I know we are like many middle-aged people trying to help their parents stay healthy and active. But Mom and Dad don’t want to go anywhere or do anything farther away than around the block. Is that enough? How hard should we push? I don’t want them to end up in a wheelchair or nursing home any sooner than they have to but we also have our own family to care for.

Like many people in the sandwich generation, you are trying to take care of older parents in one generation while raising a family. Juggling the needs (and wants) of both can be very challenging.

Unless self-motivated, older adults can become very sedentary (inactive). They become stiffer, weaker, and less energetic. That translates into sitting more and doing less, which contributes to deconditioning.

It’s a well-known fact that adults who stay active and get outdoors daily are less likely to experience as rapid or as dramatic of a decline in physical function. They are also less likely to develop new health problems.

Whether or not they have to go farther than around the block is debatable. There is some evidence to suggest that visiting friends and joining in on family activities has some additional benefit. Such activities get people out more and farther away from their TV and comfortable recliner.

Anything you can do to help keep your parents active physically and mentally will pay off in the long-run. Get as much help as you can to keep from burning out yourself. Take advantage of local support groups, Adult Aging Services, Senior Citizens’ volunteers.

In almost every community (even small farming communities), there are usually some services available. Don’t be too shy or too proud to take advantage of these — that’s what they are for! It’s all for your parents’ sake and that should help you get past any personal barriers you may have when letting others step in to assist you with your folks.