There are many lifestyle choices that can help seniors maintain their health in the long run. These strategies must be followed daily to ensure long-term results. However, there are certain things older adults can do to achieve immediate results.
1. Hydrate Regularly
Adequate water intake is necessary for cells and organs to function properly. A 2 percent loss of body fluids can reduce energy levels by up to 30 percent. Dehydration often manifests as dry skin and hair. When seniors experience unexplained fatigue or dry lips, skin, or hair, they should reach for a large glass of water.
Consuming an adequate amount of water is one of the many ways seniors can boost their health and maintain a high quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Align Home Care, a trusted provider of Portland home care. Services our caregivers provide include transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine consumption affects the body in different ways. Drinking too much coffee interferes with the ability to fall and stay asleep. Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which could lead to fluid imbalance and dehydration when consumed in great quantities. The substance can also increase heart rate and blood pressure. By reducing or eliminating caffeine from daily diets, seniors often experience relief from a variety of adverse symptoms.
3. Start Exercising
Engaging in physical exercise or another moderately strenuous exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week strengthens the cardiovascular system. Additionally, exercise also increases dopamine production, which enhances mood. Going for a walk or participating in another activity in the sunshine increases vitamin D production and calcium absorption.
4. Choose Protein-Rich Snacks
When in the mood for a snack, seniors should grab something rich in protein for an instant energy boost. The snack might consist of a handful of nuts, peanut butter on whole-grain crackers, a slice of low-fat cheese, or a serving of low-fat yogurt. Along with protein, these foods also offer an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. On the other hand, choosing foods high in carbohydrates boosts serotonin production, which leads to drowsiness.
5. Get Sufficient Sleep
Not getting an adequate amount of sleep at night causes daytime fatigue, which could lead to accidents and cognitive impairment. Seniors should get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If they have difficulty achieving proper sleep patterns, they may need to address their diets and sleep environment.
6. Maintain a Healthy Social Life
Spending time with a family member or a friend often provides the emotional boost seniors need to remedy negative thoughts and feelings.
For families living in Portland, Maine, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Align Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
7. Laugh
Laughing at a joke or while watching a movie or TV show produces several instant effects. Laughter induces the production and circulation of feel-good chemicals throughout the body and boosts the immune system.
8. Challenge Cognitive Abilities
Challenging cognitive abilities has been shown to enhance memory and problem-solving skills. Reading a book, working puzzles, and learning a new hobby are all ways seniors can strengthen their thought processes and cognitive functions.
Making healthy lifestyle choices can boost health, but there are several age-related conditions that cannot be mitigated by altering eating and drinking habits alone. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Portland live-in home care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust in professional live-in caregivers to enhance his or her quality of life. If your elderly loved one wants to enjoy a high quality of life while aging in the comfort of home, call Align Home Care at (207) 835-3490 today.