A large portion of the human body is composed of water, but did you know that the younger a person is, the higher the percentage of water his or her body contains?…
Category: Uncategorized
HOW TO MOTIVATE AGING ADULT
Older adults need to be physically active to maintain their energy levels, prevent chronic illnesses, and alleviate the symptoms of various…
How to Manage Your Senior Parent’s Behavioral Changes
Emotional and physical changes are common as people age, and they can lead to behavioral issues in the senior years. The way family caregivers respond to the changes in behavior can either make caregiving more challenging or calm the situation. Here are some of the things you can do to manage your senior loved one’s behavioral changes.
Offer Encouragement
When your loved one’s health continues to decrease, he or she may become discouraged with life and want to give up. Keep your loved one’s spirits lifted, even on difficult days, by encouraging him or her to make healthy lifestyle changes. The foods your loved one eats and the types of physical activities he or she participates in could boost his or her mental, physical, and emotional health.
Explain to your loved one that there will be bad days, but with faith and healthy lifestyle choices, he or she can increase the odds of having better days. Remain encouraging at all times, regardless of the situation.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Be Understanding
Memory often decreases with age, making seniors susceptible to confusion, disorientation, and forgetfulness. Cognitive decline indicates your loved one may be developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and these chronic conditions can cause poor judgment and difficulty with speaking and basic comprehension.
If your loved one has memory lapses, remain calm and understanding. Take your loved one to the doctor to have testing done and determine what’s causing the loss of memory. You can also simplify daily tasks without making your loved one feel embarrassed or ashamed.
Promote Independence
Receiving help from family members and friends can be difficult for some seniors, causing them to lash out and resist care. Many older adults dislike the idea of having someone in the home to provide daily assistance. Remember your loved one is going through mental and physical challenges each day, and these changes can be overwhelming.
You can make the caregiving process easier by allowing your loved one to do as much as he or she can independently, only stepping in when assistance is necessary. You should also consider using professional home care. Professional caregivers know how to incorporate daily changes that make seniors feel like they’re still in control.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Oshkosh, WI, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Increase Social Interaction
The loss of loved ones, a bad diagnosis, or lack of independence could cause seniors to become sad and depressed. Instead of participating in social and physical activities, seniors tend to isolate themselves, causing their stress and anxiety levels to increase. Sadness and isolation are common behavioral changes that could lead to serious health conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, rapid weight loss, or excessive weight gain.
To manage sadness, encourage your loved one to remain socially active. If your loved one refuses to go out of the home, invite friends and family members over to provide the social interaction and companionship he or she needs.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ 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 boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
6 Tips for Helping Seniors Put Their Affairs in Order
Bringing up your senior loved one’s end-of-life wishes and talking about his or her affairs can be difficult, and it can be a challenge for your loved one to give up control or talk about these private matters. Doing some research and starting the conversation can help you and your loved one as you navigate putting his or her affairs in order.
1. Go Over Finances
Sit down with your loved one and his or her financial advisor. Make a list of all your loved one’s accounts, and make sure to include account numbers, names, and locations. If possible, consolidate similar accounts and ensure all accounts are titled correctly. Review your parent’s assets and investments, and talk with your loved one about any lifestyle adjustments that may be necessary to ensure he or she has enough resources for support. This is also a good time to go over your parent’s bills. Setting up a budget with the appropriate bill-paying information can help if you need to take over.
2. Gather Legal Documents
Make sure your loved one has all his or her legal affairs in order, which means ensuring his or her will or estate plan is up to date. The powers of attorney for your loved one’s finances and healthcare should also be updated. When updating your parent’s powers of attorney, encourage your loved one to create a healthcare directive that outlines whether he or she would like end-of-life care prolonged.
If your loved one gives you medical power of attorney, you’ll have the authority to hire a home caregiver for your parent. When researching agencies that provide at-home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Senior Stride Home Care.
3. Discuss Insurance
Your loved one most likely has several insurance plans, including health, life, long-term care, automobile, and homeowners policies. Make a list of each policy with account numbers and contact information. You and your loved one should talk to a representative from each insurance company to ensure these policies are up to date and cover all possible expenses. It’s also important to look into your loved one’s health insurance and consider adding a Medigap policy to pay for things that aren’t covered by Medicare.
