The National Council on Aging estimates about 57.8 million Americans over 65. These seniors have worked all their lives and now deserve to enjoy their golden years.
As we age, the quality of life deteriorates due to physical or cognitive decline. This is why developing personal care senior living strategies is important. The transition from working to retirement to senior living can be tough, even with a supportive family.
Following good healthy habits in old age is key to prolonging your loved one’s life and improving their quality of life on a day-to-day basis. Read on to discover seven essential personal care living tips.
1. Stay Physically Active
As we age, we tend to engage in less physical activity naturally. But being old is no excuse to stop hitting the gym or having a few workout sessions a few days a week. Getting some exercise time in can help you feel and look younger.
Staying physically active through exercise or simple fitness routines can improve your loved one’s quality of life in various ways, such as:
- Improved mental well-being
- Better physical health outcomes
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Increased mobility and flexibility
Physical exercises can be jarring for senior citizens. So, consult a professional to help you develop a good workout plan. Alternatively, you can get a partner or join an independent living community where physical fitness is part of the program.
2. Join a Community
Humans are social creatures, and the need for social interaction and support increases as we get older. Joining a community of your peers is the best way to socialize and meet new people. Forging social connections helps seniors remain physically and cognitively healthy, which is critical to enhancing their quality of life.
You can stay social by joining a community of your peers. Other options include:
- Scheduling regular visits with friends and family
- Attending community events
- Planning or participating in parties
- Joining a local club
Ensure the community your loved one joins aligns with their character and needs. Socializing doesn’t mean you have to give up your independence. There are numerous seniors living in Phoenixville, PA, communities you can join and continue living the life you want.
However, if your loved one becomes socially withdrawn from friends and family, it might indicate they need additional assistance. Different assisted living communities can cater to their needs by creating a blend between independence and round-the-clock care if necessary.
3. Eat Healthy
According to the Population Reference Bureau, the rising cases of obesity among older adults indicate only one thing: poor eating habits.
One of the best senior daily routines you can follow is prepping a healthy meal. This means choosing a balanced diet and finding organic groceries.
The digestive system of an older person is very much different from that of a young person. The foods you eat have a significant impact on your health, so ensure your food includes:
- High-fiber fruits
- Lots of vegetables
- Whole grains
- Little or no complex fats, especially in highly processed foods
Creating and adhering to a strictly healthy meal plan when practicing elderly personal care at home is tough. This is another area where having assisted living in Phoenixville, PA, comes in handy. Our trained professionals understand how to create healthy meal options and provide unbeatable dining experiences.
4. Get Regular Medical Checkups
Getting older comes with greater health risks. Ensure your loved one gets regular medical checkups to rule out any illnesses and enhance medication management if they receive treatment.
Seeing a doctor regularly can also help you understand if your loved one needs specialized care. For instance, after the diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, patients will often need memory care in Pennsylvania as the condition advances.
5. Address Hygiene Effectively
Maintaining good hygiene is vital to comfortable living for seniors. Many seniors are capable of performing daily activities with ease. Good hygiene can improve your loved one’s health by ensuring they don’t come into contact with germs or bacteria.
There is no harm in providing at-home professional help or helping them personally. Your loved one will require more help as they get older or if they have medical conditions such as dementia.
It can be difficult for your loved one to ask for help with hygiene activities due to the private nature of daily living activities. Talk with a professional about personal living services your loved one can get with different senior living options.
6. Make Your Home Safer
Making some home modifications can enhance the safety of your loved one. Consider installing the following:
- Supportive bars or grab bars in bathrooms
- Handheld shower sprayer
- Nonslip materials in the shower
These modifications can make your home more accessible, enhancing your loved one’s ability to independently care for their personal hygiene. In addition to home modifications, get your loved one comfortable shoes that have better balance.
Eliminate any slippery surfaces in and around your home to mitigate the risk of falls. Also, consider installing some night lights to enhance visibility at night. The best way to get all these senior lifestyle improvements without a complete home makeover is by choosing the right personal care senior living community.
7. Visit the Dentist and Wear Sunscreen
Maintaining good oral hygiene is often an overlooked area when caring for seniors. With age, oral health becomes crucial to enhancing your overall well-being. Visit the dentist regularly and brush your teeth at least twice daily.
Good oral hygiene ensures you don’t get miscellaneous infections or gum disease. Further, ensure you don’t stay too long in the sun. Get enough sunscreen on if you are planning to be outdoors all day.
Additional senior well-being tips to enhance personal care are:
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding smoking
- Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle
Get the Best Personal Care Senior Living Strategies
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for a senior can be challenging. There are numerous personal care senior living tips you can follow for a longer, healthier life. Luckily, your loved one can get personal care assistance with anything they need.
Spring Mill provides an upscale living environment where seniors feel comfortable being independent or getting help with daily activities. Contact us today and book a tour to see our amenities and services.
