It’s common for aging adults to feel lonely and sad at some point in their lives due to everything from financial difficulties to limited mobility. The key to boosting a senior’s mood is to address the issues of sadness as soon as possible before they become a real concern. Here are five ways you can turn your senior loved one’s frown into a smile.
1. Eat Together
Many older adults feel lonely when it comes to mealtime because they often eat alone. Sitting down at the dinner table with your loved one could greatly enhance his or her psychological and emotional health. Devote specific days and times of the week where you can have a meal with your loved one, which will provide a social gathering with family, and uplift his or her spirit. Use this bonding time to talk about your loved one’s day and what’s happening with the rest of the family.
Regular socialization can boost a senior’s overall health and emotional wellbeing. For families living in Oshkosh, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Senior Stride Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
2. Try Nature Therapy
A simple outing to a park or a walk around the neighborhood may boost your loved one’s emotional health. The key is to make it at least a weekly adventure that he or she can excitedly anticipate. The fresh air and change of scenery is a wonderful way to boost your loved one’s mood, and it also provides a chance to socialize with family while getting some exercise that enhances his or her overall wellbeing.
3. Get a Pet
Getting your loved one a pet may keep his or her spirits up while you are away. Taking care of an animal is also a huge responsibility that can give your loved one a purpose and make him or her feel needed. When choosing a pet for your loved one, keep his or her health and living space in mind. A dog or cat would be a wonderful companion for seniors who are fairly active and healthy living in their own house. If your loved one has limited mobility or is housebound, low-maintenance pets like fish or a bird would be a better choice.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Make Use of Modern Technology
Teach your loved one how to use a computer or other electronic gadgets to contact family members and friends. Set up free accounts online such as a video chat service your loved one can use when feeling lonely or bored. On the days when you can’t visit your loved one in person, scheduling regular times to talk together online could help him or her remain cheerful and socially connected.
5. Play Games
Whether your loved one is unhappy because of boredom or mobility issues, both situations could negatively impact his or her outlook on life. No matter which situation your loved one is facing, playing cards or games like checkers together is an exciting and effective way to engage the mind while spending quality time with family, which will surely brighten your loved one’s day.
If your loved one needs regular companionship to ward off loneliness, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families looking for top-rated Oshkosh home care providers can reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. For more information on our elderly care services, call us at 920-717-1767 today.