5 Tips for Older Adults Who Want to Stave Off Poor Health
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
Seniors today don’t have to accept that they’ll experience sharp decreases in their health. With medical advances and easy access to information about senior health, older adults can look forward to enjoying their golden years with a greater sense of vitality. Staying healthy does require some effort, and older adults can use these strategies to avoid common issues that can reduce their quality of life.
1. Get Support for Quitting Unhealthy Habits
Trying to quit smoking or drinking too much alcohol after years of engaging in these habits is challenging, but this big change could add years to your senior loved one’s life. Encourage your loved one to join a support group to ditch his or her tobacco habit or talk to a counselor about the need to stop drinking. If your loved one has a serious addiction, he or she might need to seek further treatment. Reaching out for support might be difficult, but it’s the best way to start living a healthier lifestyle.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 home care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Follow All Treatment Plans
Older adults often find they need to see their doctors more often. In addition to going for regular checkups, your loved one might also need to attend appointments to manage chronic health conditions. If your loved one already has a diagnosed condition, make sure to follow the treatment plan to avoid complications. For example, people with diabetes need to check their blood sugar regularly and take their medication on time.
3. Avoid Serious Injuries
Getting hurt is often the beginning of a serious decrease in health. This is because an injury could limit the ability to do things such as exercise or prepare a healthy meal. If your loved one feels unsteady on his or her feet, help out with potentially risky chores. Seniors might also need to arrange for transportation services if they can no longer drive safely. Accepting assistance is one of the best ways to prevent debilitating injuries that impact overall health.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.
4. Take Mental Health Seriously
Loneliness, depression, and anxiety can take a toll on physical health. If your loved one is depressed, he or she might be tempted to skip meals or overeat. Anxiety can increase blood pressure and lead to other symptoms, such as nausea, that impact overall health. Take steps to address any mental health conditions your loved one has, and encourage him or her to stay as social as possible. Being surrounded by caring friends and family members helps seniors maintain a positive mindset that motivates them to continue to take good care of themselves.
5. Make Eating Healthy & Exercising Fun
If your loved one has always dreaded exercise, now is a good time to change his or her mind. Look for fun ways to add more movement to your loved one’s day, such as dancing or going for a walk with friends. Your loved one can also choose to share meals with a caregiver as a way to eat better. Eating nutritious meals and moving the body more are both great ways to boost overall health.Getting proper nutrition and plenty of exercise are just two of the many ways older adults can maintain their health while aging in place. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service.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. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.
