January 17, 2022 by
Many people have left their New Year’s resolutions by the wayside by the end of January, but who says resolutions should only be made in the beginning of the year? There’s no time like the present to start a brand new goal or habit, especially for those hoping to improve senior health and wellness.
We’ve got six strategies you can implement today. Pick one to start, or jump right into all of them to attain the most benefit:
- Make an appointment for a physical. Rather than waiting for a sickness or injury to call the doctor, an annual check-up is a perfect way for seniors to remain on top of their health and potentially prevent issues before they occur.
- Get physical. With the doctor’s approval and recommendations in hand, begin a brand new exercise routine – together! Working out with a senior you love allows you to motivate each other and serve as accountability partners. Agree to sticking to it for a minimum of 21 days, after which it ought to be an ingrained, enjoyable habit you will wish to continue.
- Stay connected. Help the senior keep up friendships and contact with loved ones to defend against isolation and loneliness – something we have all become too familiar with during the course of the pandemic. Offer transportation, if needed, for dinner dates or with setting up technology to stay virtually in touch.
- Keep vaccinations up-to-date. Along with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines ought to be up to date. With age comes an increased risk for severe effects from these illnesses, so vaccinations become much more crucial.
- Don’t forget mental health. A mental health provider will help determine if depression, anxiety, or any other concerns need to be addressed, offering both therapeutic tools and medication if needed. Maintaining mental sharpness through brain enrichment activities will help with the natural cognitive decline that is experienced in aging.
- Watch what you eat. If the pantry and fridge are filled with fatty or empty-calorie foods, replace them with proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. A serious change in diet can be overwhelming and difficult to adhere to, so start simple with one replacement at first – carrot sticks instead of potato chips, for example – and work up to a healthier overall diet.
At-Home Independent Living is here with personalized in-home care and companionship to assist older adults in achieving these and any other goals. From accompaniment and transportation to medical appointments and fitness classes to grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals, all while giving socialization a much-needed boost, we are empowering seniors to live their best lives on a daily basis. Contact us to learn more about how we can help a senior you love!