It’s no secret that the elderly often face social and emotional problems that make it harder to be happy. Isolation, loneliness, and depression are just a few of the challenges they may have to come to terms with as they age. However, there are ways to help ease these problems and improve their overall well-being. It’s important to realize that happiness, attentive healthcare, and respect are essential needs for seniors and satisfying those needs are key to happy seniors. Too often, we as a society forget that our elders crave companionship, love, invitations to events (even if they cannot go), and admiration. They want to feel like they’ve accomplished something and are still accomplishing things in their lives and that they still have value.
Oftentimes, family members are too busy with their own lives to provide seniors with all the attention they need and deserve. This is where volunteer organizations or other community groups can step in to help make a difference. Spending just a few hours each week interacting with seniors can brighten their day and let them know that someone cares. It’s also important to make sure seniors are getting the proper medical care and attention they need. This includes regular doctor visits or remote health monitoring, mental wellness check-ups, and help with any medications they may be taking. It’s crucial to show seniors the respect they have earned through their years of experience. This means listening when they talk, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and honoring their wishes. When we take the time to do these things, we let seniors know that they still have purpose and meaning, and you will see in them a truly happy senior.
Engaged seniors are happy seniors. Let 1 True Health help you bridge the gap between you and the seniors under your care.
The Many Challenges for Senior Citizens
There is a beautiful sense of connection when we look at life from a broader perspective. Given enough time, each of us experience infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and mature adulthood. Although it all appears the same, as you narrow down the perception, each individual becomes different. Like there are two sides to every coin, all the stages of life have perks and downsides of their own. However, unlike the other stages, mature adulthood tends to have more challenges than perks which can make it hard to remain happy. As seniors age, they face a variety of challenges that are both undesirable and unavoidable. Despite the fact that technology has revolutionized healthcare and extended our lifespans, every time an issue is resolved, it opens the door to different obstacles to overcome. This is the same case with seniors. They not only have to face physical pain and limitation but mental and emotional stress as well.
However, there are some happy seniors who are aging like fine wine. They use their wisdom and experience to help them deal with different types of people and problems in a healthier way. Most importantly, they value relationships more than anything else and appreciate what they have instead of dwelling on what they don’t have. Happy seniors know how to make peace with themselves as well as others around them. In short, they accept old age gracefully and make the best out of whatever life has to offer them next. These are the ones who empower other seniors around them and act as a ray of hope in what is often viewed as a dark time. Let us treat our elders with respect and love so that we can create a society where no one feels unwanted or unimportant because, at the end of the day, we are all sailing in the same boat. And it is only together that we can hope to reach our destination in peace.
The problems that come with age often make it hard for a senior to remain happy. Seniors may face various physical and emotional obstacles. Following are some challenges that fall under this category.
As people age, they may start to experience difficulties with everyday tasks that they never had to think about before. For example, they may have trouble opening jars, gripping doorknobs, or reaching for items on high shelves. This decline in mobility and dexterity can make it hard for older adults to care for themselves and prevent them from participating in activities they enjoy. It’s important to note that this is a natural part of the aging process, and there are ways to help offset these changes. For example, there are products designed to make everyday tasks easier, such as jar openers and modified door knob handles. There are also programs, services, and classes focused on safety, balance, fitness, and mobility that are low-cost or free. Some are even delivered through videos for mobility-restricted participants. These can help older adults stay independent, happy, and continue to thrive as individuals.
As we age, it’s important to be aware of the increased risk of developing chronic diseases. Around 92 percent of senior citizens have at least one chronic illness, and 77 percent have more than two. Each year, two-thirds of deaths are caused by chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. In order to manage or prevent chronic diseases, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends visiting a physician annually, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly to maintain some level of fitness. Taking part in these lifestyle behaviors can help reduce obesity and chronic conditions associated with them among older adults.
Services like remote health monitoring can help doctors and other caregivers keep tabs on their at-risk elderly patients. Learn more about our senior-focused services today.
