Family caregivers are dedicated to promoting happy, healthy environments for their senior loved ones to boost their longevity and quality of life. But how do they do it? You can boost your loved one’s chances of living a longer life by encouraging him or her to follow the advice below.
Stay Socially Active
It’s important for seniors to keep up with social connections and maintain close relationships with family and friends. They should also join groups where they can meet new people to interact with. These social connections can keep depression at bay and instill a sense of purpose and wellbeing in seniors.
For families living in Columbia, at-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.
Volunteer in the Community
Despite their age, seniors should get involved in their communities. Volunteering can make seniors healthier and happier and bolster their self-esteem. The Corporation for National and Community Service (also known as AmeriCorps) conducted various studies that indicate there’s a strong link between longevity and volunteering.
Maintain an Exercise Regimen
Seniors who stay within a healthy weight range will have a better chance of boosting their longevity. Carrying extra weight can negatively impact a senior’s health because it increases the risk of heart attack, cancer, diabetes, and many other diseases known to shorten life expectancy.
Seniors who need help exercising can benefit from professional home care. In-home professionals care 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.
Get Enough Sleep
Protect your loved one’s mental wellbeing by encouraging him or her to get the right amount of sleep. In 2002, the Scripps Clinic Sleep Center in San Diego, CA, conducted a study on the sleep habits of one million Americans. Researchers found people who slept between six and a half and seven and a half hours each night lived the longest. They also discovered that people who slept less than six hours and more than eight hours didn’t live as long.
Exercise the Brain
A good way to boost longevity is to maintain a healthy mind. Seniors can stimulate their brains by solving crossword puzzles, learning new languages, and reading. Doing any of these activities can keep a senior’s mind engaged and delay the onset of dementia.
Laugh a Lot
What good is a long life without any laughter? A study conducted at the University of Maryland found that just 15 minutes of laughter each day boosts blood flow to the heart by 50 percent. Increased blood flow leads to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, which significantly boosts both longevity and quality of life.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one makes healthy lifestyle choices. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior care. Columbia Assisting Hands Home Care Columbia provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your loved one. Contact us today at 443-233-1245 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
