Ask the FBGs: From a Worried Granddaughter
Credit: roblisameehan (And no, this is not actually the worried granddaughter and her grandmother, but aren’t they cute, anyhow?)
Today we’re featuring an Ask the FBGs post. This new feature allows readers like you to ask the FBGs for advice. Nothing is off limits, although we do prefer that it’s fitness related, so send your undying health questions to AsktheFBGs@fitbottomedgirls.com. You just might see them posted on the site in the future!
Dear FBG,
My grandmother is very overweight. However, she has arthritisso it’s difficult for her to do many day-to-day activities, let alone work out. She’s in good health, but I’m nervous that the lack of activity could end up causing problems in the future. She tells me that at this point, it’s too late for her to start anything, but I don’t think so. What do you think?
-Worried Granddaughter
Dear Worried Granddaughter,
First, can we say what an awesome granddaughter you are?! Seriously. This question is both heart-warming and relevant, as many seniors these days are out of shape and afraid to be active because of health conditions. When, in fact, much new research says that exercise actually helps reduce arthritis symptoms and pain! According to the Arthritis Foundation, physical activity can reduce joint pain and stiffness, build strong muscles around the joints and increase flexibility. It can also reduce inflammation and give your grandma more energy, help her sleep better and just feel better over all.
This is all good news, but you’re probably asking me how to get her moving, right? Our suggestion is to spend time with her doing something active. Is there an activity that she used to love to do before she had arthritis? Was it swimming? Tennis? Gardening? Bowling? (Not sure? Ask some family members.) Tap into this first and see if her ears perk up. If this takes some trickery (let’s just walk down the street to see the neighbor’s new flowers) or bribery (we can have a piece of pie after!), that’s okay. The idea is to get you and her moving together and having fun.
Once you’ve gotten her active a few times, then branch into new activities. Maybe a water aerobics class (they may even have one just for people with arthritis) or yoga (there’s even a yoga DVD for seniors!) or even some weight lifting. The important thing is that you do these things with her (or, better yet, enlist the help of your other family members), so that she sees it as social and fun time and not just “exercising.” Hopefully, over time, she’ll really discover something she loves and even do it on her own.
Also, just to be on the safe side, be sure to get the go-ahead from her doctor to exercise and always take things easy with modifications, especially when just starting out. But with a great granddaughter like you by her side to be active with, how could she say no?
Keeping a lid on the junk in the trunk—at any age,
—Jenn