Making lifestyle changes is often necessary for an aging adult, especially after a serious health scare. These five lifestyle changes can help your elderly loved one maintain his or her health and live life to the fullest during the golden years.
Stop Using Tobacco
Tobacco use has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases like COPD. All forms of tobacco pose a health risk. If your loved one needs help quitting tobacco products, schedule a doctor’s appointment to discuss smoking cessation options. Toll-free smoking cessation hotlines are also available.
Seniors who need help making healthy lifestyle choices can benefit from professional in-home care. Homecare experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and food dyes. Switching to a diet that contains fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains can lower the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart attacks. Many fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants that fight diseases like cancer. While a healthy diet is important, an occasional dessert or treat is also essential. Seniors who occasionally indulge in their favorite foods often feel more satisfied with their overall lifestyles than those who have less variety in their diets.
From assisting with healthy meal preparation to offering respite to family members, there are several ways professional caregivers can help seniors and their families. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Rocklin seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Learn to Manage Stress
Stress releases cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone that has been linked to serious health conditions like strokes and heart attacks. Stress also reduces the immune system’s ability to fight illnesses, leaving seniors more susceptible to colds and the flu. Hobbies like gardening and yoga reduce stress significantly, and spending time outdoors can reduce stress, alleviate depression, and promote faster healing after a health scare. Stress management classes are also an option if your loved one needs help learning how to manage stress effectively.
Volunteer
Social networks build confidence and enhance overall wellbeing. Encourage your loved one to volunteer at a local church or another charitable organization to develop a strong social network. Volunteering gives seniors a sense of purpose after retirement and allows them to give back to their communities. Seniors who volunteer often enjoy better emotional health compared to those who don’t have strong presences in their communities. Volunteering can help seniors fight emotional health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Find Time for Enjoyment
A health scare may alter your loved one’s perspective, causing him or her to reevaluate what’s truly important. Your loved one may want to spend more time with family or check some items off his or her bucket list, such as visiting the Grand Canyon.
Participating in enjoyable activities during the golden years reduces stress and promotes health and wellbeing among the elderly. Activities like traveling and volunteering also increase physical activity, which can boost your loved one’s health significantly. Regular exercise reduces the risk of diseases and helps seniors maintain or increase their fitness levels for an extended time.
Seniors who have experienced serious health episodes may need professional in-home care.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 senior home care. Rocklin families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Call Home Care Assistance today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.