7 Tips for Becoming a Centenarian

By 8  am on

Becoming a centenarian is an achievement that often makes the news. Whether your aging loved one craves the attention or just wants more time to spend with family members and friends, the following tips can increase his or her chances of reaching the 100-year mark. 

1. Take a Serious Look at Dietary Choices

Some of the people who live the longest eat the simplest diets. Centenarians are known to eat proper portions of vegetables and lean meats such as fish. However, they do still make room for their favorite snacks. Your loved one can have a slender slice of cake to celebrate an important occasion, but he or she shouldn’t overindulge. 

Older adults often need help with meal prep and other daily activities. 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. Richmond seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

2. Spend Time with Children

Make sure your loved one spends time with the youngest people in your family. Spending time with children often reminds older adults to enjoy the simple pleasures in life that make every year worth living. 

3. Let Go of Worries

Stress can shorten a senior’s longevity by lowering immunity and contributing to heart disease. Find ways to help your loved one relax, let go of worries, and boost his or her emotional health. 

4. Engage in Physical Activity as Often as Possible

Regular physical activity goes hand in hand with a healthy diet. Throughout the senior years, there may be times when your loved one doesn’t feel like exercising. As long as it’s safe, encourage your parent to perform some type of movement daily. Even if all your loved one can manage are some stretches in bed with help from a caregiver, he or she can still get some physical activity. 

Aging adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. 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.

5. Know How to Ask for Help

Even the most independent-minded seniors may need assistance with things such as climbing on a ladder to change a light bulb. Always assess a situation for potential risks, and make sure your loved one knows to ask for help if he or she could get injured. 

6. Find Motivation

Everyone needs a goal in life. While just being alive is a wonderful thing, it helps to have a few more reminders of why living to be 100 is an important achievement. Encourage your loved one to make a list of motivations, such as wanting to see his or her great grandkids or finally finish a masterpiece. Then refer to these motivators often when your loved one needs a little reminder to keep pushing forward. 

7. Be a Social Butterfly

Strong social ties help seniors maintain their mental and physical health. Encourage your loved one to maintain close bonds with family members and friends. Then expand outward and suggest making friends with other people in the community. By maintaining a large support network, your loved one always has someone to reach out to in times of need. 

Older adults can live longer lives by making healthy lifestyle choices. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Richmond Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (804) 207-4746.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG


    Request Free Information or
    Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation