Staying healthy at any age is essential, but as we get older, health and wellness take on a whole new importance. People are living longer and the senior population is growing larger each year. As older loved ones age, their minds and bodies go through some changes, and having a healthy lifestyle makes them better prepared for the changes ahead.
September is Healthy Aging Month, and it's the perfect time to focus on lifestyle habits that can benefit the older adults in your life. American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer the following simple tips for older adults that can help them stay healthy and well as they age.
- Eat, drink and be healthy! A balanced diet is essential for good health at any age. Making healthy food choices, like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, can have numerous health benefits. It is also important for seniors to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get moving. Getting regular exercise helps prevent, delay, and manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise can also improve brain health as well as balance and flexibility, which are essential for preventing falls in older adults. Seniors should aim for moderate physical activity, such as walking, 22-30 minutes each day and strength building exercises at least twice a week.
- Quit Smoking. If your senior loved one is a smoker, one of the best things they can do for their long-term health is to quit. Giving up tobacco can lower a person’s risk of several types of cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke.
- Keep up with check-ups. Doctor’s visits aren’t just for when a senior is feeling sick. Visiting the doctor for regular check-ups can help prevent illness or identify it early so it can be treated. Doctor visits are also a great time to review medications and any side effects that a senior might be experiencing.
- Know the senior’s family health history. Many illnesses can be hereditary, so it is important to know and share family health history with your senior’s doctor. This helps them take steps to prevent diseases or catch them early.
- Be aware of changes in cognitive health. As a person ages, changes in the brain, such as mild forgetfulness or slower reaction times, are normal. However, bigger changes in brain health, like struggling to do common tasks, confusion in or trouble navigating well-known areas, or rapidly forgetting people or events can be signs of serious cognitive decline related to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you are concerned about a senior loved one’s memory or cognitive health, talk to their health care provider.
It’s never too late to start improving your health. Following these tips can help senior loved ones stay healthy as they age. Partnering with in-home senior care experts, like those at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, can also help seniors better manage their health. The professional care providers we refer can assist with things like meal preparation and diet monitoring, medication assistance, diabetic care, transportation to doctor’s appointments, monitoring for health changes, and more.
Celebrate Healthy Aging Month all year long with better senior care! Contact our team any time to learn how we can help match you with a care provider who can meet your loved ones needs. You can contact the office nearest you by clicking the links below:
- American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
- Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
- Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661
