As individuals age, life can drastically change. Tasks and activities that were once simple to complete can become a major challenge. Mobility issues, shortness of breath, and lack of energy can make activities that were once loved something that is rarely done and often forgotten.
Luckily, there are many ways to improve your aging loved one’s daily life. You can help your loved one have a healthy, happy life by keeping just a few things in mind and making sure certain tasks, appointments, and other activities are completed as needed.
Here are several tips to help your aging loved one live a healthy, happy life.
Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the best ways to improve your quality of life, no matter your age, is to eat well. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is essential to receiving the proper vitamins and nutrients needed to have energy, feel good, and stay fit. For many individuals, they may not care about what they eat or they choose foods that are convenient and simple to make. Unfortunately, these types of foods don’t offer the much-needed health benefits.
Eating a healthy diet should become a priority and your loved one will feel better, enjoy a stronger immune system, and can decrease their risk of many serious health conditions.
To help your family member enjoy a healthy diet, think outside of the box. For example, smoothies are a great way to enjoy something sweet while still reaping the benefits of consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables. You may also consider meals such as rice bowls that provide plenty of protein, fresh vegetables, and grains.
Drink Plenty of Water
In addition to eating a well-balanced and healthy diet, your loved one must drink plenty of water. Staying properly hydrated offers countless health benefits including boosting skin health, regulating body temperature, lowering and maintaining blood pressure, and more. Staying hydrated also improves your body’s essential functions and ensures they properly work. When your body doesn’t have enough water, these functions suffer and your entire body is affected.
Unfortunately, it can be a challenge for many individuals, no matter their age, to drink the recommended amount of water each day. There are many tempting options from coffee and soda that can make aging adults more likely to grab something fast and full of flavor. To help your aging loved one drink more water, here are a few ideas.
- Drink only water during meal times.
- Start small. Only drink one to two extra glasses of water a day.
- Add berries, herbs, and citrus to the water to add some flavor.
- Set a timer. Each time the timer beeps, drink one glass of water.
Consider Housing Accommodations Carefully
Where your active senior is living in Santee is going to play a critical role in their overall quality of life. Your loved one may desire to live on his or her own but depending on specific situations, this may not be the best option.
One of the best decisions you can make is choosing an active adult living community in Santee. These areas are ideal for individuals who simply need a little company or assistance with daily life. These independent living communities in El Cajon provide comfortable, safe environments for your loved one and full social calendars. There are constant activities, classes, and other events to keep your loved one active and healthy. Plus, in these luxury independent living communities in El Cajon, your loved one will have a beautiful, relaxing place to live. Their housing accommodations will feel like home and they will have all they need and want in their new space.
Regular Exercise
Staying physically active is critical if you want your loved one to remain mobile and healthy. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense and simply moving your body will offer plenty of health benefits. Your loved one can enjoy exercises such as walking around the block or riding on a stationary bicycle. If residing in an independent senior living community in El Cajon, there are many opportunities to remain active including daily fitness classes. These classes are not only designed to improve physical fitness, but they provide many social opportunities as well.
Visit the Doctor Often
If you want your loved one to live a healthy and happy life, regular doctor appointments must be a priority. These appointments are not only ideal to ensure your loved one is currently healthy and all medication and health plans are current, but to also look for potential problems. By catching problems early, it allows for less severe treatment. Furthermore, by visiting with your doctor often, you will have opportunities to ask your medical professional questions and to gather advice on how to live a healthy and happy life.
Keep in mind that visiting your general physician is not the only medical professional you should visit on a regular basis. You should also visit your dentist, optometrist, dermatologist, etc. All of these appointments are essential to helping your loved one be happy and healthy. It is also important that you follow all the advice given by these professionals including following all medication requirements.
Experiencing a healthy and happy life doesn’t have to be a challenge for your aging loved ones. By keeping the above tips in mind, your aging adult will receive the nutrients they need, have plenty of water to function, and have higher energy levels. They will also live in comfortable, relaxing communities that provide active senior living in Santee where they can enjoy activities that will keep their spirits high and will help them experience an improved quality of life.
