Everyone wants to age well, but it’s often easier said than done. There are a lot of things that help you age well. If your parents want to age at home while aging well, these five tips should become common practice for them.
Exercise
A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day is critical to aging well. Mix up the exercises. If your mom likes to walk, take a few days a week where she does something else to work out other muscles. She could walk three days, complete a Yoga video another, ride a bike, use an elliptical, and go swimming to make sure all muscles are getting a work out each week.
Diet
A diet that focuses on fresh vegetables, lots of fruit, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy items is important. By the time you’re 65 or older, the number of calories you need decreases. Those calories should limit saturated fat and sugar. Low sodium is also important.
A good rule of thumb is to fill half a plate with fruit and vegetables. A quarter of the plate should be a lean protein like grilled fish or a small roasted chicken breast. The final quarter should be a whole grain, such as barley pilaf or steamed farro.
Get Fresh Air and Sunshine
Some time outside each day is important. It helps clear the mind, relieves stress, and provides a quick boost of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps with strong bones. Riding a bike, hiking up a trail, or walking around the block are all good ways to get fresh air and sunshine while also taking care of the exercise requirements for the day.
Stop Bad Habits
Your parents need to stop bad habits. If your mom and dad smoke, they need to stop. They should talk to their doctor to come up with a plan for quitting. If they drink more than one alcoholic beverage each day, it’s time to cut down or stop completely.
Socialization
Being social adds years to your life. Studies have shown that social people are happier. They’re less likely to feel lonely or isolated. A senior center is a good source for finding programs and opportunities for socialization.
Elder care helps knock off a lot of the things on this list. Caregivers help make sure your mom and dad can get out and socialize. When they have to stay at home, the caregivers are there for socializing. They help with meals and offer medication reminders. If you haven’t looked into elder care services for your parents, you need to.
If you or an aging loved one needs Elder Care in Sacramento, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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