Helping seniors stay active is one of the best ways to minimize age-related health conditions, cognitive decline, and loss of independence. Physical activity not only provides natural mood enhancement, but it also helps seniors maintain physical and mental health. The challenge is coming up with creative ways for seniors to maintain active lifestyles. Here are some things that can help.
Make Fitness Fun
Simple things like walks in the park or strolls on the beach are great because seniors get exercise surrounded by pleasant scenery. In cold weather, they might enjoy indoor activities such as bowling or walking inside a mall. Just keep in mind that exercise doesn’t have to be done within the confines of a gym. Explore options for fitness in the local community, and you’ll be surprised at what classes and unique opportunities are available.
Many aging adults prefer to exercise at home, and they can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of professional in-home caregivers. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Tucson respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
Suggest Keeping a Journal
Encourage your loved one to keep a journal, as it offers multiple benefits. Journaling allows seniors to keep track of their progress and record details they might otherwise forget. Writing things down also boosts memory and allows seniors to look back on specific events, such as wonderful outings with their grandchildren.
Stimulate the Mind
It’s important for seniors to stay active mentally as well as physically. Encourage your loved one to do crosswords, play trivia games, or work on puzzles that provide logical and numerical challenges.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Encourage Volunteering
It’s important for seniors to feel they have a purpose. Volunteering at local churches, schools, and animal shelters can keep aging adults active while helping others. Seniors will be inspired when they’re enhancing the lives of others, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem as well as infuse their desire to keep going.
Provide Support
Having support from family and friends is an invaluable asset for anyone, especially seniors. Make sure your loved one knows he or she is wanted, needed, and loved. Have your loved one participate in family picnics or trips to the zoo, and involve him or her in everyday tasks, even if they’re as simple as preparing lunch, watering the plants, or folding laundry.
By staying active and making healthy lifestyle choices, older adults can enjoy a high quality of life. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care. Tucson Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (520) 276-6555 today.