Advancing into the golden years doesn’t mean seniors automatically experience cognitive and physical deterioration. The majority of older adults live happy, healthy lives. Health-conscious seniors can adopt a number of daily habits to ensure ongoing vitality.
1. Eat Properly
Older adults need to adhere to healthy food regimens. The body continues needing the proper nutrients to provide energy along with enabling cellular replication and repair as needed. Eating the right amount and types of foods also prevents unnecessary weight gain, which has the potential to encourage the development of various adverse medical conditions. Meals should consist of lean meats, poultry, or fish plus plenty of brightly colored vegetables and fruits. The diet should also include nuts and whole grains. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products are also recommended. Eating nutritious foods is one of the many ways seniors can boost their health and enjoy a high quality of life. 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 Des Moines home care service.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.
2. Stay Active
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Doing daily chores around the house, going for walks, and caring for a garden are simple ways to stay active. Some may enjoy performing exercises at home or working out at a fitness center. Others may enjoy cycling or swimming. By increasing the frequency and intensity of their activities, seniors can become stronger and more flexible.
3. Sharpen the Mind
Seniors need to exercise their cognitive abilities to enable neurons to continually create pathways of communication between cells. Engaging in mental challenges routinely also keeps neurotransmitter production continuously occurring while promoting neuron function. Reading, working puzzles, and playing games are all great activities for cognitive health. Learning new skills or starting a new hobby heightens the challenge.
4. Socialize
Seniors need to remain socially active in some way. Simple phone calls help families stay in touch. Even if family members or friends live too far to visit routinely, Internet access provides the chance to connect via email and social media. Older adults also have the chance to socialize within their communities by attending church services or other public gatherings. Socialization promotes cognitive and mental health, which in turn benefits physical health. Home care can be a wonderful solution when seniors need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. Elder care agenciescan be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
5. Have a Purpose
When older adults retire, they have plenty of time on their hands but may not know how to occupy the hours. Some choose to work at least part-time to supplement their finances or connect with others. Retirement provides more time to spend engaged in a favorite hobby. A senior might consider starting a new hobby, learning a new skill, or volunteering. Participating in activities provides a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and fulfillment.
6. Have Fun
Laughter has been proven to benefit the mind, emotions, and body. Feel-good hormones are released that enhance mood and reduce physical pain. During laughter, the body undergoes physiological changes similar to those that result from exercising, which promotes cardiovascular health. Have a comedy-themed movie night with family or friends. Regularly indulge in watching comedic television shows.Seniors who need help making healthier lifestyle choices can benefit from professional at-home care. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Des Moines Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.
