Staying healthy doesn’t require a gym membership or trips to the nearby park. Here are a few activities that can keep seniors physically and mentally healthy, and they can all be done in the comfort of home.
1. Gardening
Many seniors enjoy tending to their gardens. However, they may not realize it’s also a great source of exercise. The exertion involved in gardening, from weeding to planting, works the muscles and boosts cardiovascular health. Seniors who plant fruits and vegetables also get a regular source of fresh produce.
If your aging loved one needs assistance with gardening or managing other day-to-day tasks, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia
2. Working Out
For seniors who don’t exercise often, signing up for a gym membership can be intimidating. Seniors who would rather work out in the comfort of their own living rooms can use exercise DVDs to stay fit. There are many exercise DVDs specifically made for seniors, offering tutorials in everything from yoga to Pilates. Many libraries have wide selections of exercise videos. Seniors should check out some DVDs, purchase exercise mats, and begin their fitness journeys.
A senior who needs help around the house and assistance with exercise can benefit from having a live-in caregiver. 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 live-in care Rocklin, CA, 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 live-in caregiver.
3. Meditating
Meditation is a great way to boost emotional wellbeing. It has many benefits, ranging from enhancing memory to reducing stress. For seniors who are feeling lonely or anxious, practicing mindfulness can be a great relief. They don’t need to sit cross-legged on the floor, humming under their breath. Many guided meditation exercises simply require a person to sit in a chair, close his or her eyes, and focus on the movement of the breath. Performing this simple activity for a few minutes every day can have tangible effects on mental and emotional health, and seniors should try to incorporate it into their daily schedules.
4. Doing Brain Puzzles
The body isn’t the only thing that needs a workout. Seniors who want to keep their minds healthy should exercise them as well. There are many brain puzzles created specifically for seniors, from Sudoku books to word searches. Older adults should find types of puzzles they enjoy and try to do one every day. Their mental acuity may increase over time, and they’re sure to have fun. Tech-savvy seniors can use their mobile devices to play word games and puzzles, and there are many apps designed to test seniors’ brains.
5. Sleeping
For optimum health, seniors should get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Poor sleep is associated with confusion, depression, reduced memory, and daytime lethargy. Seniors who have a difficult time getting a good night’s rest should exercise regularly, maintain consistent sleep schedules, and avoid caffeine late in the day.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Rocklin families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn more about our customized care plans.