The New Year is a time for fresh starts and various resolutions. The majority of individuals say they want to improve their lifestyle by making changes to their diet and exercise habits and devoting more time to friends and loved ones in the new year. Making a resolution is to better oneself in the next year. Unfortunately, just 10% of individuals truly succeed in fulfilling their resolutions.
If you are a senior or working closely with a senior, it’s time to sit down and set achievable goals. Having in-home care drives them to the doctors to find out how their health is and what actions they can take to truly achieve a healthier lifestyle. Then once you get some action steps, working every day with in-home care or family members can help you or your senior achieve these goals. If you need more goals to work on, the below goals may help you.
Focus on Keep Your Mind Active
Maintaining mental agility through regular mental exercise is crucial. As an added bonus, it slows the deterioration of mental faculties as we age. Do everything you can to protect your cognitive health. Beginners can start with straightforward activities like Sudoku and perusing the morning paper. Train your brain to function more efficiently by listening to music, practicing mental math, and taking memory tests.
Continue on Staying Active
Movement is a must for a long and healthy life; this is true no matter your age. Maintaining a healthy fitness level may help you live a longer, happier, and healthier life. In addition, physical activity has been shown to improve mood and decrease stress. Your senior doesn’t need to leave the house for exercise; they can learn to make moves at home. If they want to go to the gym, in-home care may help them devise a schedule so they can get rides to and from the gym. Seniors should aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Adding in More Fruits and Veggies
Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity have all been linked to processed meals. Unfortunately, processed meals and packaged dinners are easy for a senior to lean towards, especially when they no longer cook as much for themselves. Now is a perfect time to start eating healthily if you’re used to eating junk food and processed goods. Eat more plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables. If your senior needs help cooking, this is something in-home care may be able to help with.
There is evidence demonstrating the value of a balanced diet for people of all ages, particularly for seniors. It’s been shown to lower the dangers of developing heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. Medical attention and costs may be lowered as a result. The best way to overcome a dislike for greens is to include them in your diet slowly and steadily. Be more deliberate with your eating habits, especially as a senior. It’s time to focus on overall health, and eating right is a very achievable new year’s goal.