Getting older often involves a series of losses, from physical abilities to family and friends. However, it can also be an important time for reflection and passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that can promote cognitive and emotional health during the golden years.
Become a Mentor
Older adults are a treasure trove of knowledge and skills gained over the course of long lives. Some of these skills are disappearing in younger generations and could be lost forever. An older adult who has a passion for a certain hobby, such as knitting or quilting, can volunteer at a local community center and pass down his or her knowledge to younger adults. Both parties benefit from these exchanges, and these types of activities give the senior something to look forward to.
If your senior loved one needs help with transportation to local activities or help with everyday tasks, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Huntsville respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
Challenge the Brain
People of any age can fall into the trap of not wanting to learn to do things they’ve never tried before or those that present mental challenges. For elderly people, challenging themselves can strengthen their cognitive abilities, fight against dementia and memory loss, and promote a strong sense of self-worth. Encourage your loved one to do that crossword puzzle, even if it takes all morning, or to sign up for a continuing education class in photography, ceramics, or a foreign language. Whatever challenge your loved one takes on, meeting it will bring renewed interest and flavor to his or her life.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Start a “Happy Book”
The “happy book” was the idea of a woman who was facing difficulty with the loss of her husband. As part of her therapy, she decided to keep a daily journal in which she wrote down three things that made her happy that day. She said some days it was difficult to find those three things. However, she also reported that this daily exercise increased her feeling of contentment and let her focus on the positive things in her life.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Huntsville senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at (256) 716-9940 today.