4. Help with Healthcare Appointments
It’s a good idea to write down the names of your loved one’s doctors, any medications he or she takes, and his or her health conditions, as this can be helpful if an emergency occurs. Some seniors have difficulty remembering doctor’s appointments as they age. Installing a simple reminder app on your loved one’s phone can prevent missed appointments.
5. Address Living Arrangements
Go over your loved one’s living situation. Some home modifications may need to be made to prevent accidents and make getting around easier. Look into safety modifications, such as installing a walk-in tub and grab bars by the toilet. If your loved one gets to the point where he or she is no longer able to live independently, talk about where he or she would like to live.
Your loved one may want to live at home as long as possible, and high-quality professional home care can make that easier. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is a leader in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
6. Talk About End-of-Life Wishes
Your loved one’s funeral will be a celebration of his or her life. Ask if your loved one would like to help plan it. Funerals can be difficult to talk about, but your loved one may have specific wishes, such as the type of music that will be played and who will give the eulogy.
If your loved one’s preferences include living at home throughout his or her later years, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the possibility he or she may need help with the activities of daily life. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading Oshkosh elder care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Senior Stride Home Care today at 920-717-1767.
Ways to Identify Your Strong Points as a Caregiver
Family caregivers have to be mentally and physically strong to carry out their duties. Yet they may overlook just how many amazing things they can do. Learning how to recognize your caregiving strengths helps you focus on what you do best while also giving you a starting point for figuring out how to manage your weaknesses.
Think About What You Believe Makes a Good Caregiver
Everyone has a different idea of what makes a caregiver strong, and this usually comes down to what a person values. For instance, you may feel like being patient is a strength, while another person may see timeliness as a sign of being strong. High-quality caregivers often aim to be compassionate, caring, and well organized. Look for characteristics such as these in yourself to start noticing where you shine.
Go Through Your List of Daily Responsibilities
You might be surprised to discover the ordinary things you do can show you where your strengths lie. For instance, you might have chosen to make a complicated healthy recipe for your loved one because you’re a good cook. Alternatively, you may find you enjoy helping your loved one with a hobby because your strong point is increasing other people’s happiness and preserving family relationships. Even doing laundry can be a strength, since it requires you to enjoy helping others.
Most family caregivers can use a bit of help now and then. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior home care, Senior Stride Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Consider the Compliments Other People Give You
Over the years, you’ve probably had at least a few caregiving-related compliments thrown your way. For example, your siblings might tell you they admire how well you keep your loved one’s household running. You might also receive compliments related to other parts of your life, such as being praised for always getting your assignments done on time at work. These types of compliments can often reveal your strengths.
Decide Which Strengths You Want to Develop
Recognizing your caregiving strengths is important, but you should also do something with that knowledge. You can use your strengths to know where you need to focus your attention while someone else handles the things you don’t do as well. Your strengths can also be developed to make you an even better caregiver. For example, you could read a book on home organization to figure out how to hone your skills in that area. You can also take time out to practice self-care to enhance your compassionate nature.
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Oshkosh families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
Find a Way to Acknowledge Your Strengths
Even with a positive outlook, there will be days when you feel weak. On these days, you need to turn back to the lessons you’ve learned about what makes you strong. Find ways to scatter little reminders about your strengths throughout your daily life. For instance, you can write the word “compassion” on a sticky note and put it on your mirror or make a list in your caregiver journal. You can even save a meme on your phone that represents your strengths. Reminding yourself of how strong you are can help you on even the most challenging days.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Oshkosh Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.
Nutritious Breakfast Options for the Elderly
Breakfast is often called the most important meal because it provides nutrition for the entire day. However, many people eat food rich in sugar and low in nutrition, so they end up feeling hungry and grumpy a few hours after eating breakfast. With a little extra planning, it’s possible to create a breakfast that satisfies a senior’s nutritional needs. Seniors who want to eat a healthy breakfast will likely enjoy these delicious options.
