Many people have left their New Year’s resolutions by the wayside by the end of January, but who says resolutions should only be made at the start of the year? There’s no time like the present to commit to a new habit or goal, especially for those looking to improve senior health and wellbeing.
We’ve got six suggestions you can implement today. Pick one to start, or jump right into all of them to achieve the most senior health benefits:
- Schedule a physical. Rather than waiting for a sickness or injury to call the doctor, an annual check-up is a great way for seniors to stay on top of their health and potentially prevent problems before they occur.
- Get physical. With the doctor’s approval and recommendations in hand, kick off a new physical fitness routine – together! Working out with a senior you love allows you to motivate each other and serve as accountability partners. Commit to sticking to it for at least 21 days, after which it should be an ingrained, enjoyable habit you’ll want to continue.
- Stay connected. Help the older adult maintain friendships and contact with loved ones to ward off isolation and loneliness – something we’ve all become too familiar with during the pandemic. Offer transportation if needed for lunch dates or with setting up technology to stay virtually in touch.
- Update vaccinations. Along with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines should be up to date. With age comes an increased risk for severe effects from these illnesses, so vaccinations become even more crucial for maintaining senior health.
- Don’t forget mental health. A mental health provider can help determine if anxiety, depression, or other concerns need to be addressed, providing both therapeutic tools and medication if needed. Staying mentally sharp through brain enrichment activities can also help with the natural cognitive decline that occurs in aging.
- Watch what you eat. If the pantry and fridge are filled with fatty or empty-calorie foods, replace them with proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and low-fat dairy products. A drastic change in diet can be overwhelming and hard to stick to, so start simple with one replacement at first – carrot sticks in place of potato chips, for instance – and work up to a more healthy overall diet.
LightSpring Home Care’s senior helpers in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas enable older adults to achieve these and any other goals with personalized in-home care and companionship. From transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and exercise classes to grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals, all while giving socialization a much-needed boost, we’re empowering seniors to live their best lives each and every day. Contact us online or by phone at (215) 935-6321 to learn more about how we can help someone you love!
