Being healthy is mostly associated with maintaining a nutritious diet and regular exercise routine. Oftentimes, the positive changes in health that come from maintaining healthy habits are gained over the long term. However, seniors can receive an instant health boost by making just a few simple changes to their lifestyles.
1. Take a Deep Breath
Seniors should take breaks from their busy days for some deep breathing exercises. A quick and effective stress management activity is to inhale, hold the breath, and then exhale, all for a slow count of five. Deep breathing can have an immediate effect on a senior’s stress levels and lower his or her blood pressure.
Deep breathing 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 Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick, a trusted provider of senior care. 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. Go for a Walk
Getting some physical activity can counteract feelings of tiredness and sluggishness. Even 15 minutes of gentle walking can loosen the muscles and ease arthritis symptoms.
3. Drink Water
As people get older, their bodies are less likely to notice signs of thirst. As a result, many seniors experience dehydration. Even mild levels of dehydration can adversely affect mental and physical functions.
4. Eat Fruits
Instead of giving in to sugar cravings, seniors can enjoy healthy snacks by eating fresh fruits. Eating fruits can prevent blood sugar spikes that might leave a senior feeling grouchy and tired in a few hours.
5. Visit Friends
Socialization has a noticeable effect on health because humans are social animals who naturally desire companionship. Spending time with friends lowers stress levels and leads to an increase in oxytocin, which boosts physical and mental 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. In Frederick, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
6. Experience Nature
Spending time in nature has been linked to a lower risk of depression because sunshine and greenery are immediate mood boosters. Being around a lot of plants and spending time in oxygen-rich environments can make seniors feel more refreshed.
7. Have a Plant-Based Meal
An easy way to increase nutrition is to consume at least one plant-based meal a day. This can be a salad, a lentil stew, or any other meal made with veggies, whole grains, and legumes. In addition to supplying more antioxidants and nutrients, plant-based meals also provide the body with fiber.
8. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
The final step to feeling healthier is to get a good night’s sleep. The changes that come with age can make it difficult for seniors to stay asleep, so they should try to go to bed in dark, quiet rooms at least eight hours before they need to wake up.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Frederick, Maryland, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (301) 786-5045.