Dementia
Family members can often find themselves at a loss when it comes to communicating with a loved one suffering from dementia. Dementia affects nearly 50 million seniors worldwide and often leads to severe cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most well-known dementia-related illnesses, causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. As a result, those suffering from dementia may have difficulty communicating and may act out in ways that are confusing or concerning to family members. However, there are some techniques that can help facilitate communication. By speaking clearly and slowly, limiting distractions, providing comfort and reassurance, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and reminiscing about the past including using photos and videos, are all effective ways to interact with seniors suffering from dementia. In addition, caregivers who are skilled in dementia care can provide valuable support. These individuals are trained to placate seniors when dementia leads them to wander, experience paranoia, or suffer fits of agitation. By providing understanding and guidance, caregivers can help make the lives of those affected by dementia a little bit easier.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a problem that plagues many seniors. Due to muscle weakness, they may no longer be able to stand long enough to perform daily household chores like chopping fresh vegetables. When a senior is forgetful or depressed, they may consume inadequate nutrients. Additionally, some seniors cannot afford nutrient-rich meals every day due to a limited income. In order to combat malnutrition, one should consume more fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and an appropriate level of salt. Caregivers may prepare meals for seniors when grocery shopping is nearly impossible and they must adhere to their care recipients’ dietary restrictions. Blog posts, videos, and other resources are available (often for free) to help caregivers prepare diabetic, low salt, or other dietary needs.
Falls
As we age, our bodies undergo the loss of muscle strength and flexibility, which introduces balance issues and the likelihood of bone fractures. While falls may be more common among seniors, they are not inevitable. There are things that both seniors and caregivers can do to prevent falls. Modifying your home, such as removing rugs, wires, and other trip hazards, can go a long way in preventing falls. For seniors, regular exercise is key to overall fitness, strengthening muscles and maintaining balance. Walkers for seniors can help tremendously with staying active, as you can read more about in this blog. Caregivers who accompany seniors on walks and take care to modify the home environment can also keep care recipients from injury. By working together, seniors and caregivers can make meaningful changes that reduce the risk of falls and keep everyone safe.
Depression and loneliness
Depression, impacting about 7% of seniors, is a serious problem for older populations. The loss of social connections can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Friends may pass away and family may move out of state. Invitations to social events no longer arrive and visitors may become few and far between. A chronic illness may also contribute to depression. Depression can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking social support. Senior caretakers play a crucial role when it comes to getting them to social activities that engage their minds and bodies and help them remain happy. Seniors feel less isolated and lonely with companion care from caregivers. In addition, caregivers can help seniors with grocery shopping, cooking, and other errands that may become difficult as they age. If you are a caregiver, remember that you are playing an important role in improving the mental wellness of seniors. If you are a senior, don’t hesitate to reach out to your caregivers for help in staying socially connected and active. Together, we can help reduce the prevalence of depression among seniors.
Lost sense of purpose
There are many outdated stereotypes about the elderly that can lead to their isolation and marginalization in a lot of communities. These stereotypes often portray older people as being frail, incompetent, and uninterested in the world around them. As a result, many seniors are seen as a burden on society and are treated with neglect or even outright hostility. However, the reality is that senior citizens are just as diverse as any other age group. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience that is critical for them to pass on to younger generations. And while some may indeed be frail or cognitively impaired, many are not. In fact, incorporating senior citizens into the community through social events can help them maintain their identity and self-esteem, as well as benefit the whole community by tapping into this invaluable resource. As caregivers, encourage family members to send invitations, photos, and other correspondence to let them know they are not forgotten about.
Help seniors maintain connection and well-being through video visits with remote health monitoring.
Sensory impairment
As we age, our bodies go through many changes. For some of us, these changes are more noticeable than others. One change that can happen as we get older is a decrease in our sensory abilities. Our vision and hearing may not be as sharp as they once were, and this can make everyday tasks difficult.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a sensory impairment, there are ways to make life easier. For vision impairments, minor modifications to the home can help. Add plug-in night lights along hallways, use electronic magnification units to enlarge images (there are even apps that act as magnifiers for those using smart phones), and purchase books and clocks with large print. You can also have their favorite photos enlarged so they can still enjoy seeing them. It’s also important to schedule a yearly eye exam with an eye specialist. For hearing impairments, hearing aids can restore some level of hearing. There are also assistive listening devices that can amplify sound and make it easier to hear a conversation in noisy environments.
