Aging is a part of life, and it can cause significant changes to the organs, tissues, and cells, affecting the way the body functions. Although aging cannot be stopped, the process can be slowed down when seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips your senior loved one can use to stave off the effects of aging.
Exercise
Seniors lose bone mass and density as they age, which impacts mobility, and they’re also at higher risk for developing bone diseases and experiencing joint or muscle pain than any other age group. As seniors grow older, it becomes more difficult to walk around, go up and down stairs, and get out of bed. However, exercising can boost bone health and help elderly people gain muscle strength, increase their balance, and reduce the risk of falls and broken bones.
Some aging adults need help to get the exercise they need, and the amount of assistance required can vary, from occasional to around the clock. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Green Valley Embrace In-Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Avoid Excessive Sunlight
Aging causes the loss of skin elasticity, which can lead to wrinkles and loosely hanging skin. Your loved one needs to avoid exposing his or her skin to the sun to prevent skin damage, including cancer. Aging also causes the blood vessels to thin, allowing the skin to bruise easily. However, avoiding excessive sunlight exposure can stave off some of the effects of aging. Seniors should wear protective clothing, accessories, and sunscreen that filter ultraviolet rays.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can cause hypertension and increase the risk of poor circulation. If your parent is unable to manage stress, the issue could accelerate the aging process by shortening his or her DNA telomeres. As a result, the structural integrity of the telomeres becomes weaker, causing the cells to age at a faster rate. Some of the issues that increase stress in seniors include losing family and friends, being diagnosed with serious diseases, depending on others for assistance with daily tasks, and facing financial difficulties. To manage stress, your parent needs to:
- Find short-term solutions to problems
- Meditate
- Stay socially and physically active
- Try new things
- Maintain a support system
If your loved one needs help adopting healthy habits that slow down the aging process, consider enlisting the help of a professional caregiver. When considering elderly home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Eat Healthy
Seniors experience changes in brain size and cognition as they age. Poor nutrition can speed up brain aging, but following a healthy diet can boost brain health and stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s. Consuming unhealthy foods can increase the production of toxins and cause inflammation, plaque buildup, and the loss of cognitive function. Seniors can prevent these issues by following a healthy diet that enhances their wellbeing and slows down brain aging.
Some brain-boosting foods seniors should eat include:
- Blueberries
- Salmon
- Nuts
- Spinach
- Kale
- Dark chocolate
- Avocados
- Green tea
Some aging adults may need help choosing healthy foods, minimizing stress, and getting the exercise they need to delay the effects of aging. In Green Valley, homecare services agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Embrace In-Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (520) 625-2050 to learn more about our customized care plans.