Download Prestige Senior Living’s free Guide to Healthy Aging.
If you’re caring for a parent or aging loved one, you’re likely looking for ways to help them stay healthy. But in doing so, are you considering all aspects of healthy aging?
When most people consider healthy aging, they think of physical activity, and that’s a vital element to good health. But along with the physical, healthy aging also encompasses cognitive, mental and even social health.
They’re four equally important pieces caregivers should consider as they seek to make the most with their loved one.
At Prestige, we have some tips on ways to incorporate all four parts of healthy aging into your daily routines with your loved one:
Physical Health
- With the help of a physician, putting together a fitness plan appropriate for your loved one’s ability level.
- Daily walks around the neighborhood or walking through a grocery store or while out at other errands.
- Gardening or other light yard work appropriate for their ability level.
- When watching television, using commercial breaks for simple movements like marching in place or stretching.
- Tending to fall risk hazards around the home: removing cords and wires from walkways, clearing clutter, wearing proper footwear. Learn more about fall prevention tips for the home.
Cognitive Health
- While fitness was noted above, it also plays a significant role in cognitive health.
- Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern, including going to bed and rising at around the same time each day, with 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Daily brain games like crossword puzzles or Sudoku.
- Playing board games and card games together, which can require strategic thinking.
- Watching television game shows that require critical thought, like Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune.
Mental Health
- Gently ease into conversations about their mental health by asking if there’s anything on their mind, letting your loved one dictate what they do or don’t want to discuss.
- If your loved one is grieving the loss of a spouse, partner, sibling, or other close connection, consider a support group for those who are grieving.
- Remind your loved one that mental health is healthcare. If their knee was bothering them, they’d see a doctor, the same should go for mental health.
- Enlist the help of a professional if you think your loved one has depression or isn’t comfortable talking to you.
- Medications can impact mental health – if you notice a change in mood or behavior, discuss it with their physician. It’s particularly common among older adults taking multiple medications.
Social Health
- Loneliness is prevalent among older adults – if your loved one lives alone, or spends a lot of time alone, be cognizant of that possibility.
- Join a local volunteer group or charitable association that you both enjoy, and where you can meet new people.
- Local book clubs can be a great way to meet new people and exercise the mind.
- Arrange phone or Facetime calls for your loved one with friends or relatives.
- Consider senior living, where they can live amongst their peers and take part in social activities daily. Prestige residents have full event calendars with a wide variety of options.
Free Guide To Healthy Aging
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about healthy aging, Prestige Senior Living has a free Guide to Healthy Aging available here.
The guide features information and resources related to all aspects of health: physical, cognitive, emotional and even social health.
Whether you’re an older adult looking to care for your own wellness, or you’re wanting to help a loved one live healthily as they age, the Guide to Health Aging is a great starting point.
At Prestige Senior Living, healthy aging is at the heart of how we care for our residents. They enjoy comprehensive fitness tailored to their ability level and innovative cognitive programming.
With personalized care, our team members get to know residents on a personal level and can tell when someone might be struggling with their emotions or have mood changes. And it all takes place in communities where fun and camaraderie are fostered through event calendars with a wide array of daily opportunities to gather and enjoy each other’s company.
Learn more by contacting the community nearest you and scheduling a visit. And be sure to ask about our current move-in special!