Sensory impairments can be difficult to deal with, but there are ways to make life easier. With the right tools and some helpful modifications, you can help the senior under your care continue to live fully engaged, active, and yes…happy!
Urinary incontinence
Constipation and bladder issues are often caused by chronic conditions and poor diet. Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients are also more likely to experience urinary incontinence. It is common for seniors to forget to use the bathroom or not realize they have to urinate. Limit beverages that increase urination, such as caffeinated tea and soda, while also being sure that senior patients drink enough water to stay hydrated. Encourage regular bathroom breaks to avoid accidents. Remove clutter in the hallways leading to the bathroom and keep the lights on so poor visibility doesn’t become an issue.
Social challenges
The challenges that older adults have to face don’t end with the physical and mental problems. They also include social aspects.
Financial insecurity
Unfortunately, employment and retirement have not evolved at the same rate as our lives. Despite being able and willing, many seniors cannot find work beyond retirement age. Further, as much of our day-to-day financial activities are now done online or via remote access, older generations may find it challenging to manage their finances and plan for the future. Fraud and scams can also be more likely to target them as a result. Encouraging family to keep close tabs on senior bank accounts to protect them is critical.
Social isolation
The social patterns of humans change with every generation, and people of all ages have the capacity to adapt to the new changes. However, older generations tend to be much slower to roll with these changes. There are many reasons for this slow adaptation, but it often results in social isolation and reduced engagement – and less happy seniors. For example, event invitations are often sent out electronically now, but many senior citizens don’t use email or event apps; this results in them missing the birthday party or graduation. Even family photos and videos are now shared primarily online, so only a senior using social media apps or text messaging can hope to see them. In addition, following traditional social norms and overcoming ageism can be a burden for elders who want to expand their social circles. As a result, seniors may feel lonely. Boost social interactions by taking steps to expand the circle of the senior under your care. The involvement of a local service club, the development of a hobby, and the meeting of like-minded seniors will help.
Transportation
It is likely that seniors who dislike driving or have had their license restricted will not be as free to handle necessary business, such as getting to doctors’ appointments or attending social events that they’ve received invitations to. Isolation and poorer quality of life may result from a lack of reliable transportation. Senior citizens often have access to free or reduced cost government transportation services and programs on a local level but need assistance even getting there due to declining fitness. Services such as errands and transportation to appointments can also be provided as part of the daily services offered by professional caregivers. Planning ahead for transportation challenges can go a long way in ensuring that a senior remains happy and engaged.
Access to the right healthcare services
Often, the elderly need additional care when their independence is no longer practicable. Relatives can sometimes provide this care, but balancing this with work and other obligations can be challenging for the family caregiver. To provide the best care for their loved ones and themselves, caregivers need training, resources, and emotional support. In some cases, it is more appropriate for a professional caregiver to be employed on a regular basis, such as when there are complex medical conditions and/or physical disabilities. With a comprehensive elder care service, the elderly person is able to remain in their own home.
Lack of support can harm your senior patient’s well-being. Delightful engagement and knowledgeable medical support from 1 True Health can keep them healthier and independent longer.
Relationships and bonding
Relationships and the aspects of every human bond change as generations pass. Priorities change and so do people, however, sometimes change can be hard on older adults, making it harder for them to be happy. Weakening family relationship bonds, friends and family members passing away, and the physical isolation of living alone or feeling alone all play a role. Seniors should be prepared to face this hard truth and make plans for when relationships inevitably change. One of the best things about making friends is that it can happen wherever a person wants. A senior who is open to forging new friendships will be a happier senior than those who live in lost connections from the past. Sometimes a senior can find these connections by transitioning to assisted living facilities and independent living homes.
