6 Habits to Implement Now That Will Help Keep Loved Ones Healthy All Year Round

As the senior population ages, maintaining a focus on preventive care and following certain habits can ensure that your senior parents remain as healthy as possible all year long. Here are six easy ways to incorporate healthy habits for seniors that will help keep them healthy throughout the year:

1. Eating Healthy

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for keeping the body and mind in top condition, especially for your senior parent. A balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy helps to prevent health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

These meals also provide needed nutrients to support physical functioning. Encouraging your senior loved one to get up and move while preparing meals will also help keep them active throughout the day.

2. Exercise

One of the most important healthy habits for seniors is regular physical activity. This promotes weight control and reduces the risk of health problems, such as obesity and heart disease. Depending on your senior loved one's needs and abilities, walking, swimming, or light stretching can all provide a good source of exercise without putting too much strain on an aging body.

3. Getting Enough Sleep

Ample sleep and rest keep a senior stay healthy all year round. An adequate amount of quality sleep helps with concentration, moods, and overall physical health. Most seniors should try to get between eight and nine hours of sleep each night on a regular basis. This will help them stay sharp and alert throughout the day.

4. Stress Management

Stress can come from both external and internal sources. It's important to recognize the signs of stress in yourself and in your senior loved ones. Practices like yoga, tai chi, guided meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation may all be helpful for seniors when dealing with stressful situations.

5. Vaccinations

Making sure seniors are up to date on all recommended vaccinations can keep them safe from potentially deadly illnesses. You should check with your senior parent's doctor to see what immunizations may be needed. An annual flu shot is almost always required for the best protection against sickness in cold and flu season.

6. Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the most effective and simple steps you and your senior loved one can take to reduce the risk of getting sick. You need to make sure that your senior parents know how to thoroughly wash their hands. Special care with handwashing should be done right before eating or preparing food as well as after using the restroom or coming into contact with animals.

Senior Helpers Knoxville Offers Much-Needed Support

These six healthy habits for seniors can all go a long way toward keeping them healthy throughout the entire year. By following these simple steps, seniors will have greater access to better health overall and be able to remain safe and sound in their older years in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, and Loudon.

Senior Helpers Knoxville is here to support you and your senior loved ones in implementing these healthy habits so that everyone can enjoy healthier living now and in the future. Reach out to us today to learn more about the in-home care services we offer!