Staying Physically Fit with Alzheimer’s

Caregivers can help people with Alzheimer’s disease
be more active and stay safe:

• Be realistic about how much activity can be done at one
  time. Several 10-minute “mini-workouts” may be best.
• Help get the activity started or join in to make the
  activity more fun.
• Find time in the morning for exercise.
• Break exercises into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
• Choose comfortable clothes that are suitable for the
  weather and appropriate shoes that fit well.
• Make sure both you and the person with Alzheimer’s
  drink plenty of water when exercising.

Some physical activities to try:

• Take a walk together.
• Do simple tasks around the house, such as sweeping
  and raking.
• Work in the garden.
• Play music and dance.
• Exercise with videos made for older people. Try the
  sample workout on NIA’s free Go4Life DVD.
• Throw a soft rubber exercise ball back and forth.
• Lift weights or household items such as soup cans.
• Use resistance bands, which you can buy in sporting
  goods stores. Be sure to follow the instructions.

Quick Tip

• Try being active together.
  Physical activity and
  exercise are good for
  caregivers, too!

Visit
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life

• Read more tips for
  adding physical activity
  to your day.
• Print useful tools.
• Order a free exercise DVD.
• Share your exercise story.

National Institute on Aging
National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Go4Life is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.