From eating habits to self-care practices, there are plenty of ways to make sure we are taking proper precautions when caring for elderly family members in Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Watertown, Mattapan, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, and Norwood. Some require just a few adjustments in everyday life! Here are four tips that you or your senior loved one should start implementing now to keep them healthy.
Healthy Eating Habits
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Eating More Whole Foods
Limiting processed food and focusing on whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, are excellent ways to increase nutrient intake. Whole, unprocessed foods are high in essential vitamins and minerals and are also known for their many health benefits (like cancer prevention).
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Including Protein
Incorporate lean protein-rich foods (like fish, poultry, and legumes) at least twice a week. This will help keep their muscles healthy while providing essential amino acids that improve body function.
Exercise Habits
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Incorporating Daily Physical Activity
Light physical activities such as walking, yoga, or stretching can have positive effects on the body and mind of seniors. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day to help keep them healthy.
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Choosing Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy
For seniors who may not enjoy intense or specialized workouts, try activities like gardening or water aerobics. They'll be more likely to stay active and engaged in the exercise routine without feeling overwhelmed. Be sure to consult with your senior's physician before starting anything new, and incorporate any recommendations.
Mental Health Habits
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Practicing Mindfulness
Our seniors often can feel anxious or stressed when dealing with anything from everyday tasks to major life events. To help relieve these built-up emotions and introduce a sense of calm, practice mindful activities like yoga or meditation together.
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Setting Limits on Screen Time
Allowing too much screen time can be detrimental to seniors. Excessive use not only affects physical health, but it can also cut into essential sleep time – necessary to regain energy and focus throughout the day. Try to work out a schedule that takes away any temptation for your senior loved one to stay glued to their screen whether that's setting physical limits on the device, or removing the device from the senior after a certain hour of the day.
Other Healthy Habits
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Getting Enough Sleep
An adequate sleep schedule is key to any healthy lifestyle. Make sure your senior loved one sticks to a consistent nighttime routine with a set bedtime. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest each night.
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Practicing Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is essential in the prevention of disease. Make sure you and your senior receive your annual flu shot and other vaccines, like COVID boosters, when appropriate. Implement healthy habits around hand-washing and staying socially distanced if you or they aren't feeling well. These small changes to a daily routine will do wonders to keep your senior safe.
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Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Encourage your senior to reduce his or her alcohol intake (or eliminate it). Along with its potentially detrimental effects on the body, alcohol can also make your senior loved one more prone to slips and falls.
Senior Helpers Boston Is Here For Your Elderly Loved Ones
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and habits is key to keeping your senior loved one happy all year round. With these four simple steps, staying safe while successfully caring for our seniors doesn't have to be an insurmountable challenge–it's quite achievable! If you want to learn more about how Senior Helpers Boston can complement your efforts, contact us today.