5 essentials for seniors to stay happy and healthy as they age
Several studies show that an active mind and an energetic lifestyle contribute greatly to living a happy and fulfilling life. But for many older adults and senior citizens staying physically active, mentally stimulated and socially engaged can sometimes prove challenging. However, the second half of your life is not the end! Here are a few habits your seniors at home (or yourself) can practice to ensure their golden years are thriving.
First things first, before getting into giving the first aid it's important to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in handy. You can either purchase one or create one by having the following stuffs prepared and ready. Create a record of medical information of the elder on the kit, adding to that include medical contacts and medications that proves to be a very helpful addition to your first aid kit. In nature, humans face hard time to remember things in emergency situations, which is why adding information will be a great asset.
Eating Healthy
Eating well and more importantly, eating mindfully are the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. As we age our bodies go through significant changes, particularly our digestive system, metabolism and immunity. Research shows that consuming whole foods like fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, grains and low-fat dairy protect your body against liver and heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Dietary supplements are a must as they provide your body with the required vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients.
Keep Your Mind And Body Active
It’s a well-known fact that exercise and physical activity is both crucial and beneficial to live a healthy life, particularly for elders. Even just a 30-minute walk every day contributes significantly to your overall well-being. Serious illnesses like heart disease, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and so on can be controlled, delayed and even prevented with dietary change and exercise.
Apart from physical activities, meditation also offers multiple health benefits to people of all ages. Practising various forms of meditation can focus your mind, give you clarity of thought and relieve you of stress. To stimulate your mind, try your hand at games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles or Scrabble. Reading, too, is an excellent way to sharpen your mental faculties and makes for a wonderful hobby.
Get Regular Checkups
Among the many health tips for seniors, one that is often overlooked is getting regular health check-ups. After the age of 50, preventative care and follow-ups are paramount. These screenings help check cholesterol levels, chances of liver or heart problems as well as prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Seniors must also check with their doctor about vaccines and immunizations to stay safe from serious illnesses.
Maintain Your Social Network
Staying connected to your family, friends and neighbours is a healthy practice to follow to live a happy life. Human beings are social animals and interacting with one another boosts our mood and helps us stay motivated, especially in tough times like the pandemic. While the novel coronavirus has hampered our social interaction to an extent, technology has helped counter this in a major way. For seniors living by themselves or far away from family, a quick phone call or video call to your friends and family is the best way to stay connected. Plenty of social interaction and activity tackles feelings of isolation, loneliness and even depression. Read more on emotional care for the elderly here.
Get Quality Sleep
Good sleep is a building block for good health regardless of your age. A night’s sleep refreshes your mind, rejuvenates the body, bolsters the immune system, aids cellular health and prepares you for the next day. It is common, however, for elders to suffer from insomnia, restlessness, and waking up frequently throughout the night. While it is a normal part of ageing, there are several things you can do to help your body get the rest it needs. Set up a conducive environment in your bedroom - make sure everything is quiet and dark and your mattress is comfortable but also provides adequate support. Invest in a foam mattress if you suffer from back pain. Reduce caffeine intake in the evenings and either exercise or meditate in the before bedtime.
Ageing is inevitable, but the challenges that come with it can be tackled. By employing a few good habits, senior citizens can enjoy a full and prosperous life, living in the pink of health!
If you are in need of caregivers for your elderly family members, be sure to contact us at Radiant Home Health Services. Our staff consist of trained healthcare professionals who offer personalised services to the elderly. We also provide doctor home visits, physiotherapy and a range of other services. Visit our website for more information.