Health Upp Life for Seniors – As you get older, you may find that many things you could do years ago are not as easy to accomplish now. Our bodies change as we age, which can affect us both physically and mentally, and so we must do what we can to stay feeling as fit and healthy as possible.
Here are 7 ways to improve quality of life for seniors.
Keep mentally active
When we are younger, we typically go to work every day, which helps to keep our brains stimulated and working hard. After retirement, we don’t tend to use them as much, so it’s a good idea to do what you can at home to keep things ticking along. It can be as simple as watching a quiz show on TV or doing a daily crossword.
There are also loads of different brain training games available in both magazine form and online, so if you fancy giving your brain a bit of a workout, be sure to check them out.
Maneuvering the stairs
Many people move to a one-story property when they get older because climbing stairs can be an issue. If you live in a two-story home and are starting to struggle but don’t want to move house, then there are other alternatives. A stairlift will cause little disruption and are reasonably easy to fit retrospectively. They can also be life-changing in terms of retaining some independence.
Another option if a stairlift is not feasible is to convert one of your downstairs rooms into a bedroom – a route that many have gone down to allow them to stay in their existing homes. Additionally, at-home care may be an attractive option for seniors facing physical challenges. Caregiverlist primary care at home can reduce stress and prevent serious health problems from occurring to elderly family members.
Medical alert system
If you are infirm on your feet and feel you need a little reassurance that someone is on hand to help if you need it, then there are a variety of medical alert systems readily available which will help give you peace of mind. At the touch of a button, you can call for help or talk to someone if you are in any distress.
Prices and contract terms vary depending on the service you require, but you should have no trouble finding a plan to suit your needs as well as your budget.
One area that can affect the quality of life for a senior is stress. Stress and depression can be exacerbated by the effects of the unknown. Planning for things in advance can help seniors elevate stress and offer a sense of peace during the golden years. Various options have popped up over the years to make this as easy as possible. For example, companies like Everdays allow you to finalize all your plans from the comfort of your own home.
Find a hobby
Having a hobby you enjoy is a great way to fill some of your spare time and learn something new along the way. Visit your local library, community center, or church and find out if any classes are running locally. If you prefer the idea of doing something at home, you can always buy the supplies you need and teach yourself or watch instructional videos online.
From diamond painting to woodwork, there are loads of alternatives to help you fill your time and have a bit of fun too.
Socialize
Many people start to feel a little lonely as they age, particularly if they don’t have a companion to share most of their time with. If you fall into this category and find that you spend more time alone than you do with others, it might be time to change that. Make an effort to see friends as much as you can or find out if any clubs near you organize activities for seniors.
There are even companies that specialize in holidays for seniors so, if loneliness is becoming an issue, explore the available options. You may need to step out of your comfort zone for a little while, but it will be well worth it.
Eat a healthy diet
What you put in your body will impact how well you age, so it’s important to try and eat as healthy a diet as you can. Try to eat a rainbow of fruit and veggies every day and go easy on processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat. They can slow your body down and cause inflammation, whereas foods such as beans, legumes, and whole grains will give you energy and help to provide your body the balance it needs to function at its best.
Stay active
Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t be active. Exercise is one of the best things we can do for our bodies regardless of age, so even if you can only muster the energy to go for a walk, it’s will make you feel so much better.
The more exercise we get, the stronger our muscles become, so don’t be too inactive, or you may find it harder to get moving again. Swimming and yoga are also very popular with seniors and great for both the body and mind.