Abuse and neglect
Elderly abuse and mistreatment are major social problems. The elderly often become physically frail as they age. Frailty leaves them dependent on others for basic needs such as eating and toileting, as well as for simple household tasks. A person who is elder is more mature, more experienced, and has more knowledge and opinions than a child with similar care needs, which makes it difficult for caregivers trying to help.
An elder abuse incident occurs when a caretaker intentionally neglects or harms an elderly person. There are many types of caregivers, including family members, relatives, friends, healthcare professionals, and those who work in senior housing or nursing homes. The elderly may be subject to many different types of abuse, from physical to emotional, due to lack of training or frustration in caregivers – or sadly, even malicious indifference. Those caring for senior patients must be on the lookout for abuse and neglect, especially for older adults who cannot communicate well, and ensure their safe care.
Senior Solutions for Senior Challenges
These challenges can be hard on older adults but there is a solution to every problem. Following are a few things that happy seniors do to remain healthy and add joy to their years.
Eat right and healthy
Eating a nutritious diet is just as important as being physically active. Keeping meal times interesting for seniors is important to maintaining their well-being. Encourage seniors to catch up with a friend or family member over a meal to avoid feeling lonely – even if that means helping them set up a video chat. To promote a healthy appetite, ensure that their food is tasty and well presented (there are a million blog posts and YouTube videos dedicated to this!). It is possible to have meals delivered if you have difficulty preparing it or shopping for it. There are also low-cost or free programs in many communities that provide food for seniors. Seniors should drink plenty of water and focus on a natural diet of whole foods versus processed foods that are made by companies in the business of easy and cheap instead of nutritious. Taking supplements as recommended by their doctor is also essential. Eating a nutritious diet is an important part of taking care of yourself and maintaining your overall well-being, and that is still true as we age.
Go for a stroll
One of the best ways to release endorphins is through physical activity. Older adults may experience fewer cognitive impairments if they engage in more physical activity, according to research. Depending on the ability and level of physical activity that older adults are capable of, some may be more agile than others. It is possible to tolerate a wide range of exercises – from brisk walks to chair exercises – that help blood flow, improve heart function, and ease depression and anxiety. Asking elderly individuals to dance is a great way to get them involved in physical activity. The combination of music and physical touch is a recipe for laughter and joy, so put some of their favorite music on and ask them to show you how to Waltz. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Exercise should be something that brings happiness into their day-to-day lives. If they’re not enjoying it, try mixing things up until you find the perfect fit. There are fitness videos and apps specifically targeted for those with limited mobility, and you can find blog posts with many exercise suggestions as well. It’s so important that we keep our elderly loved ones healthy and happy in both body and mind!
Engage with family and friends
An individual’s mental wellbeing is greatly impacted by being social and experiencing love. Especially when moving into an unfamiliar environment, it’s easy for seniors to feel lonely and isolated. A great way to ensure they feel loved and safe is to make sure they stay in touch with their loved ones. The most important thing to most older adults is to feel connected and cared for by their family and friends. Regular contact including phone calls, visits, video chats, and kind acts will ensure that they feel engaged.
Helping older adults living in care facilities stay connected with fellow residents and other care home staff is another good way to keep them engaged. Establishing relationships with other residents is easy with these activities. Arranging meetings and visits from friends and family are also hugely beneficial as they provide a support network for the older person. In addition, joining social clubs or groups specific to care homes can forge bonds between residents and help everyone feel less alone. Feeling isolated can be greatly harmful to an individual’s mental wellness, so it’s important that we do what we can to prevent it. Above all, senior citizens need love to be happy!
