Having goals is essential for seniors because it keeps them actively engaged. Older adults can feel more confident when they achieve goals and look forward to taking on the next challenge. Below are some healthy goals seniors should try to work toward.
1. Go Gluten-Free
Removing gluten from the diet is a goal aging adults need to consider. In addition to replacing foods and beverages containing gluten, seniors need to ask their doctors to prescribe gluten-free medications. Living a gluten-free life can increase longevity and reduce the number of diseases seniors are susceptible to, such as celiac disease and diabetes.
2. Get Adequate Sleep
A good night’s sleep can provide more energy and remove dangerous toxins from the brain. Getting adequate sleep typically leads to better concentration and memory, a refreshed immune system, and a lower risk of depression. Seniors should develop a pre-bedtime routine that includes:
- Taking a warm bath
- Turning off background noises and lights
- Avoiding drinking or heavy eating
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Too much weight on the bones can increase the risk of falls, slips, and other accidents that lead to head traumas. Seniors need to maintain a healthy diet and stay physically active, and they can control their weight by:
- Counting calories
- Measuring meal portions
- Walking instead of driving to nearby destinations
- Preparing meals at home
- Adding more minutes to their exercise routines
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to getting proper nutrition and exercising. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust senior care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
4. Stop Smoking
Using tobacco products, especially cigarettes, can increase the risk of heart and lung disease and damage the brain cells. When creating a list of healthy goals, seniors need to add quitting smoking to that list, replacing the habit with positive hobbies. They should also avoid secondhand smoke to protect the memory and avoid cognitive decline.
5. Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation
Although drinking a glass of red wine each day can boost brain health, too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure and chronic stress. Therefore, seniors should limit their intake of wine and avoid liquor and beer altogether. When seniors stop drinking or consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, they can prevent hair loss, widen blood vessels, and slow down the aging process.
6. Connect with Family & Friends More Often
Socialization is vital for older adults because it provides companionship and puts their cognitive skills to good use. Seniors should make it a priority to stay connected with friends via the internet, making in-person visits, and joining social clubs. Maintaining a healthy network can boost brain health, reduce the risk of isolation, and prevent depression.
Family caregivers need to pay attention to their wellbeing too, and that involves taking time for self-care. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Frederick, MD, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
7. Schedule Regular Screenings
Regular screenings can preserve overall health and avoid various age-related diseases. During regular doctor visits, seniors should get vaccinations as well. Early detection can cure or slow the progression of many conditions. The top screenings seniors should put on their goal lists every year are:
- Hearing test
- Skin check
- Vision exam
- Diabetes screening
- Mammogram
- Bone density scan
- Colonoscopy
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Frederick families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team today.
