A senior who is 65 today could live for another three decades or more. When you think about how long a person spends in his or her golden years, it’s worth focusing on making sure every older adult has the highest quality of life possible. Seniors who feel valued are more likely to feel mentally and physically well, and these simple strategies can ensure your older loved one sails through this stage of life with a higher level of vitality.
Help Them Find a New Sense of Purpose
Everyone needs to have a strong reason for waking up each day. Your loved one’s sense of purpose might change if he or she is retired or experiences a health condition that alters his or her former habits. Your loved one might need a pet to feel important, or he or she may need to get out and socialize more. New hobbies are also great ways to help seniors find more meaning in life.
Put Them to Work
Seniors still have so much to give to the world, and helping your loved one figure out how he or she can help others can stimulate his or her sense of purpose. For some seniors, it might be possible to hold volunteer jobs outside their homes. Others might prefer to do things at home, such as writing letters or making phone calls for fundraising campaigns. Your loved one might be able to watch the grandchildren while you’re busy cooking dinner. A senior with Alzheimer’s might be able to wipe down the dinner table or set out the plates. Finding jobs that fit your loved one’s abilities can help him or her feel important to others.
Keep Their Bodies Moving
Muscle stiffness and weakness can quickly set in when seniors don’t move very much. Regular physical activity keeps joints limber, and even a short walk outside gets the blood flowing. Create a daily routine that includes periods of physical activity. This can involve formal workouts combined with short bursts of activity to help your loved one benefit from a healthier body.A home caregiver can help your loved one exercise in safety and comfort. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional elder care, Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Exercising more isn’t the only way to boost quality of life. Some seniors might need to cut out tobacco or alcohol habits that negatively impact their wellbeing. Others might need to start healthy diet plans. Limiting sugar in his or her diet can help your loved one enjoy greater mental clarity and fewer mood swings. 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 elderly home care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Increase Their Social Connections
When you think about your happiest memories, you likely remember other people surrounding you at those moments. Seniors also need to know they have loved ones ready to celebrate their achievements and provide them with support through the challenging times. Try to make sure your loved one knows how much people care by having family members and friends connect with him or her throughout the week. In addition, consider encouraging your parent to make connections through social media. Your loved one can also benefit from having a regular companion to take him or her out on community trips. For families living in Des Moines, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (515) 264-2438 today.
