Seniors don’t always need to make drastic lifestyle changes to be healthier. Making a few simple changes can boost their wellbeing. Here are five easy things your aging loved one can start doing to lead a healthier, happier, and more productive life.
1. Control Stress
Seniors who are stressed all the time have higher rates of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalances, and insomnia. Chronic stress can be caused by various issues, which is why there’s no single treatment available that works for everyone. Meditation, exercise, journaling, hobbies, and deep breathing exercises can keep stress at bay in the golden years.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Adopt a Pet
A 2014 study published in Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research found that pets make seniors happier, less agitated, and physically healthier. When seniors have pets relying on them, they tend to be much more active and driven. Daily habits such as going on short walks or throwing a ball outside can gently raise the heart rate and trigger the release of feel-good hormones such as dopamine. Aging adults who can’t adopt pets can schedule short visits through senior pet therapy programs such as PAWS.
3. Get More Sleep
Some older adults don’t get enough restorative sleep every night, which can increase the risk of depression, high blood pressure, and severe cognitive decline. Seniors who are having difficulty sleeping might need to schedule overnight tests at sleep institutes. These tests can uncover health complications that could be affecting sleep, including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
4. Play Games
Just like every other muscle in the body, the brain becomes weaker without exercise. Crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, solitaire, and Sudoku are challenging games that can be played alone. Your loved one can also schedule a weekly game night with friends, peers, or family members.
Socializing is just as important to cognitive health as brain games. For families living in Frederick, senior 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 Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Drink More Water
The average human body is around 60 percent water, and bodily fluids help with everything from nutrient absorption to the regulation of internal temperature. However, it can be easy for seniors to become dehydrated when they take certain medications. Having a few extra glasses of water a day speeds up metabolism and provides a boost of energy. It can also promote strong, vibrant, and healthy skin.
As seniors age, family members often try to help them take better care of themselves. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional home care Frederick, MD, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated in-home caregiver. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call us today at (301) 786-5045.
