Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How to Help My Dad Stay Active? (self.Blind)
submitted by exnihilo2
My Dad is 80 years old and blind, he lost his vision in the last 5-10 years gradually from eye problems. His vision has gotten bad enough now that he can just see some shadows sometimes. He spends most of his time listening to the tv, and sometimes audiobooks. My mom tries to get him to go to the gym with her and he bikes there, but he doesn't always want to go. He's pretty grouchy a lot of the time, and I think it would be good for him to get out more and interact with the community. I just don't know what to recommend to my mom and dad. I was hoping maybe some of you here might have some ideas I could suggest to them? Maybe even something he could do at home that's not just tv?
care-bear-grylls 4 points 3y ago
I'm not blind but I think given his age and condition the best option would be for him to take up swimming. It's pretty easy on the joints and plenty of blind people enjoy it.
exnihilo2 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
That's a good idea, I'll have to see if that's something he's interested in trying or not. He's more of a fishing than a swimming guy. Thanks for the idea!
BlueRock956 1 points 3y ago
Fishing in a peer is awesome. After a few times, he'll feel super comfortable in that environment.
kc_kilmer09 3 points 3y ago
Swimming, walking (guided, with a cane, or treadmill), elliptical, stretching/yoga, lightweight strength training...
Community involvement with local men’s groups, coffee chats, church...
There are plenty of things to do... but it’s a mind shift change to be motivated. There won’t be a magic activity that will make him snap out of it. He has to WANT to.
Community involvement with local men’s groups, coffee chats, church...
There are plenty of things to do... but it’s a mind shift change to be motivated. There won’t be a magic activity that will make him snap out of it. He has to WANT to.
exnihilo2 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I'm really thinking some kind of local group involvement might be something he needs. He used to work all the time and now he can't, so I think he feels like he isn't useful. I think he might need a purpose again.
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I understand he has to want to, but I'm hoping if we find some options and lay them out for him maybe he will want to try one of them. So here's to hoping, and thanks for replying.
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I understand he has to want to, but I'm hoping if we find some options and lay them out for him maybe he will want to try one of them. So here's to hoping, and thanks for replying.
kaarloss 1 points 3y ago
Getting a guide dog changed my life. I was suddenly far more active for obvious reasons. In a year I lost 7 stone (44.5 kg) and now I’m starting hill walking for enjoyment. Plus the whole looking after a dog really gives you a focus and a routine
From the description of your dad’s current mood, I can see how I used to be (still get grumpy tho haha)
The endorphins and sense of independence make for quite the mood lifter.
It might not be the right solution for you but I can say from my experiences it certainly could be worth some thought
:)
From the description of your dad’s current mood, I can see how I used to be (still get grumpy tho haha)
The endorphins and sense of independence make for quite the mood lifter.
It might not be the right solution for you but I can say from my experiences it certainly could be worth some thought
:)
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