Egg Sandwiches
Eggs are loaded with healthy proteins, so they can keep your senior loved one feeling satiated for hours. They also contain plenty of vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium and preventing osteoporosis. Pair them with some whole-grain bread to add fiber to the meal, and include a slice of tomato to make sure your loved one gets a little extra vitamin C and K.
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.
Yogurt & Fresh Berries
Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics that assist with digestion and keep the digestive tract regular. Pairing them with berries adds an extra dose of antioxidants, which fight off inflammation. The key to keeping this breakfast healthy is to use plain yogurt and sweeten it by hand. Presweetened yogurts tend to contain an excessive amount of added sugars.
Banana & Peanut Butter Smoothie
This liquid breakfast is great for busy seniors or those without teeth. The banana provides potassium, which balances water intake and reduces blood pressure. Peanut butter provides some healthy fats that can keep your loved one feeling satisfied until lunchtime.
Southwestern Hash
A hash of potatoes, peppers, onions, and tomatoes is both delicious and healthy. When cooked with their skins on, potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B, and magnesium. The peppers in the mix contain even more vitamin C along with some antioxidants. This hearty breakfast is great for providing energy when your loved one has a full day ahead of him or her.
Seniors may require assistance preparing a healthy breakfast. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Oshkosh respite care experts at Senior Stride Home Care are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a quick and easy meal packed with health benefits. Oats have a lot of heart-healthy fiber, which slows digestion enough to reduce blood sugar spikes. Oats are very versatile. You can season them with cinnamon, fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or even cocoa powder.
Avocado Toast
This quick and easy meal is a great way to add some healthy fats and fiber to your loved one’s diet. Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat that reduces heart disease risks. As long as you use whole-grain bread that’s low in sugar, the toast will be a healthy source of fiber. If you want to give your loved one a little extra protein, consider topping the toast with a fried egg.
Eating a nutritious breakfast each day is just one way for seniors to enjoy good health. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elderly care Oshkosh families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. If you’re looking for a comprehensive home care plan for your loved one, contact us at 920-717-1767 today.
How Aging Adults with Parkinson’s Benefit from Smart Silverware
Almost all seniors with Parkinson’s develop involuntary tremors as the disease progresses, which makes everyday activities such as eating more challenging. A company called Lift Labs has developed a smart spoon that almost instantaneously detects tremors to stabilize the tip of the utensil. For those who have Parkinson’s, this technology can enhance their quality of life and help them regain some of their independence.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
Parkinson’s and the Loss of Motor Skills
Dopamine is a vital chemical the brain produces to enhance emotions and control many motor functions. Parkinson’s disease destroys nerve cells that control the production of dopamine. A lack of dopamine in the body can create a variety of overwhelming symptoms, including general weakness, difficulty swallowing, tremors, muscle aches, and muscle rigidity. While some medications can delay these symptoms, there is no permanent cure for Parkinson’s. Doctors and scientists are now looking for ways to suppress the symptoms of this disease.
A Look at Liftware
The Liftware smart spoon utilizes the same technology as expensive movie cameras. A small microprocessor recognizes sudden movements and uses an algorithm to stabilize the tip of the spoon. Currently, the spoon’s head can move up to an inch, which makes it a great product for seniors with Parkinson’s who are still able to chew and swallow food. The Liftware spoon can also differentiate between intended and unintended movements. It won’t make any sudden jerking movements if the user drops his or her hand slightly to speak or tries to scoop up a little more food.
Seniors with Parkinson’s who require assistance with eating and other daily activities can benefit from hiring dedicated 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. Oshkosh, WI, respite care experts from Senior Stride Home Care 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.
The Team Behind Liftware
Anupam Pathak is the founder and CEO of Lift Labs, and he started this company to help as many seniors with Parkinson’s as possible. “Being able to see somebody eat on their own for the first time, or even just eat better, has been a hugely impactful thing,” Pathak stated during a recent interview with Voice of America. Each spoon currently costs around $195, but a single device can turn a senior’s life around. Lift Labs also accepts donations to help those who can’t afford their own Liftware. Once the donations can pay for a single device, Lift Labs sends a spoon off to the International Essential Tremor Foundation.
