Elderly father with back & heart problems

joecmoore1

Hey all,

My father is almost 84 years old and is probably 25 to 30 lbs. overweight. He has sever arthritis in his back that is a source of constant pain and it is effecting his attitude and in a very negative way. He also has mild congestive heart failure which I am sure is exasperated by his lack of physical activity. He is convinced that there is nothing he can do to make his situation better. I have stated to him that losing some of the weight would probably do wonders to helping with his back pain, but he is afraid that any exercise will only prove to be more painful.

He has gotten to the point where he doesn't even want to walk from the house to the mailbox and is pretty sedentary. Please no smart aleck responses. I am genuinely looking for any and all advice that could prove to be even a little bit beneficial.

Thanks ahead of time.

JCM

Amanda4change

Swimming is a great non impact exercise that he could do, however my first suggestion would be to talk to his doctor first! I would also see if the doctor can send him for some physical therapy, they can help with the back pain, as well as give him some exercises to strengthen his back muscles (which should help reduce the back pain). Short walks may help as well, but I would want to verify that there isn't an injury or other complication first, so again talk to his doctor.

shexy16

What does his dr. say? I would probably check w/the doctor if you havent' already. Make sure he's OK to start exercising.

Lizzy622

Agreed swimming would be great and many pools now have handicap access so even if he can't walk the steps. There are also little pedals that you can do sitting in your favorite chair. They are not very expensive.

Kalikel

He's an old man with a bad heart and a bad back. If he doesn't want to exercise, he's earned the right not to do that. Respect his right to make his own decisions.

Try to help him be as comfortable and as happy as he can be...on his terms, not yours.