National assisted living week celebration

Those who care for and interact with senior citizens have found the COVID-19 problem to be exceedingly difficult. On Sunday, September 13, National Assisted Living Week will begin, and we wanted to showcase the unique relationship between elders and carers.

We provide advice for aging well and leading your best life at every stage of life in recognition of this unique week.

A Long and Healthy Life: 8 Tips

Take charge of your health

It is simple to take good health for granted when you are well. People frequently neglect their health until they develop a medical problem. Even for elderly people, this holds. The issue is that if you wait until a health issue manifests, it could be harder or perhaps too late to address.

It's important to establish a positive relationship with a primary care physician you have confidence in. It's advisable to adhere to their recommendations for regular check-ups and screenings. This proactive strategy can help catch potential health concerns early on, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.

Avoid being inactive and exercise

Sedentary behavior carries severe dangers. Too much sitting can cause several health problems, including early mortality. Pledge to move around more and sit down less. Exercises like cycling, chair yoga, swimming, and walking might be beneficial. It's also crucial to be aware of how much time you spend sitting. A fitness tracker with a movement reminder alert might be useful for certain older persons. They come in a range of pricing points.

Improve your brainpower

Regular exercise is not just necessary for your body. Your quality of life during retirement is also impacted by your brain health. Your brain's health may deteriorate if you consistently do the same activity.

You might be able to safeguard memory and focus by regularly taxing your brain.

The book 6 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Brain provides advice on how to do that.

Embrace lifelong learning

Continue studying as another way to keep your brain in shape. The brain is challenged when faced with new tasks. It also lifts one's spirits. There are several opportunities for growth and learning at home. Take a free online course to become fluent in a foreign language. To learn a new instrument, watch YouTube videos. Even with a kit from the craft store or an online lesson, you may try your hand at watercolor or acrylic painting.

Live with intention

Retirement is a time to unwind and have fun. But a feeling of purpose is still essential. It is related to a longer life expectancy, a healthier brain, and an all-around better capacity to deal with adversities in life.

There are many ways to give your days meaning, even if you've retired and your adult children are independent. Even if it's virtual, offer your time and talents to a local charitable group. Write your autobiography or investigate the history of your family. Get a pet to have a companion that relies on you every day.

Maintain contact

Health hazards are sometimes exacerbated by isolation. It makes depression, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure more likely. By maintaining contact with your friends, family, and neighborhood, you can fight against it. Socialization and quality of life are related concepts.

When face-to-face contact isn't possible, video chat services like Zoom or FaceTime are the next best thing. Most are simple to set up and use on a tablet or smartphone.

Eat well

Health is influenced by nutrition at every age. A healthy diet is necessary for prospering in retirement. As we become older and the body processes nutrients differently, our nutritional demands vary.

Seniors may have a lower caloric need, but they frequently need more of some essential nutrients.

For instance, elderly persons have a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency. Ask your primary care physician for advice if you're unsure of the kind of diet you should be following.

Get some sleep

Seniors frequently struggle with insomnia and other sleep issues. Many people don't talk to their doctor about it because they believe it to be a natural aspect of aging. Sleep is essential for a healthy life, thus issues shouldn't be disregarded.

Consult your doctor if you are experiencing trouble falling or staying asleep. They'll probably have suggestions on how to proceed, such as requesting a sleep study to find and address any potential issues.

Join the Heritage Care Home blog now

An excellent approach to remaining current on topics related to healthy aging, caregiving, and other aspects of senior lifestyle is to subscribe to the Heritage Care Home blog. A few times each month, a complimentary newsletter is sent right to your email. To begin, fill out the form at the bottom of this page.