How to Help Your Older Parents Stay Active Without Pushing Too Hard
July 24 • 2025
As parents age, staying active can make a big difference in their overall health. From boosting heart function to maintaining mobility and independence. But if you’re trying to encourage more movement without overstepping or applying pressure, you’re not alone. Many adult children struggle to strike that balance.
At Aylo Health, we understand that wellness looks different at every age. That’s why we’re sharing a few simple, supportive ways to help your parents stay active and healthy without turning it into a chore.
In the below video, Dr. Manasa Vesireddy and Hermanda West, FNP-BC discuss ways to keep your older parents active and healthy.
1. Start Simple: Go for a Daily Walk
You don’t need a gym membership to make a difference. Suggest a short 10-minute walk each day. Walking is low-impact, gentle on the joints, and shown to improve cardiovascular health, balance, and even mood. Plus, it’s an easy activity you can do together, and sometimes, just showing up for the walk with them makes all the difference.
2. Add Light Resistance for Strength
As we age, maintaining muscle strength and bone density becomes even more important. Older adults are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. The disease causes weakened bones which can increase to risk of fractures. Those fractures can accelerate an older person’s health decline due to potential complications. A few sessions per week of light resistance band exercises or small hand weights can help improve posture, balance, and prevent falls. Bonus? These can be done sitting down if mobility is limited.
3. Make It Fun
Exercise doesn’t have to look like traditional workouts. Encourage fun, joyful movement like dancing to music they love, gardening, swimming, or even bowling. If it brings them joy and gets them moving, it counts!
4. Encourage, Don’t Push
The best motivation comes from feeling supported, not pressured. Instead of saying “you should,” try:
“I’d love to do this with you.”
“Let’s try it together once and see how it feels.”
Your encouragement can go a long way in helping them feel empowered to stay active. Doing these activities together is mutually beneficial add a great way to spend time together.
Care That Supports the Whole Family
At Aylo Health, we help families build sustainable wellness routines. Whether you’re caring for aging parents or working on your own health goals. We believe preventive care doesn’t stop at checkups. It includes everyday choices like movement, nutrition, and community support.
Experience Better Primary Care Around Atlanta
Need help creating a plan to support your parents’ health? We’re here to help. Aylo Health offers comprehensive primary care at convenient locations throughout metro Atlanta, including Woodstock, Suwanee, Dawsonville, and Hickory Flat. Book a visit today at AyloHealth.com and take the next step in helping your whole family feel their best.