Many people envision their retirement years as a time of rest and relaxation. However, when seniors don’t follow regular routines, it can take a toll on their health. Here are six benefits of maintaining a daily routine in the senior years.
1. Lowers Stress
Aging can be stressful, and many seniors are worried about everything from their weekly budgets to their nutrition intake. Stress is compounded when a senior has a health condition, whether it’s a cognitive disorder such as dementia or a mobility-restricting issue such as arthritis. When seniors follow consistent daily routines, they no longer have to worry about when they’re going to eat lunch or what time they should go to bed. With time, the structure of each day will become embedded in muscle memory, keeping them going even when they feel anxious.
2. Provides Greater Feelings of Security
For anxiety-prone seniors, feelings of safety and security may seem out of reach. When they follow regular schedules, their days are more predictable. Predictability can be a great source of comfort for seniors, especially those facing disorienting transitions, such as moving out of their homes or being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
3. Makes It Easier to Maintain Personal Hygiene
Mobility limitations such as diminished motor coordination can make it difficult to brush teeth or hair. Cognitive, emotional, and mental conditions such as dementia and depression can deplete the energy needed to perform basic hygiene tasks. When seniors have structure in their lives, they’re more likely to practice good hygiene. Being able to follow personal care schedules may boost their self-esteem and brighten their outlook.
4. Boosts Cognitive Health
For seniors with dementia, schedules are especially crucial. Dementia doesn’t have a significant impact on the part of the brain that stores repetitive actions, which means seniors with dementia may have an easier time remembering a daily schedule than the name of a new acquaintance or the time of their next doctor’s appointment. The familiarity of these repetitive actions can provide relief from dementia-related disorientation. Structured schedules can also help seniors manage important daily tasks such as taking medication.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Tucson families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
5. Makes Changes Easier to Notice
When seniors follow schedules, it’s easier to identify when elements of their daily lives go awry. An aging adult who does laundry every Monday will probably notice when the weekly load of laundry becomes too heavy to carry. Not all seniors are willing to ask for help when they need it, but they’re more likely to ask if they spot problems on their own.
6. Promotes Better Sleep
Getting eight hours of sleep every night is important at any age, but the restorative powers of slumber are particularly essential for senior health. When seniors follow schedules, they’re more likely to go to bed at the same time every night, which makes it easier to fall asleep and enhances overall sleep quality.
Many older adults are able to live healthy, independent lives on their own, while others may need a bit of help, even if it’s only for a few hours a week. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Tucson, Arizona, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.