We all want to help seniors live better, safer, and healthier lives, and these tips can help them move in the right direction.
While we get ready to roll the calendar forward to 2023, it’s a great time to ponder what we’ve learned from the last year and what adjustments we’d like to make in the new year. It is more than simply making a resolution that we will likely give up on within a matter of weeks. It is about taking control over our health and wellbeing so we can live life to the fullest. If you’re wanting to help seniors live better, there are some specific ways to achieve this.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Seniors Make to Improve Their Lives?
This can vary according to each individual’s current lifestyle and goals, but generally speaking, the following are good ways to start:
- Engage in more activities – mentally and physically. A sedentary way of life is shown to be incredibly unhealthy, raising the risk of chronic illnesses as well as earlier death. Alternatively, staying active and involved with enjoyable activities, like exercise, hobbies, and socializing, contributes to a longer, happier life. Older adults should talk to the doctor for recommendations before beginning or changing any fitness plan, but in general, taking a class at the gym, tai chi, walking, yoga, and swimming are great options. To give cognitive functioning a boost, try learning to play a musical instrument, doing crosswords or other puzzles, learning a new language, or taking a class.
- Make at least one of the following dietary adjustments. For a person caught in a routine of poor eating, it may be very challenging to both change and adhere to a healthier diet. It can be simpler to start small, exchanging one unhealthy item for a healthier one. For example, the chips eaten at lunchtime with a sandwich may be exchanged for baby carrots or apple slices. Once this turns into a habit, another substitution may be added in. The aim is to incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables of various colors, lean protein, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whole grain products, and healthy fats while steering clear of foods full of sugar, salt, or trans-fat.
- Improve sleep habits. Keeping active and following a healthier diet can help pave the way for a good night’s rest, which provides a wealth of benefits. Older loved ones should strive for seven to eight hours of sleep every night to lower the risk of depression, stroke, inflammation, and heart disease while improving concentration and focus.
- Alleviate stress. This might be easier said than done, but it’s crucial to both physical and mental health. It is important to avoid turning to harmful substances like illegal drugs, smoking, or excessive drinking to try to self-medicate. Instead, try relaxation practices like deep breathing and meditation, writing in a journal, enjoyable, calming hobbies, or talking with a trusted friend or therapist on a regular basis.
- Arrange for routine checkups. As opposed to waiting until an ailment arises, seniors should see their health care provider routinely (at least on an annual basis) for a complete medical checkup. It is also important to adhere to all of the doctor’s instructions to take care of any present health problems and stop them from getting worse and to prevent new ones from developing. This includes regular checkups with the dentist, eye doctor, and any specialists providing care for the senior.
Absolute Companion Care’s experts in home care in Sparks, MD and the surrounding areas are here to help the older adults in your life implement these and any other positive changes to make this the best year yet! Call us today at 410-357-9640 to find out more.