Helping Your Loved One Age Happily and Healthfully

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Helping Your Loved One Age Happily and Healthfully

Caregivers in South RIding VA

Often, we encourage our young children and teenagers to “eat right and exercise.” For our kids, we help them to establish healthy habits that will sustain them for life. Just as it is important to help the younger generation to grow up healthy, it is also important to help our elderly loved ones age healthfully, too. Even though they may be set in their ways, they can still learn new habits that can help them to improve their health, prevent serious conditions and diseases, and help them to have great quality of life. If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one, here are a few helpful tips for you to help them live their best life.

Help Them Stay Physically Active

Regular, consistent exercise is the key to preventing numerous illnesses and medical conditions. Exercise keeps the body strong and it also helps to keep the mind clear. Your loved one may also notice that, when exercising regularly, they will have more energy overall. In addition, exercise can become a fun hobby for your loved one, one that they will look forward to doing each and every day.

Support Them As They Eat a Healthy Diet

Making changes to diet is a challenge for anyone. But, if your elderly loved one has a chronic medical condition or is trying to prevent illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, eating a healthy diet is essential for great health. Caregivers can certainly be supportive of their elderly loved ones as they make healthy diet choices and they can even vow to make these changes within their own diet as well (eating healthy is important at any age). Some great ways to stay on track with healthy eating include cooking and eating meals at home, preparing whole grains, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and keeping proteins lean.

Encourage Them to Get Involved With Social Activities

Staying connected with others is important for aging happily and healthfully. Socializing keeps the brain strong and it is also fun and enjoyable. Encourage your loved one to attend parties and other social events that they are invited to if they feel comfortable doing so. If they prefer socializing in smaller circles, suggest they join a book club or walking group or just meet up with friends once a week for coffee.

Source: http://seniorcarecorner.com/healthy-aging-choices-helping-make-them

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in South Riding, VA please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.