Physical and mental activities are the ideal ways for seniors to enhance quality of life and maintain their independence. However, many adults become inactive as they age. It’s also common for aging adults to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Here are some tips elderly people can use to stay active.
1. Go on Daily Walks
Whether they walk through the neighborhood, on the treadmill at home or at the local gym, or inside the house while watching a walk-in-place video, walking is one of the best ways for older adults to stay active. Walking can jump-start your aging loved one’s metabolism, especially when taking walks in the morning. After going on daily walks, your loved one will have more energy and a sharper focus. Whether seniors walk outside or exercise at home, they may need support to do so safely. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care.Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Engage in Brain-Boosting Activities
Staying active in the golden years isn’t just about physical exercises and activities. Your loved one should also take care of his or her mind. Too much stress and anxiety could take a negative toll on your loved one’s health and increase his or her risk of depression, obesity, and other serious health issues. Throughout the day, seniors should take time to clear their minds by doing different breathing techniques, playing cards or internet games, listening to music, watching funny films, or working in a garden.
3. Do Household Chores
Cleaning around the home is a way to get the mind and body working. Create a list of fun everyday chores your loved one will enjoy as well as weekly and monthly activities that strengthen his or her health, promote safety, and keep the home clean. Some of the best household chores for seniors who want to stay active without going to the gym include sweeping, cleaning dishes, washing clothes, and dusting. Doing household chores allows seniors to engage in daily physical activity, but they might need assistance with certain tasks. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Des Moines seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
4. Take the Stairs
While out in public, encourage your loved one to take the stairs instead of using the escalator or elevator. The extra steps provide physical activity that strengthens the bones and sheds calories. In addition to taking the stairs, your loved one can walk to the door of a shop, restaurant, or store instead of being dropped off while you go find a parking space. However, make sure the temperature isn’t too hot, and avoid long distances.
5. Learn Something New
Getting out of the house and socializing with others is important for seniors. This type of activity can lower the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. Sign your parent up for arts and crafts classes at the local senior center, or enroll him or her in dance, music, or foreign language classes. The ability to learn something new puts your parent’s creative thinking skills to good use, allowing him or her to interact with others and providing something to look forward to each week, which could boost his or her quality of life. Seniors might need help when engaging in daily activities.Des Moines home care serviceexperts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (515) 264-2438 today.
