Striving to live life to its fullest can become increasingly difficult as we age. To ensure that our beloved older family members get the most out of their later years, it is important to be mindful of what they need and provide a solution that works for them. With this in mind, here are some simple yet impactful tips on how to make sure your senior loved ones can continue living their golden years with intention and joy.
Encourage seniors to pursue mindful activities
Seniors often experience feelings of loneliness, boredom, and discouragement, leading to a lack of motivation and even depression. Have you considered suggesting yoga or meditation as a mindful activity for seniors? These holistic practices can help them slow down, focus on their breathing, and find inner peace. Plus, being part of a senior living community can lead to new friendships and leave them with more energy, motivation, and a healthier and more flexible body by the end of class.
Connect with nature to increase happy hormones
Whether they are gardening or taking a walk in the forest, spending time in nature can be a great way for seniors to promote healing and get some fresh hair. Studies have demonstrated that spending time in green spaces can lower the levels of cortisol, a hormone that regulates mood, memory, and immunity.
Note: If your elderly family member has dementia or sensory impairments, planting seeds can provide mental stimulation and outdoor time. It can also trigger memories of smells or textures from their childhood, such as the scent of roses or the feel of certain leaves.
Facilitate social family connections
When you’re young, visiting your grandparents may not seem important, but it’s actually a valuable opportunity to learn from their wisdom, experience, and unique recipes or remedies. Don’t underestimate the positive impact of spending time with seniors; it’s mutually beneficial. Seniors often have long, lonely days with little social interaction, so a visit from you or your children could brighten their day like sunshine.
If you can’t visit in person, remember that a video call can also illuminate a senior’s day in today’s digital era.
Suggest to your elder family member that they pick up a hobby
If an elderly person doesn’t have a hobby or can no longer do their current one due to their age, help them choose a new hobby that matches their interests and age. They can join a community that supports their chosen activity, make new friends, and have a regular reminders of their hobby to aid their mental health and fight against senior depression. Hobbies can be categorized as either artistic or athletic. To name a few:
- Painting
- Knitting
- Sculpture
- Embroidery
- Chess
- Coaching a team
- Golf
- Swimming
- Tai Chi
- Croquet
- Lawn bowls
Advocate for physical activity
Physical activity has been proven to have numerous benefits for individuals of all ages. Walking with a friend or a pet can be a fun and simple way to incorporate exercise into a senior’s daily routine. Not only does it provide an opportunity for socialization and bonding with a furry friend, but it also promotes cardiovascular health and can improve mood.
Taking care of their appearance
If your loved one is feeling uneasy about their grey hair and wrinkles, you can support and encourage them to feel their best. This could even involve considering options like visiting a plastic surgeon for assistance to achieve a more youthful appearance. After all, getting a small injection can improve your mood and have minimal side effects!
Bring them with you on a travel trip
You’ve probably heard the saying “YOLO” (you only live once). So, why not make the most of life and surprise your senior loved one with a plane ticket to their dream destination? If they’re unable to travel alone, consider bringing them along on your next trip. This way, you not only get to spend quality time with them but also will your children. You may be eligible for a senior discount, which could be a pleasant surprise for you!
Help them feel valued
When taking care of an elderly person, make sure to show them that you value and appreciate their help and don’t see them as a burden. Even if they can’t do tasks perfectly or efficiently, it’s important that they feel like they’re contributing.
Below are a few tasks that you can request their assistance with:
- Trimming vegetables
- Baking a cake
- Folding the laundry
- Sweeping the floor
- Opening the mailbox
- Go for a walk with the dog
- Teach grandchildren to knit
Seek assistance when needed
If you have tried everything and your senior loved one still refuses to follow through, it may be time to seek medical assistance from professionals who specialize in senior care. They have experience with cases similar to yours, so don’t be worried or upset. Remember, there’s always a way to help seniors live their lives to the fullest. The key is to listen to them and determine their needs.