Never exercise near your grandparents – here's why
Regular physical exercise is critical to maintaining overall health, regardless of age. This is even more important as we grow older. But what happens when this beneficial routine may unintentionally lead to adverse effects? As counterintuitive as it may sound, working out around your grandparents may not be advantageous. After all, a survey from Quora suggests that most senior citizens avoid the gym. Could it be because of the potential dangers it may possess?
Robert Veres, Founder of Pomaly App, states, "Exercising is a vital part of life, but one needs to be mindful of the impact it has on those around us, especially when it involves our older relatives."
The Importance of Exercising as You Age
Promotes Mobility and Independence: Regular exercise enhances muscular strength and reduces the likelihood of falls among older adults. Working out consistently aids in maintaining the ability to perform vital daily activities without assistance.
Works Wonders for Cognitive Health: According to Harvard Health Publishing, exercise reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by stimulating the brain's capacity to retain old connections and make new ones.
Boosts Emotional Health: Engaging in a routine exercise program can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. The National Institutes of Health confirms the positive correlation between consistent exercise and improved mental health.
Prevents and Manages Chronic Illnesses: Regular physical activity is beneficial in preventing and managing numerous health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Promotes Longevity: The World Health Organization includes regular exercise as one lifestyle habit that leads to a longer and healthier life.
Why You Should Not Work Out Around Your Grandparents
1. Incurred Risk of Physical Accidents
Vigorous physical movements during a workout, such as bouncing, jumping, twisting, and stretching, can pose a risk to your grandparents, according to a post from BetterHealth Channel. They might get hit by any equipment or tripped over by unintentional movements.
Robert Veres advises, "Be mindful of your workout space. If training around seniors, it should be ensured it is safe and avoids risks of accidents."
2. Overexertion Risks
Witnessing your intense exercise routine might motivate your grandparents to push beyond their capabilities, leading to overexertion. According to research from the National Library of Medicine, pushing past physical limits, especially in seniors, risks serious health complications.
3. Negative Perception of Exercise
Your intense workout might paint a scary picture of exercise to your grandparents. Based on an article from NASM, they might equate fitness with extreme physical exertion and shy away from it.
Veres suggests, "Always promote physical activity as enjoyable and rewarding, rather than intimidating."
4. Increased Stress Levels
Emotional stress could arise if your grandparents worry about your safety while using heavy workout equipment. A study from Parkview Health warns that chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems for seniors.
5. Potential for Germs Spread
Shared workout spaces may expose them to more germs. MedlinePlus points out that seniors' immune systems are less able to fight germs, increasing their risk of illnesses.
As intriguing as it might be to bond with your grandparents over a rigorous workout session, prudence suggests otherwise. Instead, decide on a more subdued form of exercise that benefits both parties and consider involving professional guidance for your grandparents' exercise routine. Remember, each individual has unique fitness needs - your rigorous routine might resonate poorly with seniors.
As the last piece of advice, Veres states, "Flexible boundaries in a fitness program accommodate everyone's needs, prevailing health conditions, and physical capabilities. Fitness is not a one-size-fits-all; understanding this ensures we can coexist without risking the welfare of our seniors".
