I think about this a lot, too and it's comforting to know that there are other people who share this concern! My daddy just passed away after a rough battle of cancer and it's really made my mom open her eyes to her own health. While he was sick she neglected to take care of herself because she felt that she could only take care of him. She gained weight and (aside from my dad's death) she's not at a happy place with her body.

It was hard to take the first step in voicing my concern about her health but once she made the first remark about getting herself together again my part seemed easy. I encouraged her to start Weight Watchers with her co-workers and even offered (and still do) to pay for her membership each month.

She said the "ah ha" moment was when she realized she didn't want me or my two siblings to be without both parents -- So, she got things together. She's got a long ways to go but I'm proud of her for realizing she needed a change.

I agree with Katrine's previous post -- I applaud my mom for the smallest steps because as small as they may seem, they're huge in the grand scheme of things.

My dad & stepmom simply would not heed suggestions about healthier eating and it eventually negatively impacted both of them. But my dad definitely responded more positively to exercise if he had someone to do it with, even it it was just taking a walk around the neighborhood. Just knowing he was going to see the same employees at the gym seemed to be encouraging for him. I recommend a workout or walking buddy.

Your dad is lucky to have a daughter like you. My husband has similar concerns about his parents. We both applaud any physical activity they do and tell them to keep up the good work by giving them ideas to spruce things up so they don't get bored with their routines. We also like to cook for them and show them how delicious good food can be. I like to think it works some.

I completely understand this feeling.  A few years ago, my dad went in for a routine heart procedure and came out having had emergency open heart surgery.  I know how it fees to worry like you!

Heart problems run in our family and being from the south, they rarely cook anything that isn't fried.  I have the same health concerns for my dad, and the best way I've found to approach it is to just tell him how much I appreciate him and want him to be here to see me get married and have children.  I remind him (gently) that the food he makes tastes great but is terrible for his heart.  I asked him to try and eat something healthy at least 5 days a week and not really worry about his diet (within reason) on the weekends.  It's hard to break old habits, especially when the person with the habit gets to a certain age :)