10 Tips that Promote Senior Independence, Health, and Wellness
Author: Denise Roskamp
One of the many goals of Home Helpers MetroWest is to make life easier for seniors to maintain their independence. To live independently, seniors should take the necessary steps to maintain their health and wellness.
Reagan Greenwood at aPlaceforMom explains, “Maintaining healthy habits is crucial as seniors age. A nutritious diet provides energy for an active lifestyle and can lower the risk of certain illnesses. Getting enough sleep and regular exercise can also boost energy while helping to keep seniors strong and able to perform daily activities. And while keeping the body fit is important, so is maintaining a strong mind. Socializing with friends and family offers emotional well-being, and playing games or an instrument can help a senior stay sharp.”
So, let’s review 10 tips that promote senior independence, health, and wellness Greenwood shared.
Eat Healthy
The digestive system slows down as we age, so seniors should include foods that are vitamin-rich and include fiber. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into snacks and meals. Fiber helps maintain a healthy diet and can lower the risk of major health problems like stroke and heart disease.
Sometimes, seniors experience a lack of appetite which can lead to poor senior nutrition. Research has shown that improving the “mealtime ambiance” and “enhancing the flavor of food” may stimulate a senior’s appetite.
Appetites are not the only thing that diminishes with age. Seniors often don’t feel as thirsty either, meaning they run the risk of becoming dehydrated. Hydration is especially important for seniors to stay energized and avoid constipation and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Schedule Preventive Care Doctor Visits
Preventive care appointments and health screenings can prevent seniors from missing a serious diagnosis. Women over 45 should schedule annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer, and men over age 50 should have regular prostate exams based on recommendations by the American Cancer Society.
Review Medications
While seniors are visiting their doctors, it is important to review all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and supplements. If new medications are prescribed, take note of any side effects or new symptoms that emerge, such as allergic reactions, drowsiness, or loss of appetite.
Develop Healthy Sleep Habits
Practice healthy “sleep hygiene.” This refers to creating healthy sleep habits to improve their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Seniors should wake up and go to bed at the same time to help keep their internal clock on schedule. Avoid taking naps during the day, and caffeine and alcohol in the evening. Try dimming the lights in the evening and ensure the bedroom is comfortable, cool, and quiet.
Exercise the Mind
The National Institute on Aging suggests seniors stay mentally active by learning new skills that can improve their thinking. Complete crossword puzzles, reading, writing, and trying new hobbies to stimulate the mind and help them engage with their surrounding environment to decrease cognitive decline.
Schedule Regular Vision Exams
Seniors who wear glasses should have their prescriptions checked every year for changes, and they should undergo screening for issues like glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Having the proper eyewear can reduce a senior’s risk of falling, as well.
Socialize
Isolation and the lack of a social life can lead to low self-esteem, difficulty coping, and the release of stress hormones. Inflammation is common to stress-related diseases and can be triggered by the release of stress hormones. Persistent inflammation over time can lead to serious health problems including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Seniors can stay social by visiting a local senior center or volunteering in their community. In addition, time spent with family, grandchildren, and friends helps combat loneliness and isolation, especially when seniors have mobility issues.
Stay Physically Active
Staying physically active may help seniors maintain a healthy weight and avoid chronic health problems. Regular exercise can also make activities of daily living more manageable.
Physically active seniors are less likely to be depressed, and more likely to have improved energy levels, memory, and sleep. The best forms of exercise for seniors are low-impact, like aerobics, balance exercises, and strength training. It is best to consult your physician before beginning any new exercise activity.
Take Advantage of Free Medicare Physicals
Seniors newly enrolled in Medicare can access a free Initial Preventive Physical Examination. After having Medicare Part B for a year, seniors also receive a free annual “Wellness” visit every 12 months.
Visit the Dentist Every 6 Months
Dental issues can damage more than your teeth and gums. The risk for cavities goes up with age and many mouth infections can be linked to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Oral health is directly related to overall health, so in addition to brushing and flossing daily, seniors should visit their dentist every 6 months to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
My Home Helpers MetroWest team of professional caregivers provides senior care every day that includes companionship, healthy meals and snacks, hydration and medication reminders, light housekeeping tasks, transportation assistance to local gyms, doctor appointments and social engagements, and so much more to support senior independence and wellness.
I gladly offer a no-obligation, FREE Consultation so I can assess specific ways our compassionate caregivers can provide in-home care services to make life easier for you or a senior you love.
Home Helpers® MetroWest proudly serves male and female seniors in Concord, Framingham, Lincoln, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and surrounding areas. We are Making Life Easier℠ in our Massachusetts communities every day! 508-545-0164
Source: