Aging is a natural process. Seniors who take care of their health as they age often enjoy higher levels of energy and a higher quality of life. Seniors and caregivers should focus on embracing the aging process through healthy habits. Seniors have to accept the aging process including changing energy levels, limitations, and challenges and adapt their lifestyle as needed. Caregivers can help include activities a senior loves into the daily routine as well as get them involved in meaningful, regular activities with friends.
It is important to look out for increased risk of health problems as seniors age. Caregivers can help seniors to be physically fit by helping seniors find fitness classes, assist in stretching activities, offering to go on walks and sit outside, monitoring nutritional intake with fresh and healthy foods and fiber, finding ways to get them moving every day, and ensuring doctor visits happen regularly (webmd.com). Seniors should consult with their doctor about routine tests to monitor for problems. Sometimes early diagnosis of problems can make a big difference in treatment outcomes and prevent future issues from occurring. Some of the tests doctors may suggest are:
- Blood pressure checks
- Blood test for lipid level
- Colonoscopy
- Vaccinations
- Eye exams
- Periodontal exam
- Hearing exam
- Bone density test
- Vitamin D test
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level screening
- Skin exam
- Diabetes test
- Mammogram and pap smear for women
- Prostate cancer screening for men (healthline.com)
Mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health. Studies show that staying positive can make a difference as seniors age (psychologytoday.com). Caregivers can hep seniors stay positive by helping them remember what matters, contually focusing on hope in conversations, and participating in fun activities together. Other ways caregivers can promote good mental and emotional health in seniors can include:
- Stimulating the mind with crosswords, puzzles, and other brain challenges
- Help seniors with continuous learning – learning something new on a regular basis
- Engaging in conversations often
- Talking to the doctor if trouble with memory occurs
- Ensuring seniors get adequate sleep
- Encouraging meditation and other calming techniques to help de-stress
- Assist in faith building or fellowship activities (webmd.com)
Help remind seniors that aging and poor health are not the same. Focus on the abilities the senior still has and frame health as an opportunity rather than a chore.