Aging well is all about boosting quality of life. The lifestyle choices older adults make typically strengthen or weaken their cognitive health as well as their mobility and emotional wellbeing. Keep reading to discover some secrets to healthy aging your senior parent can use in the golden years.
1. Stay Socially Engaged
Withdrawing from family and friends and living an isolated life prevents your loved one from receiving the mental and physical stimulation he or she needs. Your loved one should get out of the house and socialize with other people. Encourage your parent to join a sports league, volunteer, find a part-time job, or host weekly game nights at home.
2. Practice Healthy Eating Habits
The foods seniors eat can impact their heart health, speed up cognitive decline, and lead to poor posture and balance issues. However, eating fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fatty fish, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can provide the nutrients your loved one needs to remain healthy.
A professional caregiver can be a great source of information and assistance when it comes to healthy eating. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Edmonton, AB, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
3. Protect the Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it should be protected at all times. When your parent goes outdoors, make sure he or she is wearing appropriate clothing and accessories to shield the skin from excessive sun exposure. Your loved one should also wear sunscreen when running errands or attending outdoor events in the warmer months.
4. Stop Smoking
Seniors need to avoid smoking and using other tobacco products. These unhealthy habits can speed up cognitive decline and negatively impact heart health. Help your loved one find ways to stop smoking, such as engaging in fun hobbies, keeping healthy snacks nearby, and leaning on family and friends for support.
5. Accept the Aging Process
One of the worst things older adults can do is worry about aging and some of the issues that can come with it, such as cognitive decline and poor bone health. While it’s crucial to adopt healthy lifestyle choices that increase longevity and boost overall health, your parent shouldn’t worry constantly about aging. Once your loved one accepts the process, he or she can practice healthy habits instead of stressing about the unknown.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
6. Downsize
The expenses and chores involved in managing a large home could be more than your parent is able to handle as he or she gets older. Encourage your loved one to downsize. Moving into a smaller residence can lower the risk of slips and falls, cut expenses, reduce the number of daily tasks, and provide more time to focus on fun activities that boost his or her quality of life.
7. Get Plenty of Rest
Sleep deprivation can have devastating effects on mental and physical health. Poor sleeping habits are linked to immune system problems, memory loss, and depression. Ensuring your loved one gets at least eight hours of sleep each night can support healthy aging.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of in-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.