Six Simple Steps to Improve the Health and Wellness of Older Adults

Many individuals have left their New Year’s resolutions by the wayside by the end of January, but who says resolutions should only be made at the start of the year? There’s no time like the present to start a brand new habit or goal, especially when looking to improve the health and wellness as an older adult.

We have six recommendations you can implement today. Pick one to begin, or jump right into all of them to achieve the most benefit:

1. Schedule a physical. As opposed to waiting for a sickness or injury to call the doctor, a yearly check-up is an excellent method for older adults to remain on top of their health and potentially prevent problems before they occur.
2. Get physical. With the physician’s approval and recommendations at hand, kick off a new health and fitness routine – together! Working out with a senior you love enables you to motivate one another and serve as accountability partners. Commit to sticking with it for a minimum of 21 days, after which it should be an ingrained, pleasurable habit you’ll wish to continue.
3. Stay connected. Help the senior keep up friendships and contact with loved ones to defend against loneliness and isolation – something we’ve all become too familiar with throughout the pandemic. Offer transportation, if necessary, for dinner dates or with setting up technology to stay virtually connected.
4. Update vaccinations. Along with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines ought to be up to date. As people age, there is an increased risk for severe effects from these illnesses, so vaccinations become even more crucial.
5. Don’t forget mental health. A mental health provider will help determine if depression, anxiety, or any other concerns should be addressed, offering both therapeutic tools and medication if needed. Maintaining mental sharpness through brain enrichment activities can also help with the natural cognitive decline that is experienced in aging.
6. Watch what you eat. If the pantry and fridge are full of fatty or empty-calorie foods, replace them with proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, and low-fat dairy products. An extreme change in diet can be overwhelming and difficult to stick to, so start simple with one replacement at first – carrot sticks instead of potato chips, for instance – and work up to a healthier overall diet.

Responsive Home Care is here with personalized in-home care and companionship to help improve the health and wellness of older adults and to help seniors accomplish any other goals. From accompaniment to medical appointments and exercise classes to prepping and preparing healthy meals, all while giving socialization a much-needed boost, we are empowering seniors to live their best lives every day. Email or call 954-486-6440 for more information on how our caregivers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the surrounding areas can help a senior you love!