Positive aging refers to a multidimensional approach to helping seniors maintain a high quality of life. It’s an approach to aging that encompasses both physical and cognitive wellbeing and various aspects of body and mind health. How can seniors fully embrace this concept? Here are seven key strategies for positive aging that could be beneficial for your senior loved one.
1. Socialize
Seniors sometimes become lonely or socially isolated as life circumstances change over time. Such changes could involve the death of a spouse, reduced mobility, and grown children who are no longer able to regularly visit. Problems like these can often be addressed effectively with steps such as:
• Making appropriate adjustments to accommodate mobility challenges
• Exploring new hobbies or learning new skills
• Maintaining vibrant relationships with family members, friends, and neighbors
For families living in Richmond, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
2. Get Involved in the Community
Some seniors reach a point where they don’t feel as productive as they once were. One solution is to get involved with the community. Tutoring, volunteering, and participating in charity events are just some of the possibilities.
3. Exercise Regularly
From keeping joints and muscles healthy to producing more “feel-good” hormones (endorphins), there are many positive things about exercise that can benefit seniors. Just 20–30 minutes of walking or other low-impact activities a day can have positive body and mind benefits for your loved one. Activities like yoga and water-based exercises can have similar benefits.
If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise and practice healthy lifestyle habits, a professional caregiver can help. Richmond senior 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.
4. Eat Healthy
The key to making eating a positive aspect of aging is to focus more on green leafy veggies, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, brightly colored citrus fruits, and other nutrient-rich foods that can do good things for the body. This also means staying away from sugary snacks, processed foods, and treats full of empty calories.
5. Sleep Well
Sleep plays a big role in positive aging because it’s what the body needs to stay refreshed and recharged physically and mentally. The general recommendation for adults is 7–8 hours of high-quality sleep each night. Help your loved one achieve this goal by:
• Creating a comfortable sleeping area
• Talking to his or her doctor if you notice frequent sleep disturbances and other issues
• Helping him or her stay active during the day to prevent excessive napping that throws off his or her natural sleep pattern
6. Ditch Bad Habits & Think Positively
Smoking, excessive drinking, and unhealthy eating are some of the habits that can make it difficult for seniors to age positively. It’s equally important to encourage your loved one to have a positive attitude about the golden years by pointing out the many good things associated with being older and wiser.
7. Know When to Ask for Help
Remind your loved one there’s no shame in needing help with more demanding household chores, transportation, and other tasks. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways seniors can still live productive lives while getting the help they need. This could involve turning to other family members, taking advantage of senior transportation and meal delivery services, and exploring options with in-home care.
If your loved one needs emotional support and companionship to maintain a positive attitude, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Elder 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. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (804) 207-4746.