How to help?

stcar

My dad is about 6 feet tall and I'm totally guessing, but I'm thinking he weighs 300 pounds or so (that's him in my pic). He is 66 years old and has a bad knee, which makes exercise hard. He says he "hardly eats" and it's hard for him to go for walks because of his knee and won't go swimming because "nobody wants to see the fat guy in the bathing suit". He is retired and other then meeting friends for coffee, Saturday drinks with the guys and housework (lawn care, etc) he's pretty sedentary. My mom fries everything in oil and they have a lot of fast food and cakes (my moms weight is fine)...also, I know he has candy hidden around. My question is, how do I motivate him to get into shape?? I'm worried about heart attacks etc with his weight and age...any advice? Thanks!

samandlucysmum

It has to be a personal decision, because at the end of the day, it is him that has to want to get healthy, its like any addiction, you have to accept you have a problem before anything can be done about it, you can try suggesting to him, take some photos etc, but ultimately, it is up to him to get on with it. How about getting them a fruit basket as a gift, or a weekly casserole/hotpot, to encourage them both.

stcar

Oh, that's a good idea, I'll try that! I was also thinking of bringing motivational articles of older men that have lost weight and bringing them over! Maybe the body for life book? Thank you!