Many individuals have cast aside their New Year’s resolutions by the end of January, but who says resolutions should only be made in the beginning of the year? There is no time like the present to start a new goal or habit, particularly for seniors hoping to improve health and wellbeing.
We’ve got six suggestions you can implement today. Choose one to begin, or jump right into all of them to achieve the greatest benefit:
1. Make an appointment for a physical. As opposed to waiting for an injury or illness to contact the physician, a yearly check-up is a good method for seniors to stay on top of their health and potentially prevent problems before they occur.
2. Get physical. With the doctor’s approval and recommendations in hand, kick off a brand new exercise routine – together! Working out with an older adult you love allows you to motivate each other and function as accountability partners. Agree to sticking to it for at least 21 days, after which it ought to be an ingrained, enjoyable habit you will want to continue.
3. Stay connected. Help the older adult keep up friendships and contact with loved ones to defend against isolation and loneliness – something we have all become too familiar with during the pandemic. Offer transportation if needed for lunch dates, or with setting up technology to stay virtually in touch.
4. Update vaccinations. Along with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, pneumonia, seasonal influenza, and shingles vaccines must be up to date. With age comes an increased risk for severe effects from these illnesses, so vaccinations become even more important.
5. Don’t forget mental health. A mental health provider will help determine if depression, anxiety, or any other concerns need to be addressed, offering both therapeutic tools and medication if needed. Staying mentally sharp through brain enrichment activities will also help with the natural cognitive decline that occurs in aging.
6. Monitor what you eat. If the fridge and pantry are filled with empty-calorie or fatty foods, replace them with proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, and low-fat dairy products. A drastic change in diet may be overwhelming and difficult to adhere to, so start simple with one replacement at first – carrot sticks instead of potato chips, for example – and work up to a more healthy overall diet.
Golden Harmony Home Care is here to assist seniors in achieving these and any other goals with personalized in-home care and companionship. From transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and fitness classes to grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals, all while giving socialization a much-needed boost, we are empowering seniors to live their best lives every day. Contact us online or call 919-426-7522 to learn more about how we can provide elder care in Raleigh, NC or the surrounding area to someone you love!