Getting older is inevitable, but it is a process everyone goes through. Watching your parents grow old can be difficult, but there are tips you can share with them to make the process easier. Here are 7 top lifestyle tips to help your parents age well.
Be More Social
According to some studies, loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and it can shorten an individual’s life by 15 years. As people age, socializing and staying connected with old friends can be difficult. This is especially true if their partner and close friends have passed away already. Encouraging your parents to be more social can help give them meaning to their life. Spending quality time with your parents will provide them with a regular outlet for them to vent any concerns they may have. If it isn’t possible to visit your parents regularly, then make sure you catch up with them over the phone. Alternatively, you can encourage them to bond with people in their local area or call up old friends. If they are wearing hearing aids for seniors, make sure that is working properly. According to studies, untreated hearing loss in seniors increases the likelihood of social isolation, as well as of a reduction in quality of life.
Take Up a Hobby
Doing something you love can engage the mind and lift the mood. Help your parents discover their passion by researching local clubs they can join and new activities they can participate in. Doing something new can stimulate the brain, which can, in turn, help them feel younger for longer. Hobbies such as playing a musical instrument or learning a language can be undertaken alone or in a group. Social activities can include gardening, walking, and yoga. Taking up a hobby enables your elderly parents to widen their social circle and spend time with new people. Regular social interactions and bonding with likeminded individuals can help your parents improve their quality of life.
Drink More Water
Experts say that older people are more susceptible to dehydration. The reason is down to changes in their bodily functions. It is important to stay hydrated, no matter your age. However, this is vital for older adults. Studies show that eight eight-ounce glasses of water should be consumed to enable proper bodily function. Senior citizens may not feel thirsty when they are dehydrated, but it is sensible to keep drinking water throughout the day, even when they don’t feel they need to. Advise your parents to stay away from artificial, sugary drinks. However, if they want to drink something other than water, then 100 percent juice and fat-free milk are great alternatives. On the other hand, some beverages can dehydrate the body. These include caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
Reduce Salt Intake
As people age, their sense of taste reduces. This is why many people tend to use a lot more salt in their food than the recommended amount. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that consuming too much salt can lead to a higher risk of some health conditions and illnesses. This includes stroke, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. In one day, healthy adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Consuming more than this amount can increase your chance of developing certain conditions and illnesses. Replacing salt with herbs and spices can keep food tasting good without the addition of unnecessary sodium. Playing around with different blends can also revamp a recipe and make cooking more exciting.
Be Proactive
Whether it’s making an important decision about your career or planning a vacation early, being proactive can have a huge impact on your life. Share this advice with your parents and encourage them to be proactive about the important decisions in their personal life. This includes healthcare and future senior living plans. Although speaking to your parents about senior living may not be easy, it is important that they are thinking about their future.
Different Types of Senior Living
Belmont Senior Living offers various senior living options. The services offered by Belmont Senior Living are tailored towards individual needs, and they include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Independent living services are ideal for older adults who are able to perform everyday activities but would like to be part of a larger social community. They have access to healthcare professionals if they need extra assistance. Assisted living facilities are perfect for seniors who require some assistance in their activities of daily living. Memory care units are designed to maintain and develop cognitive functions in adults who have memory-related disorders.
Your parents can prepare for their future by doing their research into the different levels of care. This provides peace of mind for both you and your parents. It means that your parents are more likely to receive the type of care they want in the future.
Go for a Regular Check-Up
Professional healthcare providers can spot changes in health before symptoms show up. This is why it is advisable for people of different ages to go for a regular check-up. In particular, older adults should schedule in regular visits to ensure their body is functioning well. By spotting an issue early, they are more likely to treat it and get rid of it for good. In addition, a doctor can identify health issues and offer advice on how to deal with them. If necessary, they can also prescribe the right medication for different ailments. Many people tend to ignore an issue and hope that it goes away by itself. Or worse, they may even self-prescribe medication. Taking the wrong medicine can be incredibly hazardous to your health, especially if the dosage is incorrect. Encourage your parents to schedule a regular check-up. If they are experiencing any signs of illness, make sure they consult a doctor straight away.
Schedule an Annual Eye Examination
Many people take their eyesight for granted even though it is arguably the most important of the five basic senses. Although taking care of your vision should be a top priority for everyone, it is especially important for older adults. Annual eye examinations can help seniors keep their eyesight in tip-top condition. Not to mention, falls are the leading cause of injury in senior citizens in the U.S. Therefore, attending an annual check-up can reduce the risk of tripping and falling over. In addition, optometrists can identify serious eye issues, such as glaucoma, before any symptoms occur. Going for a regular check-up can preserve eyesight and can help keep eyes healthy.
