Most aspects of the aging process are well within a senior’s control. Your elderly parent can make choices that help him or her achieve healthy aging despite living with ailments and other age-related issues. Positive aging is one way older adults can better enjoy their golden years. Continue reading to find strategies seniors can use for positive aging.
1. Stay Physically Active
Working out at least three or four times per week can increase the production of endorphins in the body and stave off issues such as depression and chronic stress. The best type of exercise for healthy aging is the kind that allows seniors to move naturally. For example, taking up fun activities such as gardening and dancing can get your loved one to move without putting much thought into the process. As a result, your loved one is moving naturally while doing things that add excitement to his or her life.
If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise and practice healthy lifestyle habits, a professional caregiver can help. Highland Park home care senior experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Find a Purpose
Positive aging is possible when seniors have something to look forward to each day. A significant goal could provide a purpose and motivate your loved one to keep moving forward. Encourage your loved one to find his or her purpose, whether it’s starting a company, achieving a specific weight goal, or joining an organization to work on causes that are dear to his or her heart.
3. Smile More
Finding something to smile about can increase longevity and boost overall wellbeing. Even when life is challenging, your loved one should try to find the positives instead of focusing on the negatives. When your parent thinks about the good things that have happened each day, such as visits from grandchildren or positive interactions with people at the grocery store, he or she may have a reason to smile more.
4. Use Positive Words and Phrases
Negative thoughts could turn into stressful situations and prevent healthy aging. However, using positive phrases and words, such as “I would be happy to” or “That’s fantastic,” could enhance your loved one’s mood. The positive emotions could also make your loved one feel good about the aging process and enhance his or her outlook on life.
5. Socialize
Staying connected to family, friends, and various like-minded individuals is essential for healthy aging. The connections could lead to positive attitudes and reassurance. Knowing he or she has someone to rely on can reduce stress and provide your loved one with some satisfaction despite challenges he or she is facing.
For families living in Highland Park, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
6. Learn Something New
Positive aging also pertains to intellectual activity. Regardless of age, your loved one can continue to learn new things, which could boost brain cell growth and keep the mind stimulated. Suggest meaningful tasks to work on, such as taking a foreign language class or learning how to play a musical instrument.
7. Help Others
Volunteering to read at a local hospital and opening the door for others while out shopping are acts of kindness that contribute to positive aging. Providing words of wisdom, offering financial assistance, or gifting heirlooms to family members could satisfy your parent and enhance his or her mental and emotional wellbeing. Compassion increases happy emotions in the golden years, which is why your parent should try to help others more often.
If your loved one needs emotional support and companionship to maintain a positive attitude, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, 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. Call Home Care Assistance today at (214) 363-3400 to learn about our high-quality in-home care.