$Unique_ID{BRK01578}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Exercising With an Older Person}
$Subject{exercise aging}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Exercising With an Older Person


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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?

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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 you 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.
ÿ
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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.
