These tips for healthy senior living can help older loved ones stay happy and healthy in 2023.
Have your New Year’s resolutions already fallen by the wayside? If they have, don’t panic; you’re in good company. Many of us are excited about an important lifestyle change once we roll over into the new year, but life quickly rushes in and distracts us from sustaining our determination to succeed.
Still, when it comes to healthy senior living, it is never too late to start again, and it’s particularly necessary for seniors to keep up a healthy lifestyle. There are several key ways to accomplish this; pick one to start, or jump right into all the following recommendations to improve overall health for seniors.
What Can Seniors Do to Enhance Health in 2023?
A well-rounded approach to healthy senior living includes:
Regular Exercise
Exercising is among the best things we can do to boost wellness, not just physically, but holistically. Physical activity is proven to improve balance, strength, and flexibility – important aspects in preventing falls – while also easing anxiety and depression, preventing or improving chronic health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, and keeping weight at a healthy level.
Physical activity doesn’t even have to be a structured training routine. Daily tasks such as housekeeping, going for a walk, and playing with the grandkids all count! Consult with the doctor for suggestions and approval prior to starting or altering any exercise program. As a general guideline, the target is to strive for at least 150 minutes each week of moderately intensive aerobic activity, along with muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises.
Healthy Eating
Now that the food temptations of the holidays are behind us, it’s a good time to pick up some better dietary habits! Older loved ones need fewer calories, but just as many nutrients as younger adults. This may be achieved by choosing nutrient-packed foods “from the rainbow,” incorporating vegetables and fruits of various colors, along with whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, beans, peas, legumes, fish, eggs, and poultry. Stay away from foods that have added sugar, trans fats, and salt – common ingredients in prepackaged foods.
Planning ahead is a great way for you to make sure healthy food choices are as convenient to grab as their unhealthy counterparts. Try these tips:
- Prepare favorite dishes (like homemade soup or chili) in large quantities and then freeze individual portions.
- Keep small servings of fruit (without added sugar) on hand, along with low-prep veggies, like baby carrots and pre-washed salad mixes.
- Partner with a senior care agency, like Anthem Home Care, for caregivers in Portland, TX or the surrounding areas to ensure the fridge and pantry are stocked with healthy choices and to prepare nutritious meals.
Mental Health
It’s also essential for older adults to stay mentally healthy. The weeks following the holidays are especially difficult emotionally for many people. Help those you love to relieve isolation, sadness, and loneliness by encouraging them to:
- Get sufficient sleep: seven to eight hours per night is most beneficial.
- Look for opportunities for socialization: volunteer, schedule weekly lunch dates with a good friend, sign up for a class, etc.
- Take some time out each day for enjoyable and uplifting activities.
- Consult with a therapist for help with difficult emotions and gaining a brighter outlook on life.
Bear in mind depression is treatable, and it’s important for a senior who is demonstrating signs of depression to see the doctor as soon as possible for help.
Let Anthem Home Care’s caregivers in Portland, TX and the nearby areas help someone you love to live a healthy life in 2023! Call us today at 361-643-2323 to learn more about our award-winning in-home care services for older adults.