10 Things to Never Say When Encouraging Seniors to Stay Active
At this point in our society, most people know the importance of regular exercise. It offers countless benefits, including:
- A reduced risk of heart disease.
- Stress management.
- Improved balance.
- Better sleep.
- Enhanced flexibility.
- Less depression and anxiety.
- Better cholesterol.
Unfortunately, as we age, we tend to lose the motivation to exercise. While we feed ourselves enough excuses, it can be extra disheartening when other people discourage or enable our bad habits. If an older adult in your life is beginning their fitness journey, here are a few things you might want to avoid saying…and a few ways you can encourage them to keep pursuing their fitness goals!
“You’re too old.”
Telling someone that they’re too old to do something is one of the most demotivating things you could say. It completely shuts down their interest and makes it harder for them to see the point in pursuing their goals. Ageism is a growing problem in our society, with over 93 percent of older adults reporting that they regularly experience it. Instead of expressing doubt, show excitement in their new hobbies. Take an interest in their interests. This alone can boost someone’s self-confidence!
“You can’t start this late in life.”
Another thing you should never point out is anything that has to do with an older adult’s age or stage of life. Nobody needs to draw attention to a senior’s age. It’s something that they know full well and feel every day. Drawing attention to someone’s age can also fill their mind with doubt and excuses. Rather than telling someone they can’t start a new venture at their age, tell them how proud you are that they’re taking control of their health and fitness goals! They’ll be much happier to hear this than any comments about their age.
“You’re going to get hurt.”
The fact of the matter is, accidents can happen anywhere. While some exercise routines are more dangerous than others, you shouldn’t tell seniors that exercising may lead to bodily harm. Exercise can help seniors build their leg strength and reduce the risk of falling! Make sure that the senior in your life takes appropriate precautions without doomsaying. For example, encourage them to start with simple, low-impact exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration. Proper shoes and hydration are also important! While minimizing the risk of injury is important, you can help someone do that without dousing their motivation.
“You’ll be the oldest person there.”
Somebody is bound to be the oldest member of the gym, but pointing it out is unnecessary. This can make someone feel self-conscious and even avoid the gym. Nobody wants to stick out like a sore thumb! Age doesn’t matter when it comes to being active. In fact, being active can help make the aging process a little easier! So, if your loved one informs you that they joined a gym, don’t make any unnecessary observations. Celebrate with them and encourage them to use their new gym membership to get healthy and stay active!
“You probably won’t feel comfortable in activewear.”
Let’s face it—a lot of activewear is geared toward the younger (and usually incredibly fit) crowd. Fortunately, leggings, shorts, pants, tanks, and t-shirts come in all shapes, sizes, and colors! Don’t project your thoughts and feelings onto anyone else and assume they’ll feel uncomfortable in activewear. Instead, ask them what makes them feel comfortable moving in and be encouraging of their fashion choices. You can even help them choose the activewear that’s best suited to their body type and comfort level. Whatever the case, be encouraging, not judgmental!
“Lifting makes you bulky.”
As someone who regularly lifts weights, let me just set the record straight. Lifting will NOT make you bulky. In fact, it’s a fantastic way to strengthen both your muscles and your bones! If you want to get bulky, lifting can help you achieve that aesthetic goal. However, not everyone wants to look bulky and may want to maintain a certain physique. Telling them that weights will make them bulky can prevent them from ever picking up a dumbbell. Rather than spewing myths, educate yourself and talk about the benefits of weightlifting.
“Isn’t it expensive?”
In today’s economy, most people have money on their minds all the time. Nobody likes to think that their newfound fitness goals might break the bank—especially if they’re living on a fixed income. Don’t point out the potential costs of an active lifestyle. Remember—staying active is as cheap or as expensive as you make it. While you can join a gym or sign up for a class, you can also pursue free options on YouTube or walking trails near your house! There are so many cost-effective ways to stay active, so talk about that instead of how much it can cost somebody!
“But you’re already skinny.”
Skinny doesn’t equal healthy. Society has taught us that thinness must mean health, but even skinny people can suffer from heart problems and be at risk for strokes. Telling someone that they’re already thin can discourage them and put a damper on their fitness goals. Remember—fitness isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about moving and staying active and being healthy. So instead of shaming someone, tell them you’re happy they’re trying to better themselves! They’ll like hearing that a lot better than any comments about their weight.
“I couldn’t do it.”
This is another phrase that gets me: “Well, I couldn’t do it.” Just because you can’t doesn’t mean that someone else can’t. We’re all different, and maybe what they want to try is better suited for them than it was for you. And that’s ok! Don’t assume that just because you couldn’t get into running or didn’t enjoy a Pilates class, that somebody else will share their feelings. Always be positive and encouraging! Don’t use somebody else’s success as a way to broadcast your failures.
“Don’t worry about that!”
Telling someone who is getting ready to begin a health journey to put off their goals is the very definition of discouragement. It can enable someone to continue their path of self-destruction or unhealthiness. Besides, it’s never too late to invest in your long-term health! If you’ve ever told someone that, even with good intentions, don’t ever tell them that again in the future. Be as encouraging as you can and commend them for taking control of their health. The phrase “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” comes to mind!
Things to Say Instead
Now that we’ve gone over some things we shouldn’t say, let’s go over some words of encouragement you could speak instead!
- “I’m so proud of you for setting this goal and taking your health so seriously.”
- “It’s awesome that you joined a gym!”
- “If you ever need a workout buddy, I’d always be happy to exercise with you.”
- “Walking three times a week is such a great goal.”
- “Exercise is so good for us, and I’m happy you’ve decided to make it a priority in your life.”
- “You’ve inspired me to prioritize working out in my life, too!”
- “If you ever need any workout tips, always let me know. I’d be happy to help you in your fitness journey!”
- “This is such a great way to stay healthy and strong.”
- “I’m so excited for you!”
Takeaway
Starting a new habit is hard. It requires patience, effort, and most importantly, encouragement. Just because you might go about your fitness journey a different way doesn’t make someone else’s methods wrong. So instead of raining on another person’s parade, be positive! Offer to join them from time to time and help them power through the harder days in their journey. Be a source of encouragement and positivity in somebody’s life. Not only will you make someone else feel better, but you’ll feel better about yourself, too!
If you’re still looking for more great fitness resources, check out Senior Fitness with Meredith’s YouTube Channel or her podcast right here on Senior Resource! Oh, and be sure to read these great articles before you go!
- 5 Ways Exercise Can Help Boost Your Mood
- Zumba Gold and 4 Other Exercise Classes for Boomers
- Why You Aren’t Seeing The Exercise Results You Want
- The 5 Best Core Exercises You Should Be Doing
- Easy-to-Do Exercises for Seniors Who Want to Maintain Independence
Image Credit: SDI Productions / Getty Images | Shutterstock
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Originally published May 07, 2025
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