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As we age, making sure that we maintain healthy habits is all the more important. With issues like chronic illness and weaker immune systems becoming inevitable, keeping up with our health should be the top priority. So how can you make yourself more aware regarding if your parent or senior loved one is staying as active and healthy as they should be?
Senior living communities make sure to keep up on the habits listed below, but if you are the primary-caregiver for your loved ones, these tips will really come in handy. Or, if they live in a more independent living community, there are some things you can do to check in on them to give yourself some peace of mind.
Eating Healthy
While this tip might seem a little obvious, it’s a key element to include! The digestive system slows down as we age, so including foods such as high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into their diet is now more important than ever.
Dehydration is another huge concern among seniors. Make sure your loved one drinks plenty of water throughout the day to keep them sharp and energized, especially in the sweltering summer months. Try gifting them a fun water bottle or one with clear marks on it denoting a water intake goal.
Preventative Care
Taking these steps in advance to prevent illness is always highly advised across any aged spectrum, but especially with seniors. This can include preventative care measures such as health screenings for cholesterol levels, colon cancer, heart problems, and more. Getting vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia is also encouraged.
Talk to their doctor about any pertinent family history so they know well in advance what to be on the watch for and to make sure they are getting proper screenings and testings.
Medication Management
If your senior has several different medications that they take, it can be somewhat of a daunting task trying to keep up with them. However, it is important to ask about each one and review them with their physician on a regular basis.
This helps make sure that all the medications are working well together. If your senior starts on any new meds, be sure to take notes of any symptoms that might pop up, such as allergic reactions, drowsiness, loss of appetite, etc.
Get Proper Rest
Unfortunately, frequent waking during the night and even insomnia are common concerns for seniors. To help ensure that your loved one is getting proper rest, try doing a few things to help trigger drowsiness. This can include making sure the lights are dimmed down, avoiding stimulating activities or any kind of caffeine late in the evening, and making sure the atmosphere is comfortable, cool, and quiet. If it is approved for your senior to take by their doctor, you can also look into natural sleep aids such as melatonin.
Don’t Skip the Dentist
While seeing your senior’s standard physician is likely a normal occurrence, don’t forget to schedule visits with a dentist. Since seniors are prone to cavities and tooth decay, it’s advised to have your senior see their dentist at least every six months.
Many mouth infections are also linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise has some amazing benefits. Not only does it help curb depression, but it can also improve energy and memory. Many senior living communities offer organized group activities, such as nature walks or even water aerobics. Make sure your loved one signs up for these if they are able!
If your senior still lives at home, go on walks together. Bring a grandchild or beloved pet to the stroll to add to the quality of your family time. Even if getting out and about isn’t their favorite, exercise grouped in with bonding is always the best and makes the task seem to fly by and more enjoyable.
Socialize
The best medicine for any ailment is found through genuine human connection. Not only does it boost the spirit and improve mental health, but it’s also just a part of who we are as people. No matter what age we are, we are social creatures and really thrive when interacting with others. Seniors living in senior living communities are certainly no exception. Loneliness in older age can be a huge concern, leading to depression and over all mental decline.
If your senior lives in a community, encourage them to sign up for activities, such as movie nights, craft nights, or trips to local places, like museums or shopping centers. If you’re the primary caregiver, set up family time together and make it a routine thing, like board game nights. Include some of your loved one’s favorite activities or movies to make it really special.
Mental Health Matters
While physical ailments and issues can be easy to spot right away, mental health can sometimes fall to the wayside. Some of the above suggestions, such as socializing and staying physically active, can help contribute to maintaining mental health, but there are still a few other helpful things you can do along the way.
The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation recommends that seniors do activities such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and sudoku to stay focused and sharp. These sort of logic puzzles can be not only entertaining but stimulating as well. The GMHF also encourages reading, writing, sewing, crochet, or other sorts of craft and hands-on activities. These can play a big part in warding off a decline in mental health.
We here at Kingsley truly value our residents’ health and well-being. We go above and beyond to not only provide them with therapy and skilled home care, but also, ensure that they are living their best, healthiest lives.
With an exceptional dining service focused on delicious and nutritious menu options, to regularly schedule trips and outings, to on-site health and wellness, we keep your loved ones active and healthy.
For more information about us and to see if we’re a good fit for your loved one, contact us today!
