Do you want to keep your aging loved ones healthy throughout the year? Seniors are the pillars of our family and it’s necessary to keep our ideal mentors safe throughout their life. As our loved ones get older, their bodies get more susceptible to illnesses and diseases. This is why the need to care for our aging loved ones increases as they age.
According to U.S. Census Bureau, it has been noted that the 65 and older population make up a significant proportion, i.e., more than one-third of the total population. This means that more than seven million people are living past retirement 3age. To help the growing aging population live a long, happy, and healthy life, a healthy lifestyle plan should be incorporated into their daily routine.
There are plenty of ways to help our aging loved ones stay in shape and keep their bodies healthy, regardless of age. Here are a few ways listed to improve the overall health and well-being of our loved ones.
Why Staying Healthy is important as we age?
Staying healthy as we age should be a continuous process because it gives the energy to overcome health concerns. When seniors are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach., they can stay healthy and lead a life with positivity. By making healthy lifestyle choices, staying engaged with health care providers, and addressing concerns early, we can help our loved ones live a life that assures:
- Improved quality of life
- Independence
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Improved mental and cognitive health, etc.
11 Tips to Stay Healthy Year-Round for Seniors
1. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity is necessary for maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance. Walking, swimming, and resistance training are examples of such activities. This helps them to age healthily and prevents or delays the health problems that are expected while aging.
2. Eat a balanced diet
A diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help seniors maintain a healthy weight and lower their risk of chronic diseases. Good nutrition helps them to boost immunity, reduce the risk of heart disease, keeps them in ideal weight, etc.
3. Stay hydrated
Water consumption is beneficial to overall health. They are recommended to consume at least 1.7 liters of water in a day. This helps them to prevent dehydration, weakness, pneumonia, confusion, urinary tract infections, and other serious conditions.
4. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is extremely crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Elders are required to sleep for 7-9 hours per night. Lack of sleep can weaken our loved one’s long-term memory, decision-making skills, and increase the risk for having dementia.
5. Stay socially engaged
Keeping socially active as a senior can help them maintain their cognitive and emotional well-being. Helping them to do things like joining a club, volunteering, or spending time with friends and family builds a sense of belonging and increases self-esteem levels.
6. Manage stress
Stress can be harmful to both physical and mental health. Stress management techniques, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy, can help seniors maintain a sense of well-being, decrease the risk for heartburn, heart disease and many other chronic conditions.
7. Schedule medical check-ups
Regular visits to a primary care physician can help seniors stay on top of their health and detect any potential problems early. As our seniors get older, along with wisdom, chances of health problems do increase. So, support them in managing their health risk factors to live healthier.
8. Get a flu shot
Getting a flu shot every year can protect seniors from the flu and lower their risk of complication. Whether your loved one is living with underlying conditions or aiming to age safely, getting a flu shot protects them from influenza virus and prevent in the development of life-threatening complications
9. Stay Mentally Active
Staying engaged in activities that challenge, such as learning a new skill, reading, solving puzzles, etc., helps seniors to live a happy and satisfied life. This way, we can support our loved ones in protecting their brain health from cognitive impairments and neurological disorders.
10. Limit smoking and alcohol consumption
Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to one’s health. Avoiding these behaviors can support seniors in maintaining their overall well-being.
11. Choose a Caregiver
Caregiving plays a critical role in supporting seniors in maintaining their health and independence. They can get assistance with daily tasks, support to monitor chronic conditions, and assurance to stay safe.
Aging is an inevitable process. To age healthily, we should first understand what our bodies require and what they do not. Motivating seniors to adopt smart health choices is the only key to see our aging loved ones healthy throughout their life.
It is never too late to start practicing healthy habits, so help elderly to begin with small changes and gradually increase them to seek a major impact. We understand that it isn’t always possible to closely monitor or provide the right care to elderly all the time. Choosing caregiving services from Assured Home Nursing will make your seniors stay healthy for years to come. With our assistance, your loved ones can improve quality of life, get emotional and physical support, and overcome challenges that are common during aging.
To learn how our Registered Nurses (RNs) plan a personalized plan for your loved ones, reach us today. For a free consultation, call us today at (248) 593-8134
