Seniors tend to be known for being set in their ways, but the golden years are actually a wonderful time to make big changes. Years of work and life experience can give seniors the tools they need to enhance their lives, and the right choices can help them stay healthy and happy for many more years. Here are some rewarding lifestyle changes to make in the senior years.
1. Take Walks
The sedentary lifestyle so common in modern times is incredibly unhealthy. People who walk more often get all sorts of benefits, such as better muscle tone, healthier weight, and enhanced mood. Even just ten minutes of walking a day can make a big difference.
If you usually help your elderly loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider enlisting the help of a professional caregiver. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Philadelphia, PA, 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.
2. Try Brain Teasers
Staying mentally stimulated in the senior years can reduce the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline. Seniors should pick up crossword or sudoku puzzles or other challenging activities to keep their brains active.
3. Eat More Healthy Fats
Add nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and avocado to your loved one’s diet to get more healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can protect against heart disease, memory loss, and many other common age-related health issues.
Professional caregivers with training in nutrition and healthy habits can be a wonderful source of information and encouragement for older adults. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional Home Care Philadelphia 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.
4. Take a Yoga Class
Gentle yoga can be a great hobby to pick up in the senior years. This type of exercise enhances balance and flexibility and can ensure seniors remain mobile for as long as possible. It also has a calming effect, which can be good for boosting mental health and reducing blood pressure.
5. Drink Water
A surprisingly high number of seniors are dehydrated without knowing it. Seniors should skip sugar-filled sodas and juices and make the switch to plain water instead. This easy change can help your loved one lose weight and feel better.
6. Quit Using Alcohol and Tobacco
Many seniors think it’s too late for them to stop smoking cigarettes or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, but in reality, letting go of these habits can have a huge impact on their health. Encourage your loved one to avoid drinking more than one or two alcoholic beverages a day and take steps to quit using tobacco, as these actions can greatly boost heart health and reduce the risk of various cancers and organ conditions.
7. Make Time for Friends and Family
With less work, child-rearing, and other obligations to consider, the senior years are the right time to quit making excuses and find time for loved ones. Spending time with friends and family can greatly boost mental and emotional health, and the stress-reducing effects of socialization can also help seniors maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
8. Consume More Fruits and Vegetables
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet makes a big difference. These healthy foods are low in calories and high in fiber, so they help with maintaining a healthy weight. They’re also loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants seniors need.
Senior home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Call Home Care Assistance today at (215) 645-4663 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.