Future Technology
The Liftware spoon is only the tip of the iceberg, and the team at Lift Labs is working on a lineup of different heads that can be attached to the stabilizer unit, including options such as deeper soup spoons and blunt forks. Other companies are working on technology that will constantly monitor and track a senior’s tremors. If the tremors become too severe or the wearer is in danger, a doctor will be notified immediately. Each of these new devices could help seniors with Parkinson’s become a little bit more independent, which can go a long way toward enhancing their quality of life.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 and create a care plan tailored to suit your senior loved one’s needs.
7 Things to Put in a Care Package for an Aging Loved One
A care package is a thoughtful way to show your love. Whether your senior loved one is at home or in the hospital, customized gifts can be comforting.
Think about how your senior loved one enjoys spending time at home and select something according to his or her interests. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Oshkosh, WI, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Here are a few items you can add to the care package.
1. Musical Greeting Card
Your parent will be thrilled by a greeting card with your handwritten sentiment. One that plays music will spark a smile each time it’s opened. However, if your parent is hospitalized, give a regular card so his or her roommate won’t be aggravated by repetitive music.
2. Self-Entertainment
Enclose a magazine with topics of special interest to your mom or dad. If your parent enjoys reading, pack a book in his or her favorite genre. For seniors with impaired vision, buy large print versions. You can also buy an e-reader for unlimited book options.
If your parent enjoys listening to music, record nostalgic songs on an iPod Shuffle. This user-friendly device is small, requiring minimal packing space. With attached earbuds, your loved one can enjoy music privately.
Crossword and word search puzzles help decelerate brain aging and fortify neural connections by triggering memories. Each word your parent finds will activate his or her brain’s reward center.
If your parent likes to make crafts, provide the necessary materials and tools. For example, you can provide the supplies for woodworking, knitting, crocheting, beading, or model making.
3. Healthy Snacks
Put a variety of nourishing foods in a care package. If you’re shipping the gift, add single-serve packages of nuts, whole-wheat pretzels, popcorn, cereal bars, and protein bars. If the gift will be hand-delivered, consider adding mini juice boxes or some fresh fruits.
4. Hygiene Items
For a parent in the hospital, pack travel-size shampoo, deodorant, and soap. If your loved one wears dentures, add denture cleanser and adhesive. For seniors with permanent teeth, send a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
During a hospital stay, hand sanitizer helps keep germs at bay. Give your father disposable razors, shaving cream, and aftershave, and pamper your mother with body lotion.
If your loved one lives at home, substitute the above hygiene items with a bottle of perfume or cologne.
5. Sleep Aids
Seniors often experience insomnia, which is a common symptom of anxiety, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and restless leg syndrome. Nighttime bathroom trips also interrupt slumber.
Lack of sleep can lead to a variety of health issues in older adults. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
To facilitate healthy sleep, pack a lavender spray to spritz on linens. To promote quiet and comfort, add a sleep mask, foam ear plugs, and soft socks.
6. Photo Album or Scrapbook
Fill a small binder with pictures of friends and family. You can also insert ticket stubs, concert programs, and playbills. If you don’t have the time to assemble a small photo album or scrapbook, place some pictures in a plastic zipper bag or mount a family portrait inside a small frame.
7. Gift Card
Pharmacies and supermarkets carry a vast array of gift cards. Buy one supporting your parent’s interests, such as craft-making or reading. You could give a department store gift card, with an offer to take your loved one shopping, or a gift card to your loved one’s favorite restaurant so he or she can treat a friend to a meal.
For families living in Oshkosh, WI, 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. To learn about our high-quality elderly care plans, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.
5 Reasons to Have a Penpal in the Golden Years
Letter writing has become a lost art, and penpals may seem like an old-fashioned concept in today’s age of texting and social media. However, seniors remember the joy of receiving a handwritten note from a distant friend or family member. Corresponding with a penpal may also have physical and emotional benefits for your senior loved one.
