It can be difficult to keep up with your loved one’s health care needs as they age. Sometimes it can be too much to handle, from dentist appointments and physicals to medication management and everything in between. However, you can alleviate some of this stress by keeping your senior as healthy as possible. Make sure your loved one adapts to the following healthy habits:
1. Eat clean.
A clean diet is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Whole grains, fibrous foods, and fruits and vegetables are the best way for seniors to obtain the proper nutrients. The digestive system slows down as we age, so it’s important also to drink more water to prevent constipation and dehydration.
2. Stay physically active.
Regularly working the body through activities like walking, yoga, or dancing can prevent or delay ailments such as bone loss, diabetes, and other diseases. Not only can it lengthen your loved one’s life, but it can also increase their quality of life by reducing their risk of developing dementia and preventing falls and other accidents.
3. Socialize.
It’s important that seniors form meaningful relationships with other residents as well as maintain relationships with their friends and family. This helps them feel connected and loved, which can significantly improve their sense of joy and fulfillment.
4. Get adequate sleep.
Senior adults often experience insomnia, which can negatively impact their health. Sleep is the body’s way of repairing and refreshing itself, so it’s important for your loved one to fall asleep and stay asleep. Consider these tips for a better night’s rest.
5. Regularly visit the dentist.
Oral health can decline as we age, so it’s important that your senior visit the dentist every six months. Preventive oral care should be a priority, as mouth infections can also cause other health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
6. Take advantage of free physicals.
Preventive screenings and exams are crucial to your loved one’s overall health. One benefit to joining Medicare is that you receive free physicals during the first twelve months. After this first year, your senior is allowed one free wellness visit per year.
7. Stay mentally active.
Activities such as reading, arts and crafts, and crossword puzzles stimulate the aging brain, keeping it sharp and alert while simultaneously preventing or delaying the onset of memory loss.
