How to Stay Strong & Independent As You Age
21 September 2021
Staying independent in old age is an important goal for seniors looking to maintain their quality of life. Unfortunately, this does become more difficult as the years go on and start to take their toll on aging minds and bodies. The risks of falling can increase and sharp memories can begin to fade and get a little spottier. These changes can be scary for seniors that have spent their lives working, traveling, and taking good care of themselves with ease.
Thankfully, there are ways to stay strong and independent in old age. By taking good care of themselves, seniors can improve their health in many ways. External providers can also help support seniors by providing much-needed services directly to their homes. This includes home health care and help from well-trained caregivers. By staying healthy and finding support where they need it, seniors can stay independent and in their homes for longer.
Staying Active
Did you know that living an active lifestyle can actually help combat cognitive decline in old age? In fact, moving regularly brings tons of benefits to seniors looking to boost their mental, physical, and social well-being. Choosing to stay active can also fight chronic diseases including cancer, depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Regular exercise can also help seniors build stronger bones, sharper minds, and better balance. These are all good ways to prevent injuries, reduce fragility, and cut the risk of falling. Strength training can be very helpful in this regard and regular aerobic exercises like walking can also keep the body strong and fit.
Staying Involved
Human beings are social creatures that thrive on connecting with others. Sometimes, this can be difficult for seniors that may find themselves isolated from people in their community. For this reason, it’s always a great idea to make an extra effort to stay involved with loved ones and the surrounding community. Doing so can help seniors avoid the negative emotions that come with loneliness and keep them engaged with other human beings.
A great way to do so is by helping others in need. Volunteering with a non-profit is a great way to feel good about your efforts while also making a difference in the community. Mentoring others and providing valuable life advice can also benefit other people and reflect the immense value seniors can bring to those younger than them.
Building a network of good friends is also an amazing way to stay social in old age. Look for people that share your interests or have similar life experiences. There are many neighborhood churches and organizations that help community members connect with those around them. There are usually plenty of clubs, courses, and events for seniors looking to stay social and avoid isolation.
Leveraging Technology
Understanding how to use the latest technology can be a game-changer for seniors in many ways. It can help them stay connected with people around them, increase safety levels, and make it much more convenient to accomplish certain tasks. For example, investing in “smart home” technology can allow seniors to turn off the lights, change the thermostat, and have a video chat with loved ones all without getting up.
There are also ways to get groceries and shopping delivered straight to your home. By understanding how to use these tools, seniors can get the things they need even if they are finding it difficult to physically go out and shop on a certain day.
Technology can even help seniors stay in touch with their doctors on a more regular basis. These days, routine checkups can be performed virtually by using video conferencing. Doctors can also recommend smart devices that help seniors monitor important health metrics and identify possible areas of concern over the long run.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great ways for seniors to stay strong and independent as they age. Taking care of physical, mental, and social health can do wonders to increase independence and strength over the years. Staying involved with those around them is also very important for seniors looking to stay social and engaged with their communities.
Additionally, finding support through external service providers can make it easier for seniors to stay independent for longer. To learn more about how Roses Agency Home Care can help provide excellent caregiver support please contact us to learn more today!
For more questions about getting a loved one caregiver support, please contact us by clicking here.