Setting goals may seem like a daunting task to some seniors, especially when attaining said goals appears out of reach. However, there are many goals your elderly loved one can work toward that are much easier to achieve. Here are some goals your loved one can set and attain without significant lifestyle changes.
1. Contact Family & Friends Often
Seniors with active social lives have much lower rates of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive disorders. Even if your loved one is having difficulty making new friends or contacting old friends, he or she might still be able to connect with extended family members. Sharing letters and sending emails can give your loved one something to look forward to each day and keep him or her feeling connected to the world.
For families living in Columbia, respite 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.
2. Cut One Unhealthy Item from the Diet
A complete diet overhaul at an older age isn’t always practical, but eliminating a single food from the diet is an easily attainable goal. Some of the most unhealthy food products for seniors are sugar-laden beverages with almost no nutritional value, including fruit juices packed with dyes, sweeteners, and preservatives. Some other foods your loved one should consider limiting or eliminating from his or her diet include french fries, sugary cocktails, margarine, and processed meats.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to getting proper nutrition. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
3. Read Outside a Few Times a Week
Older adults who don’t spend any time in the sun have a high risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency, which almost always results in brittle and soft bones that can easily break if they slip and fall. Reading outdoors a few times a week can stimulate the mind while increasing the amount of vitamin D the body produces.
4. Learn a New Style of Dance
According to the CDC, adults over age 65 should try to get 2 to 3 hours of exercise per week. However, not many seniors have the ability or desire to head to crowded, noisy gyms. Dance classes are a more appealing option many seniors turn to, and there are many classes designed specifically for seniors with limited mobility and dexterity.
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 Columbia 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. Call today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.
