7 Ways I'm Helping My Parents Stay Healthy As They Get Older

Oct 29, 2025

As parents age, how can we support them without taking over? Learn common mistakes to avoid, like talking 'at' rather than 'to' them. Discover the importance of compassion, tiny habit changes, and making health improvements fun through community involvement. Gradually introduce movement and strength training, focus on protein intake, and tackle issues like sleep apnea and hearing loss. Reviving family traditions, like post-meal walks, can strengthen bonds and improve health. A holistic approach builds trust and gratitude within families.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Start Small, Build Momentum

Focus on tiny, achievable habits rather than overwhelming change.
Let one positive change seed others because small wins build momentum.

ANECDOTE

First Gym Visit Built Mom's Confidence

Herschel accompanied their mother to a trainer and stayed while the trainer led safe, senior-appropriate strength sessions.
That first supported experience built confidence and a lasting trainer relationship that enabled progress.

ADVICE

Change Their Environment

Audit and optimize your parents' environment because surroundings power behavior.
Encourage moves, local groups, or activities that normalize active, healthy choices.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, Maui Nui, iRestore, and Rula.

As our parents get older, the roles slowly shift from them taking care of us to us helping take care of them. But how do you do that in a way that feels supportive, not controlling or preachy? And beyond that, how do we help them optimize their health so they can stay strong, independent, and full of life for as long as possible?

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with his sisters, Harshal and Kaya, to share the top seven things they’re doing to keep their parents healthy and thriving. Together, they explore the biggest mistakes people make when trying to create change in their parents’ lives and how those missteps can prevent lasting progress. They also dive into the seven strategies that made the most significant difference in their parents’ health journey, including strength training, increasing protein intake, and fostering community and a sense of belonging. Plus, they discuss the importance of mindset shifts, addressing sleep apnea, and building the simple habit of walking after meals.

In this episode, Dhru, Harshal, and Kaya dive into:

Dhru’s Intro and Background (00:00)
Biggest mistakes we make when approaching our parents (2:20)
Talking “at” versus “to” our parents (3:30)
Leading with empathy and compassion (7:30)
Making lifestyle changes fun through community (12:43)
Focusing on tiny wins instead of forcing big changes (18:48)
Movement and strength training as key components (22:28)
Changing environment and exposure (32:58)
Building meaningful connections (40:05)
Prioritizing protein for metabolic health (47:54)
Addressing sleep apnea and hearing loss (56:38)
Walking after meals as a core habit (1:04:18)
Sauna as an added bonus (1:07:58)
Final thoughts (1:11:28)

Also mentioned in this episode:

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, Maui Nui, iRestore, and Rula.

Right now, get 20% off your Cozy Earth sheets and sleepwear. Just head over to cozyearth.com/dhru and use code DHRUP.

Right now, Maui Nui Venison is offering my listeners a limited collection of my favorite cuts and products. Just go to mauinuivenison.com/dhru to secure your access now, but hurry, supply is limited!

Hair loss is frustrating. Give yourself the gift of hair confidence. For a limited time, my listeners get an exclusive discount on the iRestore Elite using the link irestore.com with code DHRU.

Take the first step toward better mental health today. Head to Rula.com/DHRU to get quality care from someone who cares.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices