The little things seniors do every day can make a huge difference in their quality of life. Positive lifestyle changes are often very simple and quick, and sticking to them can enhance fitness and reduce the risk of certain diseases. If your aging loved one wants to stay physically and mentally fit, he or she needs to adopt these lifestyle habits as soon as possible.
Eating More Fruits & Veggies
Several studies have linked meat consumption to a shorter life span and more heart problems. An analysis in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association looked at more than 1.5 million people and found eating more fruits and vegetables decreased mortality by 15 percent. This doesn’t mean your loved one needs to switch to a vegan diet. He or she just needs to try to work more fruits and vegetables into meals and cut back on meat a little.
A home caregiver can help your loved one plan and prepare nutritious meals. Home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Align Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Staying Active
It comes as no surprise that staying active has a huge impact on how people age. Seniors who exercise retain muscle mass and bone density better, and they also have a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease. A study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found more physical activity can even reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk.
Wearing Sunscreen
Spending time in the sun is great for physical and mental health, but it can lead to wrinkling and age spots. Being able to retain younger-looking skin can offer a big mental health boost for some seniors. Even more importantly, sunscreen reduces the risk of developing skin cancer, a problem that up to 12 percent of seniors face.
Spending Time with Friends
Part of aging well is staying happy and excited. Making time for friends does more than enrich mental and emotional health. A study in the journal PLOS Medicine also found strong social ties could give a person a 50 percent higher chance of living longer. A strong support group can reduce stress levels and make it easier to recover from illnesses.
For families living in Portland, 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.
Getting More Sleep
Sleep deprivation has been linked to problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and weight gain. It may even cause certain memory issues and cognitive decline. Seniors who make time for sleep ensure their bodies have the energy they need to stay healthy. If possible, your loved one should aim for eight hours of sleep a night and follow a regular bedtime schedule.
Avoiding Harmful Substances
There are several potential toxins that can cause damage to the body. One of the most important to avoid is cigarette smoke. Using tobacco products can impair healing, increase heart problems, and cause cancer. Alcohol can also be surprisingly damaging if consumed in excess. It can increase certain cancer risks, raise blood pressure, and damage the liver.
If your loved one needs help adopting healthy habits that slow down the aging process, consider enlisting the help of a professional caregiver. When considering senior care, Portland, ME, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. Trust Align Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (207) 835-3490.