Technically, people train for aging their whole lives. While seniors should be used to changes in their bodies by the time they reach their golden years, the truth is they can do many things to prevent aging from taking away their health and vitality. Preparing the body is simple when following these basic healthy lifestyle practices for increasing the ability to sail through the aging process.
Continue to Do Strength Training Exercises
People build muscle mass well into their 20s, but it begins to decrease in middle age. Muscle mass is critical for providing the strength needed to perform normal daily activities. Muscles also play a big role in supporting the spine and other bodily structures. Strength training can be as simple as performing body weight exercises. Leg lifts, shoulder rotations, and simplified squats are a few exercises seniors might be able to perform. Those who still have good strength can also work out with light weights to further prevent the loss of muscle mass.
Engage in Cardiovascular Activity Every Day
Long walks are a great way to keep the heart and lungs in good health. Heart and respiratory diseases rapidly contribute to the aging process, and seniors might not be able to do important exercises if they get sick. Whether they like to ride bicycles or go for brisk walks, seniors should continue to do workouts that involve cardiovascular activity.
Professional caregivers can help seniors exercise safely at home. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Edmonton seniors can depend on.
Focus on Maintaining Cognitive Abilities
The brain is an important organ that requires the same level of attention to training as the rest of the body. Preparing the brain for old age involves doing some fun activities that keep it engaged. Suggestions for seniors include pulling out puzzles and seeing how fast they can put them together or reading books with friends and discussing the plots. Seniors can also do online brain training games or ask professional caregivers to help them engage in activities that boost cognitive functioning. Staying mentally active can prevent memory loss and other cognitive issues.
Keep Eating Right
Healthy food is the fuel the body requires to manage the aging process. Seniors might be old enough to eat whatever they want, but that doesn’t always mean they make the right choices. Older adults should eat nutritious meals and snacks each day that include antioxidants, which reduce the effects of aging on the body.
Professional home caregivers can help seniors plan and prepare the nutritious meals they need to enjoy optimal health. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset about Aging
Mental attitude also influences how well the body is prepared for aging. Acceptance is important for helping seniors avoid falling into a pit of negativity that causes them to engage in unhealthy lifestyle practices. Deciding that aging is a time to enjoy can make it easier for older adults to accept help. Letting someone else do the dishes or cook meals allows seniors to prevent injuries while also having more time to indulge in favorite activities.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home 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. Call us at (780) 490-7337 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.