With so much new information on to health and wellness, many people are inspired to make changes to their current lifestyle. Elderly adults can also benefit from embracing some healthy habits, even in their old age. Certain lifestyle choices can impact how their bodies and minds perform, and improvements in healthy living can deliver big results. Family caregivers that want to help their elderly loved one be happier and healthier need to work with them to set healthy goals.
Age-appropriate Healthy Living Goals
It’s a mistake to make extremely challenging health goals, because they are hard to achieve and may not be appropriate for seniors. Instead, family caregivers can set small, attainable goals with their aging loved one. It’s possible for seniors of all ages and abilities to live an active and healthy life if they so choose. The key is to develop healthy living goals that they and the whole family can achieve.
Here’s a list of healthy living goals that many seniors can adopt:
- Cut down on junk food and boost their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Engage in regular activity or exercise, such as yoga or walking
- Get as much restful sleep as possible
- Focus on good hygiene and grooming standards
- Schedule weekly social activities and outings
- Wear sunscreen and hats when outside
- Attend regular doctor, dentist and eye doctor exams
- Properly manage prescription medications
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco habits
- Decrease alcohol consumption
- Keep the mind sharp by doing puzzles or learning a new language
- Hire homecare providers
Of course, these health goals must be customized based on the aging adult’s current ability and wellness. For example, a senior in a wheelchair will have to modify their health goals to fit their needs, but there’s no reason they can’t achieve what they set out to do. When elderly adults depend on family caregivers or homecare providers for daily help, they can also count on these supporters to help with their self-improvement goals.
Common Obstacles to Healthy Living
There are many obstacles that block an aging adult’s ability to reach their healthy living goals. Procrastination, illness, fear and low energy are just a few of the most common. Other obstacles that might interfere with a person’s healthy living goals include chronic pain, fear of judgment, grief and lack of knowledge in what to do to make the changes they so desire.
Family caregivers and homecare providers are a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping aging adults stay motivated. The best part comes when the aging adult reaches their healthy living goal, and they have friendly faces around them and celebrate each small victory. With a strong support group, aging adults will definitely be able to overcome anything that is standing in their way.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Cambridge MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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