What Are Some Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Seniors?

Your senior loved one can start making lifestyle changes today that increase his or her longevity and independence. These changes should coincide with his or her current living arrangements and physical and mental abilities. Take a look at some of the top lifestyle changes older adults should make.

Socialize

Seniors are more likely to experience loneliness due to decreasing health, lack of transportation, and feelings of embarrassment and fear. However, a good lifestyle change your loved one can make is to maintain social connections in the golden years. Getting out of the home and socializing with others can keep your loved one engaged and reduce his or her odds of being depressed and leading a sedentary lifestyle. 

Search for senior-friendly groups in the community as well as online clubs your loved one may be interested in joining. Socialization can keep seniors mentally active and may motivate them to engage in physical activity.

For families living in Columbia, Home 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.

Develop Good Sleeping Habits

The effects of aging can disrupt the normal sleep cycle and prevent seniors from getting the rest they need. Poor sleeping habits increase the risk of insomnia and lower metabolism. Seniors need to rest to clear dangerous toxins from the body, especially the brain. 

Without at least eight hours of rest each night, seniors’ odds of fatigue and agitation increase. However, developing good sleeping habits and staying committed to a consistent bedtime routine can boost mental wellbeing and stave off health problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Stop Smoking

When seniors continue to smoke, they increase their risk of developing common age-related conditions, including osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, and various respiratory problems. Encourage your loved one to stop smoking, and look for good habits that can curb his or her desire to smoke, such as gardening, doing arts and crafts, and eating healthy snacks. 

Your parent could also join a support group to discuss his or her smoking addiction and hear stories from others who’ve fought similar battles. During the group sessions, your loved one could receive advice and tips on how to give up smoking. Your parent could also create networks and have people to turn to when the urge to smoke resurfaces.

Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of information and encouragement for seniors who are trying to adopt healthy habits. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive Professional Care. 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.

Focus on Preventive Care

Adults are more prone to health problems as they age, which is why your parent needs to commit to visiting his or her primary care physician and dentist regularly. Going to the doctor could lower the odds of conditions such as kidney disease, oral cancer, and dementia. Your loved one could also receive early treatment that helps him or her live a healthier and more satisfying life. 

In addition to visiting the doctor regularly, your parent should attend health events in the community. Many hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations host health fairs where they provide information and offer various types of screenings. Getting preventive care is one of the best ways for older adults to boost their wellbeing.

Columbia at-home care professionals 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care at 443-233-1245 today.