New Year’s Resolutions for Elderly Individuals That they Can Keep!
It’s not easy for anyone to stick to those New Year’s resolutions but elderly folks often have more difficulty in doing so than the rest of us. Part of the problem is many of us make resolutions that are simply too big. The secret to making good New Year’s resolutions is ensuring that these goals are reachable, they’re easy to complete, and they’re fun or entertaining enough to keep us interested. With that in mind, here are five easy New Year’s resolutions for elderly individuals that will help keep them happy, healthy, and living their best life well into the New Year.
1) Be More Active
Exercise plays such an important role in our lives that none of us really understand how integral it is. Not only does a moderate amount of exercise build and tone muscle, it can help moderate our moods, energize our immune systems, and even help regulate diet. Obviously you’ll want to speak with a health care provider or physical therapists to find out what sorts of exercise are best for you but seniors and elderly individuals often have great success with low-impact exercise like Yoga, Tai Chi, or simply taking afternoon strolls. And every exercise routine can be modified for those of us with mobility limitations.
2) Be More Social
Depression is a very real risk for seniors and elderly individuals (especially those aging in place). Studies have shown that mood can dramatically affect overall health—even shortening or lengthening the time it takes to recover from an injury. But for older folks who don’t get out of the house much, finding that essential socialization they need to maintain a positive mood can be hard. Many neighborhoods offer senior group activities which provide that much needed personal interaction but other options include:
Volunteer work
Reconnecting with an old friend
Regularly calling family on the phone
Writing letters
Getting involved with local church and school groups
3) Eat Better
Many elderly individuals have trouble maintaining a healthy appetite. Their sense of taste decreases, the amount of food they feel like they can eat shrinks, and often they rely on a handful of easy-to-prepare meals that may not be as healthy as they should be. Unfortunately, when we don’t eat balanced diets, our bodies miss out on significant and essential nutrition. That’s why it’s so important that meals prepared for elderly individuals are tasty, nutrition-packed, and portioned correctly. Speak with a nutritionist for ways to create healthy and appetizing meals that will satisfy all your elderly loved one’s needs.
4) Get More Sleep
Sleep is essential for everything from a healthy metabolism to proper mental health. Unfortunately, many seniors have trouble sleeping. In fact, studies have shown that the majority of individuals 65 and older get far less sleep than their bodies need. But there are a few simple things you can do to make sleep come easier.
Refrain from heavy meals in the afternoon and evening
Stick to caffeine-free beverages
Create a “bedtime” routine to give your brain time enough to shut down for the night
Eliminate distractive blue light from the bedroom
Soundproof the bedroom or—if it’s too quiet—use a white noise machine to create the right ambiance
Exercise during the day
Try natural supplements like chamomile and melatonin (always speak with a doctor first concerning potential medication interactions)
5) Make Regular Doctor Visits
Preventative maintenance visits are the number one way to catch health problems before they become crises. Unfortunately, many elderly individuals keep health issues to themselves. Whether they’re embarrassed or simply don’t want to appear a burden to their loved ones, they don’t tell anyone about what’s really going on with their bodies. Seeing a primary care physician on a regular basis is the best way to bring these secretive problems to light and address them before they become bigger issues.
Need Help to Keep those Resolutions?
If you need a little assistance in order to keep your loved one happy and healthy in the New Year, contact Second Family Home Care today. We offer companionship and other non-medical in-home services throughout Texas. Helping aging individuals stay in their own homes and remain safe and secure is our number one goal. Contact us online or call (972) 347-0700 to schedule your in-home consultation today.
#aginginplace #healthtipsforseniors #livingyourbestlife #newyearsresolutions