Aging adults should continue to set goals for the future, as it could give them the motivation they need to stay healthy during their retirement years. Here are seven goals all aging adults should add to their list.
1. Declutter the Home
Seniors who still live at home may have closets, attics, and garages filled with stuff they don’t need. While your loved one doesn’t have to part with prized possessions, decluttering his or her living space could be an emotionally healthy experience.
Your loved one may want to check out the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, a how-to guide on the art of decluttering. After your loved one organizes the living space, his or her emotional and mental health may get a boost. Getting rid of clutter also has physical benefits. Seniors who live in tidy houses are less likely to trip and fall.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help decluttering and managing light household chores. In-home care 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.
2. Get Up to Date with Technology
Not all seniors are comfortable with smartphones or tablets. However, these devices can open up new modes of communication, and reluctant seniors should give technology a try. Video communication software like Skype provides seniors a new way to talk to friends and family members who live far away. Seniors who want to master technology may want to take courses at local community colleges or senior centers.
3. Don’t Neglect Annual Doctor Visits
Seniors should have routine physicals at least once a year. Even the most physically fit seniors need guidance from medical professionals. Annual checkups also enable doctors to catch developing health issues in their early stages.
4. Get Out of the Comfort Zone
It can be difficult for seniors to break out of their comfort zones. Many have firmly fixed habits, and the thought of trying something new never crosses their minds. To stay mentally sharp, it’s essential to keep learning. Your loved one can broaden his or her horizons by learning a new skill, such as playing the piano or speaking Spanish. Any attempts to learn and grow are beneficial.
5. Get Legal Documents in Order
Seniors should update or create legal documents as necessary. Depending on your loved one’s circumstances, he or she may need to make sure power of attorney documents, a living will, and more are in place. It’s always best to finalize these legal documents before they’re needed.
6. Make the Home Safer
Falls are one of the leading causes of senior injuries. Your loved one should take measures to prevent accidents in the home by outfitting the bathroom with nonskid mats and grab bars and getting rid of tripping hazards, such as exposed cords and clutter.
Hiring a professional caregiver is another way to increase your loved one’s safety in the home. In Richmond, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
7. Go for a Walk Every Day
Seniors need to stay active to remain healthy. Cardiovascular exercise, such as a simple walk around the block, keeps bones and muscles strong and allows seniors to maintain mobility.
While walking is an easy way for inactive seniors to jump-start their exercise regimens, it’s not the only suitable activity. Your loved one should try to find an activity he or she enjoys, whether it’s doing water aerobics, riding a stationary bike, or taking a yoga class.
Achieving healthy goals can be difficult for seniors, especially if they can’t manage everyday activities on their own. 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 Richmond, VA, 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (804) 207-4746 today.