The New Year is the ideal time for seniors to make healthy lifestyle changes. Older adults might set goals to eat nutritiously, exercise more, or see their doctor regularly. A New Year’s resolution and the steps taken to achieve it can help aging people live longer and more fulfilling lives.
While making a New Year’s resolution is the easy part, following through with goals can be challenging as the year progresses. Fortunately, older adults who rely on caregivers can trust that they will hold them accountable and celebrate every small victory.
What are healthy New Year’s resolutions?
Seniors can make any number of resolutions at the start of January. They may want to see the world from a cruise ship or spend more time with the family. But older adults who aim to look after their health might try making any of the following seven health-conscious New Year’s resolutions.
1. Eat Nutritiously
Older adults’ appetites naturally diminish as they age. It is still important for them to consume enough nutrients and calories to fuel their bodies and ward off illnesses. Healthy meals incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat meats, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats.
Seniors are urged to eat five servings of fruit and a variety of deep-colored vegetables each day. Munch on carrots, oranges, and spinach. Snack on nuts for their nutritional value. Include whole grains, rice, and pasta in a diet. Eat yogurt, cheese, and other vitamin D-rich foods to strengthen bones. It is also important to eat low-fat protein with every meal to increase/maintain muscle mass, which is necessary for balance and movement.
2. Exercise More
Mild to moderate exercise can alleviate the symptoms of some conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Many exercises are suitable for older adults, including tai chi, water aerobics, and walking. Seniors might join a local Silver Sneakers program for motivation.
Regular exercise helps aging individuals control their weight, build muscle mass, maintain flexibility, and improve balance. Their posture improves, too. Physical activity is a natural way for older people to boost their moods, which leaves them energized and feeling positive well after New Year’s Day. Remember to always check with your doctor before you begin any exercise routine.
3. Receive Annual Checkups
Schedule a Medicare wellness visit with the physician once a year, such as around a birthday month. During these appointments, discuss health screenings and any changes to advanced directives. See if any current medications can be stopped or their doses lowered. Find out about getting immunizations.
4. Reduce the Risk of Falls
Fall risks increase with age, making it imperative that seniors reduce their likelihood of falling. Exercise increases strength, balance, and flexibility—all of which can help seniors avoid a fall. Talk to a healthcare provider to ensure that any current medications are not contributing to fall risks.
Enlist the help of a caregiver to modify the home to improve safety. Install grab bars in the bathroom (shower and toilet) and handrails on the stairs. Plug in nightlights to make it easier to see in the darkened hallways. Remove clutter and throw rugs that older adults can trip over.
5. Continue Learning
Brain exercises keep older adults mentally sharp. Challenge the mind by reading books and magazines, playing games, like cards, Sudoku, or taking a class at a local community college (some college courses are free to people aged sixty-five or over). Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare exotic dishes.
Socializing is another way to keep the aging mind stimulated. Seniors are encouraged to join a discussion group at their local library or senior center. At home, older people can turn to professional or family caregivers for pleasant conversations and meaningful social interactions.
6. Get Restful Sleep
A quality night’s sleep of 7 to 9 hours is recommended for all adults, including seniors. Promote a good night’s rest by avoiding daytime naps, limiting caffeine closer to bedtime, and preparing the bedroom for sleep. Keep the bedroom temperature comfortable, turn off devices, and draw the shades.
Caregivers are instrumental in helping seniors enjoy restful sleep. Caregivers assist seniors prepare for bed, lending a hand with hygiene and other tasks.
7. Make Healthier Choices
Seniors who smoke or drink excessively may make a New Year’s resolution to quit. Too much alcohol has a negative impact on health, increasing seniors’ risks of falls and injuries, making sleeping more difficult, interfering with medications, and causing feelings of depression.
Smoking is similarly disastrous for health, leading to conditions like heart disease or cancer. It is never too late for older adults to cease smoking. Quitting allows seniors to breathe easier, enjoy more energy, sleep better, and reduce the risk of developing several health problems.
Any New Year’s resolution can be kept by writing them down, keeping them visible (such as on a fridge), identifying potential obstacles, and breaking them down into manageable steps. Caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care support seniors in their quest for a healthier life.
Professionals from our home care agency remind seniors of their New Year’s resolutions to help them stay motivated. Whether your aging loved one aims to eat healthier or join an exercise class, we will give them the means to accomplish their year-long goals.
Our caregivers provide reliable transportation to local destinations, such as the doctors’ office, senior center, or tai chi class. We prepare balanced meals to ensure seniors eat right. Help with hygiene tasks is included; we assist seniors with bathing, grooming, and toileting among other daily tasks.
Senior companionship is a vital component of our caregiving services. Caregivers serve as social outlets for older adults who wish to hold conversations, play games, or assemble puzzles, and go on outings. Regular social engagement prevents aging people from feeling lonely, and socially isolated.
Companion care from Assisting Hands Home Care fulfills all the non-medical care needs of older adults. We are privileged to serve the elderly living in BallenIsles, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL and the surrounding areas in Palm Beach County . Call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule a free in-home consultation and learn how quality senior home care can benefit your senior loved one.
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