The beginning of the new year is a great time for seniors to start making positive changes that can enhance their quality of life. Family caregivers can help their senior loved ones come up with New Year’s resolutions that benefit their physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are a few ideas to get family caregivers started.
1. Stay Active Every Day
Getting some type of physical activity every day helps seniors stay in shape physically, and it can also boost their emotional health. Exercise reduces the risk of several health complications and releases endorphins that can help seniors feel happier and calmer. Caregivers can help by going for walks with their loved one or assisting with workout routines as needed.
Getting active is one of the many ways elderly people can boost their health and wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly 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.
2. Do Brain Activities
Giving the brain a workout on a regular basis can boost mental and emotional health. Doing crossword puzzles and other activities that challenge the mind enhances cognitive function. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can benefit the most from doing brain activities.
3. Practice Better Sleep Hygiene
Being able to get restful sleep becomes more difficult as seniors age, but it’s an important part of staying healthy. Seniors can take steps to enhance sleep quality in the new year, such as getting a more comfortable mattress and staying awake during the day instead of taking a nap.
4. Look into Volunteer Opportunities
Doing volunteer work can help seniors stay socially active. This kind of work can boost emotional and mental health. Caregivers can help their loved ones find local volunteer opportunities that are suitable for their age.
5. Choose Healthier Desserts
Limiting sugar intake in the new year can help seniors manage chronic health conditions better and maintain good health. Less sugar in the diet can also enhance their mood. Seniors can opt for healthier choices for desserts, such as fresh fruit or dark chocolate.
6. Take Up a Hobby
Having a hobby to focus on gives seniors a way to put their creativity to use or learn something new, which can enhance their mental and emotional health. Seniors can try an older hobby they haven’t done in years or take up a new one such as photography or painting.
7. Schedule Regular Checkups and Screenings
Going for a routine wellness visit and having all recommended screenings done can help seniors maintain their health in the new year. Caregivers can help their loved ones schedule these appointments and ensure they attend them throughout the year.
Taking your senior loved one to medical appointments and accomplishing other caregiving duties may be challenging without assistance. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
8. Call an Old Friend
Seniors who have lost touch with friends over the years can benefit from contacting them again. Spending time with others is an important part of maintaining good mental and emotional health as seniors get older. Interacting with others prevents loneliness and lowers the risk of depression.
Achieving New Year’s resolutions can be challenging for seniors, especially if they can’t manage day-to-day activities on their own. 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. To hire a professional caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.