Laugh more
Laughter really is the best medicine, especially for senior citizens. The mind and body both benefit from laughter. Laughter can help relieve pain, lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, boost immune function, protect the heart, and burn calories. Plus, laughing is contagious, so if your loved one laughs more, those around them are likely to laugh more too. Happiness is also contagious. So, not only can laughter improve physical well-being, it can also improve a senior’s mood and the mood of those around him or her. And, when times are tough, laughter can help everyone get through difficult situations. Simply listening to jokes told by grandchildren or great-grandchildren over a video chat or even watching those silly cat videos on YouTube or reading a funny blog to them can help enhance your loved one’s mood. Helping a senior find ways to laugh more can have many benefits for his or her overall wellbeing.
The business of caring for seniors is physically and emotionally draining for staff. Let our virtual care services offer a helping hand.
Help them feel useful and needed
Everyone wants to feel useful, no matter their age. As we get older, sometimes our ability to handle things and generally take care of business starts to decline. This can be hard to come to terms with since it can make a senior feel like a burden instead of the asset they know they can be. If you have an older adult in your life that you help take care of, try to find ways to incorporate them into your daily tasks so they still feel needed. It’s okay if they don’t do the task as well as you or as quickly, what’s important is that they’re still contributing. Ask for help with smaller things like folding laundry, organizing drawers, or writing grocery lists. Clipping coupons and staying up to date on the news are also tasks they can handle easily. Going with you on errands is another way they can help out while also getting some fresh air and staying active. Sorting through old family photos and identifying who is in them is a task that a senior may be well-suited for. Let them know that you still need and appreciate their help, even if it looks different than it used to.
Have engaging conversations
Often, elders feel cast aside in this day and age and that they are not a valuable part of society, which could not be further from the truth. Through conversation, the elderly can easily impart their wisdom and value to the younger generations. You can learn a lot from the elderly by listening to them, from life lessons to funny stories. When you listen carefully to older adults, ask questions about what they are saying, ask them to elaborate, and show that you are engaged, they will feel more valued and feel that you have benefited from their knowledge and wisdom. In the case of a close family member, it would be beneficial to record some conversations with them so that the memories can be cherished forever on video. Even if the conversation isn’t recorded, it’s still important to let them know that you value their time and appreciate everything that they have to say. By engaging in conversation with elders, we can help bridge the gap between the generations and create a more compassionate society.
Develop a strong senior support system
As we get older, it becomes more and more important to have a strong network of family, friends, and medical providers. The elderly can seek guidance, support, and assistance from their family, friends, and professionals when times become difficult. As a family caregiver, it is important to develop a close network for your aging loved one. It is essential that your parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle has access to the contact information for these individuals, including their addresses, phone numbers, and emails. A happy senior is one who can seek reassurance from someone in his or her support system instead of giving in to stress. Professional caregivers can also provide companionship to seniors living alone. Home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require help with activities of daily living or simply need someone to talk to, home care providers can make a world of difference to the senior under your care.
For Individuals
As part of 1 True Health – Care Management, the individual senior is empowered and educated to manage his or her own healthcare. In addition to providing health and wellness coaching through delightful interaction, we help individuals engage in care plans more effectively. Signs and symptoms of infectious diseases are identified, chronic or acute conditions are revealed, and we help seniors manage routine, episodic, and chronic illnesses personally. Have you ever left the doctor’s office even more confused than when you walked in? Are you unsure about some of the terms the doctor used but didn’t want to ask? Are you still uncomfortable because of the pandemic and wish that you could see someone from the home instead of entering a public business? We can help! We offer routine and on-demand virtual appointments so that you can get the care and attention that you need from the comfort of your own home. Our team is passionate about helping you take control of your healthcare! Contact us today to learn more!
For clinical practices
Healthcare providers are always seeking ways to deliver better, more effective care, and 1TH-CM can help with that. 1TH-CM connects with and monitors senior patients, providing real-time information that can help healthcare providers make faster, more informed decisions. With 1TH-CM, patients can also be more engaged in their care plan. And with the pandemic, it has become even more difficult to engage senior patients. But our Care Navigators are routinely in touch with seniors, keeping tabs on physical and mental wellness, answering questions, and focusing on keeping them happy and on track. We help by providing a way to interact with patients through their smartphones and other forms of technology designed to be simple and easy to use for less tech-savvy senior citizens. With 1TH-CM, we can encourage healthier decisions while at home.
