What are the Steps to Becoming More Fit for the Aging Adult with Mental Retardation?
• Step 1 – Get Physician Approval to Start an Exercise Program. Because of the high risk of injury in starting an exercise program for an older adult who has been inactive for much of his or her life, it is important that the person have a physical to make sure that it is safe to begin an exercise program. Even though a person may have high blood pressure, arthritis, and obesity, an exercise program can and should be started. A precaution is that the physician gives his or her approval before starting the exercise program. • Step 2 – Increase Physical Activity Throughout the Day. We often fail to realize that increasing physical activity levels throughout the day can expend a larger number of calories. This is especially important for individuals who won’t or do not want to participate in a structured physical fitness program. Some helpful tips include the following: • Get rid of the remote control and get up and down when changing television channels. • Use weights (e.g., milk jugs fi
