Helping Aging Parents Stay Active: Simple Truths for a Lifelong Fitness Journey
Helping Aging Parents Stay Active: Simple Truths for a Lifelong Fitness Journey
Learn how to help aging parents stay active with simple motivation tips, fitness advice, and physical therapy insights for lifelong health and wellness.
Helping Aging Parents Stay Active: How to Motivate Loved Ones (and Yourself) to Exercise
My parents are nearing 80, and with age has come the usual aches and pains. Their doctors prescribed physical therapy, and suddenly, I found myself in a new role—Motivator in Chief.
Like many people facing physical therapy (or any fitness journey, really), my parents weren’t exactly jumping for joy at the idea. It’s hard. It’s inconvenient. And some days, it feels like progress is nowhere to be found. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own journey with fitness, it’s that consistency beats motivation every time.
So I remind them—again and again—of a few simple but powerful truths about exercise. These aren’t just for my parents; they’re for anyone who has ever struggled to stick with something good for them.
Truth #1: Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
It’s easy to think that if you can’t do a full workout, it’s not worth doing anything at all. But movement, no matter how small, still counts. A short walk, a few stretches, or even just standing up more during the day—it all adds up. I tell my parents that even if they don’t feel up for their full routine, just getting started is a win.
Truth #2: The hardest part is showing up.
This one applies to nearly everything in life. Getting out the door, putting on the shoes, or driving to the appointment is often the biggest battle. But once you’re there? You almost always feel better. I’ve told my parents that if they can just get to PT, they’ve already won 80% of the battle.
Truth #3: You will see progress if you give it enough time.
When you’re in pain or struggling, it’s easy to feel like nothing is working. But real progress isn’t measured in days; it’s measured in weeks and months. I remind them (and myself) that staying consistent will pay off. One day, they’ll look back and realize how much stronger they’ve become.
Truth #4: Sometimes your progress goes backward.
This one is frustrating. Just when you think you’re making strides, a bad day (or week) can make it seem like you’re moving in reverse. I tell my parents that setbacks are normal. It doesn’t mean they’re failing—it just means they’re human. The key is to keep going, even when it feels like they aren’t making progress.
Truth #5: This is the best present you can give yourself.
Health is the greatest gift we can give ourselves. My parents have always taken care of me, and now, in a way, I get to return the favor by encouraging them to take care of themselves. Investing in your health is like putting money in the bank—you may not see the results immediately, but your future self will thank you.
Truth #6: Your future self will thank you.
We don’t work out for today—we work out for the life we want to live tomorrow. My parents may not think about their future selves much, but I do. I want them to be able to travel, to play with their grandkids, and to feel strong for as long as possible. And I want that for myself, too.
Truth #7: Schedule it at the same time every week.
If something isn’t scheduled, it’s too easy to skip. I encourage my parents to treat their PT sessions like non-negotiable appointments—just like they would a doctor’s visit or a family event. No debating, no deciding, just showing up.
Why I Push Myself, Too
I won’t lie—there are days when I don’t feel like working out either. Life is often boring, and sometimes, pushing ourselves feels impossible. But when I think about my kids and my future grandkids, I find my motivation.
I want to be around for them. I want to be the grandparent who plays on the floor, who takes them on adventures, who doesn’t sit on the sidelines. I want to squeeze every drop of life from this one shot we get.
What About You?
If you’ve ever started a fitness journey—or helped a loved one through theirs—what worked for you? What keeps you showing up on the tough days? I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or even the struggles you’ve faced. Drop a comment and let’s start a conversation—because we’re all in this together.
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