Resistance to Activity
For decades, society held two general attitudes toward exercise. First, people believed that it wasn't ladylike. Second, many thought that it was a kind of mindless, low-life activity. White-collar jobs were seen as the gateway to a higher quality way of life, and activities where you would sweat or get dirty were less than appealing.
Because these attitudes were considered correct for so long, it's difficult, sometimes, to get older people to want to exercise or to be open to the benefits of activity. This is especially true when activity seems to exacerbate health problems. For example, when someone older or out of shape starts an exercise program or attempts to be active, they may experience some aches and pains from the changes. This discomfort will often make the person want to stop their new program.
Even when you tell this person that activity will, in the long run, make them happier and healthier, they might only recognize that activity is making them feel tired and achy. On top of this, because the idea of exercise as beneficial is a new one, it's difficult to teach seniors what you know about fitness without coming across as, well, a know-it-all kid, no matter what your age.
Need motivation to keep fit? How's this? Older people who exercise regularly experience fewer aches and pains than other people their age who are less active. Researchers found elderly people who engaged in brisk aerobic exercise, like running, had 25 percent less joint and muscle pain.
So, if you love and care for an older person, be respectful of their point of view and recognize that their attitude toward exercise and fitness may not be the same as yours. You might even try telling them about your experience working out and asking them whether they were active when they were young. Before you attempt to offer advice or encouragement, first offer them validation of their opinions.
