These senior health tips can help older loved ones thrive in 2023 and beyond.
Have those New Year’s resolutions already been forgotten? If so, don’t worry; you’re in good company. Many of us are enthusiastic about a significant change in lifestyle when we turn the calendar page, but life quickly pushes in and keeps us from sustaining our dedication to succeed.
Still, it’s never too late to begin again, and it’s especially essential for older loved ones to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These senior health tips can help achieve this; choose one to start, or jump right into all the following ideas to improve overall health for older loved ones.
What Can Older Loved Ones Do to Boost Overall Health This Year?
A balanced approach to a healthier lifestyle includes:
Physical Exercise
Exercising is one of the best things you can do in order to boost wellness, not only physically, but holistically. Physical activity has been shown to increase flexibility, balance, and strength – important aspects in protecting against falls – while also alleviating depression and anxiety, preventing or improving chronic health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and keeping weight in balance.
Physical activity doesn’t even have to be a structured training regime. Everyday tasks such as cleaning, going on a walk, and playing with the grandchildren all count! Speak with a doctor for recommendations and approval before starting or changing any exercise program. As a guideline, the goal is to strive for at least 150 minutes weekly of moderately intensive aerobic activity, along with muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises.
A Balanced Diet
Now that the food temptations of the holidays are behind us, it is an excellent time to pick up some better eating habits! Older adults require fewer calories, but just as many nutrients as younger adults. This can be achieved by choosing nutrient-dense foods “from the rainbow,” incorporating fruits and vegetables of a variety of colors, along with whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, beans, peas, legumes, fish, eggs, and poultry. Stay away from foods that have added sugar, trans fats, and salt – common ingredients in prepackaged foods.
Planning ahead is an excellent way to make certain that healthy food choices are just as easy to grab as their unhealthy counterparts. Try the following tips:
- Make favorite meals (like homemade chili or soup) in larger quantities and then freeze individual portions.
- Keep small servings of fruit (without added sugar) on hand, along with low-prep veggies, like pre-washed salad mixes and baby carrots.
- Partner with a home care agency, like At-Home Care Company, a trusted provider of home care in Johnston, IA and the surrounding areas, for a caregiver to guarantee the fridge and pantry are stocked with healthy selections and to prepare nutritious meals.
Mental Health
It is also important for seniors to stay mentally healthy. The weeks after the holidays are particularly hard emotionally for many individuals. Help those you love to relieve loneliness, isolation, and sadness by encouraging them to:
- Get enough sleep: seven to eight hours per night is most beneficial.
- Seek out opportunities for socialization: volunteer, schedule weekly lunch dates with a friend, register for a course, etc.
- Take some time out daily for enjoyable and uplifting activities.
- Consult with a therapist for assistance with difficult emotions and gaining a brighter outlook on life.
Keep in mind that depression is treatable, and it’s very important to a senior who is showing signs of depression to see the doctor immediately for help.
Let At-Home Care Company’s experts in home care in Johnston, IA and the surrounding communities help someone you love to live a healthier life in 2023! Call us today at 515-292-2650 to learn more about our top-rated senior care services for older adults.