All of this makes your time with them as a medical professional more impactful. If we notice anything amiss, you’ll be notified right away. You’ll also have access to your senior patient’s health records and notes from our Care Navigator’s interactions so you can always have a clear and concise picture of what’s been happening. This makes your one-on-one appointments with them as a healthcare provider more effective and meaningful, letting you do your job better.
For senior living communities
At 1 True Health – Care Management, we designed our services and technology solutions before COVID-19 spread around the world. As a result of the attention the virus has generated, this pandemic illustrates the importance of what we do. Our Chronic Care Management and Remote Resident Monitoring programs can be customized to meet the needs of your residents and alleviate some of the burden on your hard-working and possibly stressed-out staff. Residents of assisted living facilities and senior living communities can receive virtual clinical services when on-site medical assistance is not available, reducing the number of contact hours required of your nurses or nurse’s aides. As our Care Navigators engage in regular, delightful interaction with residents, we can help ensure that patients under your care are not just healthy, but also happy.
Protect your patients and lighten the load on your staff with our 24/7 Care Management and Disease Surveillance service.
Activities for Happy Seniors
There are many activities that can help seniors stay happy and active. Some activities may require more physical effort, while others may be more mentally stimulating. Regardless, all of these activities can help to improve the quality of life for seniors, promoting a happy, satisfying, and healthier lifestyle.
Discover new interests
As we age, it can become increasingly easy to let our days blend together. Without work or school to provide structure, we can easily find ourselves falling into a rut. However, seniors who are happy have hobbies and things to look forward to each day. If your loved one is starting to feel down, encourage him or her to take a class or explore a different hobby. There are many options available, and it’s okay if they don’t like the first few activities they try. The important thing is to keep trying until something clicks. Don’t wait for invitations – help them take the initiative and join in. With a little effort, they will eventually find an activity that brings joy into their days.
Keep smiling – it’s free!
It might sound like a small thing, but smiling can actually make a big difference when times are tough. Smiles trigger hormones in the body associated with happiness, so it’s a great way to start off the day on a positive note. If you have a loved one who’s going through a difficult time, try encouraging them to smile in the mirror when they first wake up in the morning. It may help them to have a better day overall. Their favorite photos, family videos, and even reading a funny blog can bring a smile to their face as well. And who knows, maybe their smile will be contagious and make those around them feel happy, too.
Go through photos and mementos
Looking through photos and photo albums from happy times with the elderly can bring them immense joy – even for those who suffer from cognitive impairments. Because memory loss occurs in a way where sufferers tend to retain information from long ago much better than recent events, looking at photos from their youth or childhood can help foster a sense of belonging and happiness. If the photos you have are more recent, don’t worry if your senior doesn’t remember; use your own memories to tell stories about the people and events depicted. This small act of kindness can mean the world to someone suffering from memory loss, so take the time to flip through some old photos today.
Play games
As we age, our bodies and minds go through changes that can be difficult to cope with. We may no longer be able to do the things that once made us happy, or even participate in life the way we used to. This can lead to depression and a shortened lifespan. However, there is hope! Family members, caregivers, and friends can help seniors break out of this rut by finding activities that capitalize on individual interests and remaining abilities. There are countless hobbies that can be tailored to fit all abilities, including board games, card games, puzzles, crafts, cooking, gardening, etc. Those with limited mobility, low vision, dementia, hearing loss, and other conditions can still enjoy these activities with a little creativity and adaptability. So let’s all reach out to a senior and find something fun to do together!
Ask them to dance
As anyone who has cared for an elderly loved one knows, the challenges can be many. Various health-related issues can make it difficult for them to maintain their independence, and the process of aging can be emotionally tough to come to terms with and remain happy. It’s natural for elders to sometimes withdraw from social interaction and want to stay in their own space. However, moderate amounts of physical touch, along with positive social interaction and uplifting music, can have a profound effect on the mood and wellbeing of elders. