10 Actions for Seniors to Promote Healthy Aging and Wellness
Author: Kay Jurica
I opened Home Helpers in 2008 to serve seniors in the Kankakee area. One of the most important aspects of managing a home care agency is ensuring our senior clients are on a positive health and wellness journey as they age.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says, “Many factors influence healthy aging. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others — like exercise, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health — are within our reach.”
The NIA supports research that has identified 10 actions for seniors to promote healthy aging and wellness so seniors can live as independently as possible and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Physical Health, Activity & Exercise
Scientific evidence suggests that people who exercise regularly not only live longer but also may live better — meaning they enjoy more years of life without pain or disability.
Healthy Diet & Food Choices
You’ve heard the cliché, “You are what you eat.” This is true because healthy food choices can help prevent certain health problems and improve brain function. Poor food choices can lead to chronic illness and cognitive decline.
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide healthy eating recommendations for each stage of life. The Dietary Guidelines suggest an eating pattern with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
Get Quality Sleep
Not getting enough quality sleep can make a person irritable, depressed, forgetful, and more likely to have falls or other accidents.
Good sleep patterns can lower rates of insulin resistance, heart disease, and obesity while improving blood sugar levels, creativity, and decision-making.
Limit or Eliminate Alcohol & Monitor Medications
Alcohol dependence or heavy drinking affects every organ in the body, including the brain.
In addition to being cautious with alcohol, older adults and their caregivers should be aware of other substances that can be misused or abused. Because older adults are commonly prescribed opioids for pain and benzodiazepines for anxiety or trouble sleeping, they may be at risk for misuse and dependence on these substances.
Visit the Doctor Regularly
Going to the doctor for regular health screenings is essential for healthy aging. Getting regular check-ups helps doctors catch chronic diseases early and can help patients reduce risk factors for disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. People who went to the doctor regularly also reported improved quality of life and feelings of wellness.
It is recommended that seniors visit the doctor at least yearly and possibly more depending on their health. You cannot reap the benefits of medical advancements without regular trips to the doctor for physical exams and other tests. Regular screenings can uncover diseases and conditions you may not yet be aware of, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Monitor Mental Health
Mental health, or mental wellness, is essential to your overall health and quality of life. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Managing social isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and mood through medical and self-care is key to healthy aging.
Social Isolation & Loneliness
As people age, changes such as hearing and vision loss, memory loss, disability, trouble getting around, and the loss of family and friends can make it difficult to maintain social connections. This makes older adults more likely to be socially isolated or to feel lonely. Although they sound similar, social isolation and loneliness are different. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated, while social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly.
Stress
Stress is a natural part of life and comes in many forms. Sometimes stress arises from difficult events or circumstances. Positive changes, like the birth of a grandchild or a promotion, can cause stress too. Research shows that constant stress can change the brain, affect memory, and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
Finding ways to lower stress and increase emotional stability may support healthy aging.
Depression and Mood
For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. Instead, they might feel numb or uninterested in activities and may not be as willing to talk about their feelings. Depression not only affects mental health but also physical health.
If you think you or a loved one may have depression, start by making an appointment to see a doctor or health care provider. If you are thinking of harming yourself, get help immediately — call the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Leisure Activities and Hobbies
Your favorite activities are not only fun — they may also be good for your health. Research shows that people who participate in hobbies and social and leisure activities may be at lower risk for some health problems.
Music, theater, dance, creative writing, and other participatory arts show promise for improving seniors’ quality of life and well-being, from better cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction. Even hobbies as simple as taking care of a pet can improve an aging adult’s health and quality of life.
Getting exercise, eating right, sleeping well, participating in social activities, and engaging with peers are all very important factors in preserving a healthy quality of life.
August is National Wellness Month, and the compassionate, professional caregivers at Home Helpers are skillfully trained to provide senior care for aging adults in the Kankakee area and to assist with and support the actions outlined above that promote healthy aging and wellness.
I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and review the home care services we provide, so I can prepare a personalized care plan for you or a senior you love to improve overall quality of life, preserve senior independence, and make life easier.
Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® - We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238
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