Photo by RODNAE Productions:
Caring for an elderly loved one can often be a stressful and emotional experience. However, one of the ways to make it easier on you and your senior loved one is to put plans in place that help them stay healthy and happy.
For example, some families discover that finding support for their elderly loved ones may be the best option if they cannot give them the help they need through senior respite care within their local areas. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do that have been proven to improve health and wellness for your seniors:
Mindful eating.
One way of improving the health and well-being of your loved one is through mindful eating. Knowing what you’re eating, when, and how much; helps with managing your weight, especially if you have a history of binge eating or food addiction.
Being mindful while eating means being present at the moment while chewing each bite slowly until it feels like it has dissolved before taking another one. This way, you don’t overeat because too much food will be gone before your body has had time to process it all!
Mindful Eating can also help prevent health problems such as diabetes because blood sugar levels stay balanced, preventing them from spiking too high or falling too low. In addition, studies show that people who eat mindfully have lower cholesterol levels than those who do not practice this technique regularly.
Decreasing stress.
If you are caring for an older adult who has experienced a loss or change in their health or lifestyle (such as moving into an assisted living facility), they may be experiencing some level of stress that could affect their overall well-being.
Stress can cause anxiety or depression and increase the risk of heart disease and other severe conditions like diabetes. Your loved one might have trouble sleeping due to worrying over what tomorrow will bring them, which could make them fatigued throughout the day, making it harder for them to get around safely without assistance from someone else nearby.
Getting enough exercise.
Exercise is a great way improve the health and well-being of your elderly loved one. Although it may be difficult for seniors to get moving, there are many exercises they can do at home or in a gym that can help them stay active. It’s essential that you choose activities that don’t strain your body, such as walking, swimming or water aerobics.
Try engaging your senior loved one in an activity they enjoy so they will look forward to exercising regularly. If you’re worried about not getting enough physical activity because everyone else is busy doing other things, consider joining in on some of your loved ones’ actions—they’ll appreciate the company! Remember: exercise doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing commitment; even small amounts of movement each day can make a big difference over time!
Get plenty of sleep.
Have you ever wondered why your grandma needs a nap? The answer is simple: sleep is essential for health and well-being! Sleep is vital for memory and learning, immune function, energy levels, mood, blood pressure and weight management.
Conclusion
While many factors can influence the health and well-being of your senior loved one – like genetics or their environment – you can still help them live a healthy and happy life. These four tips should help you get started, but there are plenty more that you can find online.