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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\u2019s days don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Routines Reduce Stress<\/strong><\/p>\n Having a daily routine can lower an older adult\u2019s 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\u2019s schedules, which can also leave them worrying about whether or not they\u2019ll have the help they need. With an established routine, they\u2019ll know when to expect someone to come and help them and what they\u2019ll be doing next.<\/p>\n Routines Improve Sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n