1. Prevents Loneliness and Establishes Social Connections
Social isolation and loneliness are common among seniors, especially those who live alone or who have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave their homes. Having a penpal gives your loved one the opportunity to share feelings, jokes, and uplifting messages with another person. Your loved one will have something to look forward to, and he or she can reread the messages to boost his or her mood.
Strong social ties are essential to a senior’s wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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.
2. Enhances Memory and Communication Skills
The act of writing and reading letters can help seniors exercise their memory and language skills. They will have to utilize various parts of the brain to recall stories and find the appropriate words. Writing also allows plenty of time for seniors to formulate their thoughts, which can make it easier for those who have communication disorders. Speech-to-text software and other technologies are also available for those who have limited hand and arm dexterity.
3. Boosts Self-Confidence
Meeting new people face to face can be intimidating for seniors who do not interact with strangers on a regular basis. Writing to a penpal is a low-stress, non-threatening method of making new friends. With a penpal, your loved one will know there is someone one who is looking forward to his or her letters.
If your loved one needs regular social stimulation, consider hiring a caregiver. For many seniors in Oshkosh, WI, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Senior Stride Home Care, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
4. Encourages a Wider Perspective and New Interests
Interacting with a penpal from another country can prevent your loved one from getting stuck in a boring routine, and it can also provide a different point of view of the world. Your loved one may pick up new hobbies and activities while exchanging information with his or her penpal. Hearing the thoughts and concerns of another person can also take your loved one’s mind off his or her challenges.
5. Promotes Physical Health
Even though letter writing is not a very physical activity, it can still have positive benefits on your loved one’s physical health, as it provides a way to exercise the joints and enhance fine motor skills and dexterity. Looking forward to receiving letters and knowing there is someone waiting for a response can also serve as motivation for your loved one to engage in other healthy habits.
Social interaction is essential for older adults, whether it comes from a penpal or a visit from a compassionate caregiver. For families living in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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. To learn about our revolutionary senior care plans, get in touch with one of our professional Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.
4 Reasons Seniors Should Be Riding Bikes Every Day
Cycling is a fun filled way for seniors to get some fresh air and exercise. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional non-medical home care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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.
Some seniors may not have been on a bike since their childhood, and they will be surprised to see the various bike options available in the market. Many aging adults opt for comfort bikes with padded seats and low gears, which are built for smooth riding. Thanks to these lifestyle bikes, seniors don’t have to fear uncomfortable and painful bike rides. Here are some of the reasons why retired seniors should start cycling.
1. Provides Low-Impact Fitness
Biking is a low impact exercise, which means the body never makes hard contact with the ground. Low-impact exercises are often ideal for seniors, as stiff joints and soreness can make high-impact exercises painful. Riding a bike can be a good activity for seniors who have consistent knee pain and arthritis, as it puts little impact on their joints. Cycling can also provide the benefits of cardiovascular exercise while minimizing the risks of injury in older adults.
2. Saves Money
Biking is an economical way to travel and requires little maintenance, which can be a great benefit to seniors who are on a fixed income. Once seniors start riding comfortably, they can visit friends and run errands on their bike.
3. Reduces the Risk of Diseases
Consistent bike riding can reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown people who ride their bikes for 20 miles a week reduce their risk of heart disease by 50 percent. Cycling is a great source of cardiovascular exercise, which keeps weight and blood pressure under control, strengthens the lungs, and protects the circulatory system.
For family caregivers, helping a loved one get into an exercise routine can be overwhelming. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
4. Lower Stress
Cycling isn’t just good for the body, it’s also good for the soul. Seniors who want to boost their emotional health should try cycling, as it can help relax an overworked brain. Riding a bike involves repetitive motions, which can have meditative effects on the mind. Seniors who need to reduce stress should take a trip to a local bike trail and concentrate on the rhythm of their pedaling to feel relaxed and regain their peace of mind.
Stress is also common among family caregivers, as they often try to do everything themselves. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Oshkosh, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Senior Stride Home Care, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break. Call 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our senior care services and how we can customize them to meet your loved one’s needs.