As the leaves start to turn and autumn sets in, it's the perfect time to get into healthy habits that will help your senior loved ones enjoy life. After all, you do not want them to miss those awesome fall leaves! The right habits and hobbies can help extend seniors' healthspans as they keep them active and engaged. Ultimately, they will help your loved ones live longer, healthier, and happier lives. So, what are the best autumn habits and hobbies for seniors?
Here are the habits and hobbies to extend senior healthspans from Senior Helpers Richmond West:
Top 5 Autumn Habits
Get Moving
As the weather cools down, it can be tempting for seniors to just hunker down indoors. However, research has shown that staying active and getting regular exercise is crucial for seniors to maintain their health and independence. Some of the activities they can do include;
- Taking a walk
- Doing some gentle stretching exercises
- Attending a seniors' exercise class
Whatever activity they choose, make sure it's one that they enjoy so they are more likely to stick with it.
Eat More Seasonal Produce
Autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of all the delicious seasonal produce available. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically more affordable and fresher than those out of season. They also tend to have more nutrients. Some of the best seasonal produce for seniors to enjoy in autumn include;
- Apples
- Pumpkins
- Sweet potatoes
- Squash
- Grapes
- Cauliflower
Encourage your loved ones are getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in their diet. Getting the right diet and maintaining a healthy weight is important for seniors to extend their healthspans.
Take Up a New Hobby
Many seniors find that their hobbies and interests change as they age. They may no longer enjoy the things they used to do, or they may be looking for new hobbies to try. Autumn is the perfect time to take up new autumn habits. Some ideas include;
- Learning to cook new seasonal recipes
- Taking up gardening
- Trying a new sport such as golf or tennis
- Joining a book club
- Crafting, such as knitting or scrapbooking
The possibilities are endless! The important thing is to encourage your loved ones to find a hobby that they enjoy, and that keeps them engaged.
Stay Social
Connecting with friends and family is important for emotional health and well-being. It can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness. As we age, it's not always easy to stay social, but there are many ways to do it. In autumn, seniors can;
- Attend community events such as fairs or festivals
- Have friends over for lunch or dinner
- Visit a nearby senior center
- Take a trip to see family or friends
- Join a social club or group
Staying social helps senior loved ones to recharge, relax, and enjoy life.
Get Plenty of Sleep
As we get older, our sleep patterns do change. Insomnia is one of the most common sleeping problems for seniors. According to research, about 50% of seniors reported having difficulties falling or staying asleep. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. There are many things seniors can do to improve their sleep, including;
- Sticking to a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
- Getting regular exercise
- Limiting naps during the day
Getting some beauty sleep is crucial for seniors to maintain their health and extend their health spans.
Wrapping Up
Autumn is a great time for seniors to focus on their health and well-being. If your senior loved one needs any support or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact Senior Helpers Richmond West. We offer a wide range of in-home senior care services in Richmond, Midlothian, Petersburg, and Glen Allen. Our caregivers are professional, compassionate, and dedicated to helping seniors live their best lives. Contact us today at (804) 277-2254 or schedule an in-home assessment.