Mom complaining about independent living

[Anonymous]

Mom has some aphasia/cognitive deficits following a stroke so she is now in independent living. Physically she’s very mobile and is disappointed in the daily exercise classes offered - most people can’t move well and have walkers or an aide. But they appear to have all their mental faculties! Is she in the right place?

[Anonymous]

Can you take her to a gym, studio or rec center nearby, or hire someone to do it? Or does her IL have transportation options? Keeping elders as fit and engaged as possible dramatically improves their quality of life and protects them against falls.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like she's in assisted living, not independent living. That said, you have to check to see what the place offers. She might have to go to a separate gym to get good workouts. Most elderly don't exercise, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

I would observe the class before you assume anything. She may not stand out as much as she thinks. My mom thinks she is superior to every other woman her age in every way and she sees herself as more like a 40 or 50 year old. She is wrong.

[Anonymous]

She's fine. Old people complain. They don't have much else to do.

[Anonymous]

If she is actually in independent living, she could uber to a gym

[Anonymous]

Well, any choice other than independent living is going to have even more limited options. If there's a gym in her building she can work out on her own. She may even be able to find a personal trainer who will meet her there. Otherwise, if there are shuttles to different shopping centers she could use them to go to another gym or Uber like another poster recommended. YMCAs tend to have a lot of daytime classes older adults use. Also check out senior centers in your community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would observe the class before you assume anything. She may not stand out as much as she thinks. My mom thinks she is superior to every other woman her age in every way and she sees herself as more like a 40 or 50 year old. She is wrong.

This. Some older people dislike being around "old people." My mom was one, even though she fit right in.