What Are the Secrets to Being Happy in the Golden Years?
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
The fountain of youth may be elusive, but people have found a few secrets to happiness in the golden years that everyone should know. Finding a way to be happy no matter what life throws your way can help you make the most of each day. It’s true that being happy may be more difficult when living with health issues or loss, but seniors can regain control over their joy by making these practices a part of their lives.
Spend Time with Mixed Age Groups
It only takes a few minutes of spending time with children to note their vibrant resilience. Older adults can benefit from spending time with people of all ages who can remind them of what it means to have a zest for life. Not only will spending time with grandkids or teenage neighbors make seniors smile, but they’ll also have the chance to pass on lessons that remind them of their importance in the world.
Get Outside whenever Possible
Feeling the warm sunshine beaming down, hearing the birds chirping, and waving to a neighbor are all experiences seniors just can’t enjoy as well indoors. Going outside every day can help seniors avoid feeling cooped up, and fresh air is invigorating. If your loved one has limited mobility, remember that even sitting on the porch or in the backyard is beneficial. Your loved one can also bring a friend along to make spending time outdoors even more beneficial for his or her happiness.Some seniors need a bit of help to stay independent and active.Home careexperts 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.
Make It a Challenge to Learn New Things
Learning new things can give seniors a reason to wake up each day with anticipation for what’s to come. The satisfaction gained from learning a new skill can also fill the heart with joy. Once your loved one has mastered something new, he or she can then show it off to family and friends. Whether he or she dances in a recital or puts his or her latest painting on display, your loved one is almost certain to smile when getting compliments.
Prioritize Physical & Mental Health
Unhappiness often stems from a loss of independence. Having someone else make choices for your loved one or take over his or her daily life may generate feelings of inadequacy. While your loved one should have some help to manage common challenges that occur with aging, he or she can retain more control over his or her life by doing what he or she can to stay healthy. Encourage your loved one to eat a healthy diet that gives the body energy and to do some light stretches every day to get his or her body warmed up and moving. Your loved one will feel better and happier as his or her health increases. 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 Des Moines seniors can depend on.
Learn to Let Go of Unnecessary Stressors
The golden years are a time to strip things down to what feeds the soul. Seniors should find ways to eliminate stressors while still taking care of themselves. Instead of skipping a doctor’s appointment because he or she is nervous about driving, your loved one should arrange for transportation. If your loved one has always disliked cooking, hand the job over to someone else. Dropping daily annoyances paves the way for adding more fun activities that spark happiness. Des Moines senior careprofessionals 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 at (515) 264-2438 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
