## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Tips for Daily Living # Tips for Aging Actively with Parkinson’s Oct 04, 2022 ![Grandparents with granddaughters cooking in kitchen](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/Active-Aging-Blog_0.jpg?itok=-yDWR5oH) Learning to live with Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms can be a challenge that requires approaching [activities of daily living](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living "Activities of Daily Living") differently. Living well with Parkinson’s is possible, but it requires comprehensive care and support. One strategy for living well with PD is through the practice of active aging. ### What is active aging? Active aging means going through the different stages of life in a way that promotes overall wellness, including physical wellness, [mental wellness](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health "Emotional & Mental Health") and emotional wellness. Practicing active aging is a great way to maintain your health and celebrate your current stage of life. ### Active Aging with PD Progression Although every person living with Parkinson’s experiences [symptoms](/node/462) and [progression](/blog/awareness/parkinsons-progress "Can We Put the Brakes on Parkinson’s Progression?") differently, there are standard stages of PD. Stages of Parkinson’s are an outline of the common changes people can experience as Parkinson’s progresses. These stages may help people living with PD and their loved ones process the changes and progression of Parkinson’s. PD can feel unpredictable but having an idea of what might come next can help a person living with Parkinson’s practice active aging. [Read more about the Stages of Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/stages "Stages of Parkinson's") ### How to Practice Active Aging Active aging is a unique experience for each person, but we have a few ideas to get you started. It is important to make active aging work for you, whether you are a person living with Parkinson’s, a [care partner](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") or someone who is interested in aging actively. Here are some tips for how to practice active aging: **Get Active** [Exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") can be a fun way to strengthen your body. Consistent exercise can improve your overall health. - Work out at home: [check out our Fitness Fridays](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth#ff) for expert-led, on-demand workouts from boxing and dancing to yoga and balance exercises. - Try a new class: call our [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) to find a nearby PD-tailored exercise program near you. **Eat a Balanced Diet** Nutrition is an important part of health. There is no specific diet created for people living with PD, but it is important to balance your diet with grains, vegetables, fruits and protein-rich foods. [Read our article on Diet & Nutrition](/living-with-parkinsons/management/diet-nutrition "Diet & Nutrition") to learn more about eating well with PD. **Try to Improve Your Sleep** Healthy sleep helps your overall health. People living with Parkinson’s may experience changes in sleep and [sleep disorders](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/sleep-disorders "Sleep Disorders"). Listen to our audiobook [Sleep: A Mind’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease](/library/audiobooks/sleep "Sleep: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease") and talk to a doctor about how to improve your sleep. **Work Out Your Mind** Doing something that you find interesting can help you enjoy life and stimulate your mind. People with PD may experience [memory](/blog/awareness/memory "Staying Well: Tips for Mental Well-being and Memory") and [cognitive changes](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/cognitive "Cognitive Changes"). These PD symptoms can be incredibly frustrating, so be sure to stimulate your mind in ways that are enjoyable and relaxing, such as [practicing hobbies](/blog/tips/hobbies-leisure "Staying Active: Hobbies and Leisure Pursuits"). **Build Your Care Team** [Your ](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team")[care team](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team) is a group of medical professionals that help you manage your PD. It may take time to build your care team, but trained professionals can support you in your active aging through [complementary therapies](/blog/awareness/complementary-therapies "Top Takeaways About Complementary Therapies and PD"). **Find Support** You are not alone. As you continue to experience the changes of PD, build the support system that works for you. Here are some ideas: - Make standing plans to talk to friends and loved ones. - Find a support group that works for you. - Commit to finding a [mental health counselor](/blog/tips/finding-counselors "6 Helpful Tips for Finding Your Ideal Mental Health Counselor") you trust. - Use our [In Your Area](/your-area "In Your Area") feature to locate resources near you. - Join an online network of support with [PD Conversations](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/). **The Parkinson's Foundation is here for you. Reach our [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or** [**Helpline@Parkinson.org**](mailto:Helpline@parkinson.org) **for answers to your Parkinson’s questions and referrals to local wellness classes and support groups.** ## Related Blog Posts ![DNA double helix](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/lrrk2-blog-0826-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=ar_y6okl) Raise Awareness ### [ Parkinson’s Genes Explained: 5 Facts about LRRK2 ](/blog/awareness/5-facts-about-lrrk2) READ NOW ![Doctor speaking with patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/neuro-talk-getting-diagnosed-blog-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=hTcf9_Hk) Advancing Research ### [ Neuro Talk: Getting Diagnosed ](/blog/research/getting-diagnosed) READ NOW ![Press conference with Parkinson's Foundation group](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/state-advocacy-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=RQRZ_X7a) Policy & Advocacy ### [ Why State Advocacy Matters and What the Parkinson's Foundation Is Doing About It ](/blog/policy/why-state-advocacy-matters) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](/resources-support/blog) ## Related Materials Fact Sheets ### [ Nutrition and PD ](/library/fact-sheets/nutrition) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/nutrition) Fact Sheets ### [ Parkinson's Exercise Recommendations ](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations) Videos & Webinars ### [ What are the different forms and stages of Parkinson's disease? ](/library/videos/stages) [Watch Now](/library/videos/stages) ### Connect with Others Explore our PD Conversations discussion groups to find answers or talk to others going through similar experiences. 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