Why Our Elderly Parents Avoid Exercise, And How to Motivate Them By Helping Them Create A Habit

As our parents grow older, many of them start avoiding exercise without saying it directly.

They will tell us they have “no strength,” “too tired,” or “no energy.” In their minds, rest feels safer and more comfortable. After decades of working, raising families, and carrying responsibilities, they simply want peace, not another task that feels like effort.

Another key reason many elderly parents avoid exercise is fear of falling. The thought of losing balance or hurting themselves can make even a short walk feel risky. Their caution is natural, but it often keeps them sedentary, which ironically makes their body weaker and more prone to falls over time.

Exercising actually helps us feel more energetic.

What they often overlook, however, is that gentle exercise isn’t meant to drain them, it is what restores their strength. Something as simple as walking improves blood circulation, supports heart health, helps maintain mobility, stabilizes mood, and even increases energy levels. For elderly parents with high blood pressure or diabetes, light movement helps their body regulate better. In other words, small steps create big benefits.

But to them, “exercise” sounds tiring, difficult, or boring. They imagine intense workouts, sweating, or painful effort. They don’t realise it can be something enjoyable, slow, and meaningful.

This is where we can help shift their mindset.

What can we do?

Exercise doesn’t have to look like exercise. It can simply look like living. A helpful approach is joining them at the start more often. Walk together around the neighbourhood, take a slightly longer route to their favourite coffee stall, or stroll through a mall while window-shopping. The key is to make movement feel safe, enjoyable, and shared. Most importantly, for them to experience themselves and adjust their mindset while you are with them.

Once their habit builds and confidence grows, you can encourage them to:

• Walk with their spouse, friend, or sibling, enjoying companionship while staying active.
  

• Do light exercise on their own, while you join occasionally to support them, gradually reducing your direct presence as they feel more confident.
  

This gradual, supportive approach transforms exercise from a task into a meaningful, fun part of their day. Many elderly parents don’t say it out loud, but deep inside they enjoy being included, not instructed. They enjoy moving when the movement is part of shared, enjoyable time, not when it feels like an obligation.

A gentle reminder

Thinking of creative ways to help our parents move is one of the most important gifts we can give them. It protects their physical health, uplifts their mental well-being, and helps them stay active longer.

And as we grow older ourselves, this is also a reminder: Their health is our responsibility today, and our own future depends on the healthy habits we build now ourselves.

Helping our parents exercise isn’t just good for them. It’s a lesson for us too, as we walk the path of aging together. :)