Which Senior Living Option is Best for You?
Current senior living trends are all about aging on your terms and living as independently as possible. Staying healthy and active are vital to keeping your options open. Here are a few tips to make sure your health is at the top of the must do list!
1. Eat healthy
Maintaining a healthy diet as you age is essential for living well. The digestive system slows down with age, so it becomes necessary to incorporate nutriious foods uch as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Adding fiber helps everyone maintain our health, but it also can reduce the risk of future health issues such stroke and heart disease The following tips can help support healthy eating habits:
Share mealtimes with friends and family.
Make food look good - it’s easier to eat that way!
Stay in a routine - schedule for meals, snacks, and drinks.
2. Schedule preventive care
Don’t skip the easy visits! Make sure to keep on track by scheduling your standard health screenings for cholesterol levels, women’s care, colon cancer, men’s health exams, heart problems, and so much more. This will be your best defense from overlooking a serious diagnosis. Women over the age of 45 should schedule mammography screening for breast cancer annually, and men over age 50 should consider regularly testing for prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Also, remember your yearly vaccinations when appropriate and under your doctor’s advise for Pneumonia, Covid, Shingles, Flu and more!
3. Review medications
It’s important to review each prescription with their physician on a regular basis- make sure to take a list with you to any care visit of current medications and OTC drugs. Make sure to record of any new symptoms or side effects — such as allergic reactions, drowsiness, or loss of appetite — your loved one may exhibit after altering or starting medications.
4. Manage healthy sleep habits
We need our sleep! So, it’s easy to understand why it’s so important to maintain a regular sleep schedule to maintain our health. Create a healthy sleep routine set of healthy sleep habits that can improve one’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Don’t underestimate that how effective waking up and going to bed at the same time can help significantly. Avoid taking naps during the day and stay away from alcohol or caffeine in the evening. It may also help to minimize bright lights in the evening to spur sleepiness. Keep sleeping spaces comfortable, quiet, and the right temperature for effective sleep.
5. Exercise the mind
Seniors should keep their minds sharp through various reading, art exercises, puzzles, or game activities. Complete a puzzle, or read for your favorite book, journaling, or trying a new hobby can stimulate seniors’ mind, Stay diligent about being engaged daily to deter cognitive decline.
6. Schedule regular vision/dental checks
Remember to check your vision and dental health as scheduled. Slight variations can have a significant impact on the quality of daily life when our loved ones don’t see as well or may be in pain from a tooth/gum infections.
7. Keep Socializing
Isolation and lack of socialization among seniors leads to low self-esteem, difficulty coping, and higher levels of stress hormones that could cause additional health and cognitive issues. Contact your church, or local senior center to volunteer in the community. Family time will always benefit your senior by bringing loved ones near and dear to fight the effects of loneliness and leaves seniors feeling more positive and engaged. Love will always win as the best medicine for our well-being!
8. Stay physically active
Staying physically active may help seniors maintain a healthy weight, battle boredom and avoid chronic health problems.
Along with alleviating depression, physical activity can improve seniors’ energy levels, memory, and sleep. Focus on activity that is best for the senior and consider focusing on low-impact exercises like Thai Chi, walking, and resistance training. Always consult your health care professional before starting any new routine to ensure which exercise program best suits a senior’s needs.
With health under control, seniors can do more and remain active, which boosts overall well-being and gives caregivers a little less to worry about.
Healthy living has a carry-over is where you can live. Check out where most seniors enjoy living in 2024- what works for you? Senior Living Options
Your senior living advisor can explain these options in greater detail. Interested in learning more? Schedule your free consultation here.
