After retirement, some older adults tend to let their days go with the flow, sleeping in until whenever they wake up, doing whatever strikes them during the day, and going to bed whenever they get tired at night. If your aging relative’s days don’t follow any clear pattern, you may be interested to know that establishing a daily routine could be better for their health and well-being. There are many benefits to having a daily routine, including those described below.

Routines Reduce Stress

Having a daily routine can lower an older adult’s stress levels. This is especially true if they have dementia. Routines provide a sense of control since the senior knows what to expect next. It also reduces stress for those who feel like they have lost control of their days because they rely on others to assist them with many of their daily tasks. They may feel at the mercy of other people’s schedules, which can also leave them worrying about whether or not they’ll have the help they need. With an established routine, they’ll know when to expect someone to come and help them and what they’ll be doing next.

Routines Improve Sleep

As people age, their natural circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycle) can degrade, resulting in trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. Studies show that following a routine of getting up and going to bed at the same times each day helps older adults to get to sleep at night and sleep better. In one study involving 96 senior participants, researchers discovered that people who stuck to a daily routine fell asleep faster, slept longer without waking, and had a better quality of sleep. Part of the reason for this may be that going to bed at the same time each night can cue the body to feel sleepy at that time of the day, making it easier to fall asleep.

Better Overall Health

Having a regular routine of getting up, exercising, eating, and going to bed at the same time can improve better overall health because it can make certain healthy behaviors become habits. For example, if your older family member gets up each morning and has a good breakfast, they’re establishing a habit of starting their day off with the nutrients they need to give them energy for the day. Then, if taking a morning walk or going to an exercise class becomes a regular part of the day, they are also making physical activity a habit—one that makes their muscles stronger, improves blood pressure, and keeps them healthier and more mobile.

If your older family member could benefit from a daily routine, senior care can help them to start one. A senior care provider can arrive at the same time each morning to get them out of bed and assist them with getting ready for their day. The senior care provider can even make breakfast for them. Senior care can also be available in the evening to help with bedtime, changing to quieter activities at night, and assisting with changing into pajamas and getting comfortable in bed.

Sources
https://dailycaring.com/why-routine-is-important-for-seniors/
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20100401/daily-routines-help-seniors-sleep-better
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/health-benefits-of-having-a-routine

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Care in St. Pete Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.