How to Help Your Senior Stay Happy and Healthy
By Greg Bechard
As our bodies age, things change. New aches appear. Our sense of smell, hearing, and sight gradually declines. Another part of aging includes the shrinking of our social circles. As you consider these integral parts of growing older, think about how this affects aging adults like your mother or father. Waking up to mobility issues or learning of the death of a friend is enough to cause them to become despondent. It can leave you wondering what you can do to help them. One avenue that comes with caring for aging adults includes assistance from home care workers.
3 Ways to Keep Your Senior Healthy and Happy
Don’t let your loved one get sucked into a vortex of unhealthy eating, inactivity, and depression. Take some proactive steps to help them, including these three:
- Increase or maintain physical health. One of the first things you can encourage your aging parent to do is to take their physical fitness seriously. This includes exercising. Exercise will aid in keeping unwanted weight off, and it can improve their mood and contribute to better cognitive fitness. It will also help them manage chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breast and colon cancer, and osteoporosis. Exercising can include regular walks, water aerobics, and muscle training.
- Dive into healthier food options. Cooking for one or two after cooking for many more, can get boring, leading to poor food choices. Additionally, their taste buds change, and they may not feel like eating as much. Help Mom and Dad stay healthier by suggesting better options that include nutrient-dense foods. These options will give them the necessary nutrients and fill them up without much effort. Remember that they need high-fibre diets that are also low in saturated fats, and plenty of water.
- Focus on social involvement. Loneliness is the biggest enemy of the aging population. It can lead to depression and, potentially, cognitive decline. Encourage your loved one to stay active with family, religious activities, and community affairs. Technology makes it possible for Mom and Dad to reconnect with old friends. They can even have regular chats with family across the country. Volunteer work will also aid with staying physically and mentally active. It is an excellent way to give back and find purpose—something your senior may be missing.
Home Care Workers Bring Happiness to Your Senior
Help your aging adult family members stay happy and engaged in life when you hire a personal support worker from Home Instead Brampton. Our team of caregivers loves supporting aging adults and making sure they have what they need to thrive. If you want to help your loved one enjoy their retirement, talk to us about our tailored services, including cooking nutritious meals, light housekeeping, and companionship. We have the right service for you!
Call us at (905) 463-0860 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver every day to families in Brampton, Halton Hills, Inglewood, Norval, Georgetown, Glen Williams, Limehouse, Peel Village.