Making the lives of older people much easier and more enjoyable is probably easier than you think. There are strategies that are often both simple and quick to put in place.
Older people must change their routines and lifestyle
Did you know that changing certain habits and routines will save you a lot of hassle? For example, when shopping, choose the time slot between 9 am and 3 pm to shop.
The shops are less busy and you will find a more attentive service; besides the traffic will be less dense and it will be easier for you to find a parking lot. Obviously, avoid weekends.
Also, consider doing weekday car trips rather than weekends. The roads will be less congested and in the end, you should reach your destination more quickly and safely.
Adjust your schedule according to your abilities
Despite retirement, do you like to maintain a schedule and respect it? That’s fine, but on the other hand, add flexibility to your to-do list and feel free to postpone until tomorrow what you couldn’t achieve today.
Maintaining a list of tasks and a schedule, such as watering, groceries and cleaning, is still important. It will allow you to reduce stress. Remember that the key lies in the flexibility with which you will use your schedule.
Exercise and its benefits on the elderly’s health
Several studies show that regular exercise helps seniors in many ways. Regular exercise can, among other things, reduce cardiovascular risk. Another study shows that in addition to improving the physical condition of the elderly, exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Here are some positive impacts of regular physical activity for seniors:
- Improve muscle strength and joint flexibility
- Reduce the risk of falling and improve balance and strength
- Contribute to bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Improve cognition and slow down mental decline
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension
Breaking the isolation of the elderly
Isolation is a phenomenon present in many elderly people. Isolation among seniors is symptomatic of our society in which we live much older. Children and the family often have little free time and can hardly act as a caregiver on a sustained basis.
Did you know that home care can help break the isolation of older people? The professional caregiver comes to assist and support the caregiver. In some cases, the professional caregiver may be the only person with whom the older person will come into contact during a day.
Make some changes to your home
The majority of seniors choose to continue their life at home. Like the automobile, the home is also a symbol of independence. However, the family home can also be full of obstacles.
Here are some simple things you can do before your husband, wife or parents get hurt at home:
- Install rails in the bathroom.
- Make sure that the stair railings are present and above all solid.
- If possible, lower the pantry shelves. Move frequently used items to a more accessible place.
- Install automatic outdoor lights.
- Improve lighting in potentially hazardous or dimly lit areas.
- Be sure to secure carpets and rugs to make sure they do not slip.
The benefits of knitting and crafts on elderly’s health
Dr. Herbert Benson, a specialist in body and mind medicine and author of “The Relaxation Response,” says that repetitive work like knitting or sewing can induce a state of relaxation that approaches the benefits associated with meditation and yoga.
This type of activity helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Unlike meditation, craft activities allow you to create tangible and useful products. These activities will also contribute to improving self-esteem.
In addition, you can give your creations’ gifts to your friends, parents or even help the bazaar of your retirement home or local community.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and improve your ability to cope with the changes you are experiencing. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, a healthy lifestyle includes:
- Become socially involved and interact with others
- Choosing healthy foods
- Being physically active
- Avoid bad habits such as smoking
- Sleep enough
If possible, develop intergenerational links with grandchildren, neighbours and friends. You will stay in contact with younger people and you will reduce loneliness and develop new relationships.
This is not a question of putting all of these tips into practice, but of integrating what suits your lifestyle and routine. Whether you continue your life in your home or a retirement home, it will be important to maintain a good lifestyle.
