with your loved one, unless you need to provide support, such as keeping a grip on a gait belt.