It’s not uncommon for people to lose sight of their New Year’s Resolutions by the end of January, but no rule says resolutions can only be made at the start of the year. So there’s no time like the present to start a new goal or habit, especially if you want to boost senior health and wellness.
We have six tips you can implement today. Choose one to start, or jump right into all of them to attain the most benefit:
Get physical. With the doctor’s approval and recommendations, begin a new health and fitness routine! Working out with an older adult you love allows you to motivate one another and act as accountability partners. Commit to staying with it for at least 21 days, after which it ought to be an ingrained, pleasurable habit you will wish to continue.
Schedule a physical. Rather than waiting for an injury or illness to call the physician, a yearly check-up is a suitable method for seniors to stay on top of their health and potentially prevent issues before they occur.
Update vaccinations. Along with COVID-19, vaccines and boosters, flu, pneumonia, and shingles should be updated. With age comes an increased risk for severe effects from these illnesses, so vaccinations become more essential.
Stay connected. Help the older adult maintain friendships and contact with loved ones to reduce the chances of loneliness and isolation – something we’ve all become too familiar with during the pandemic. Offer transportation when necessary for lunch dates or set up technology to stay virtually in touch.
Monitor what you eat. If the fridge and pantry are full of fatty or empty-calorie foods, replace them with proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and low-fat dairy products. A drastic change in diet may be overwhelming and challenging to stick to, so start simple with one replacement at first – carrot sticks in the place of potato chips, for instance – and work up to a more healthy overall diet.
Don’t forget mental health. A mental health provider can help determine if anxiety, depression, or other concerns need to be addressed by offering therapeutic tools and medication. Staying mentally sharp through brain enrichment activities can also help with the natural cognitive decline that is experienced in aging.
Modern Health Home Care is here to help aging adults meet these goals and any other goals with customized senior care in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. From preparing healthy meals to light housekeeping, we empower seniors to live their best lives daily. Email or call us at 215.995.2012 to learn more about how we can help someone you love!
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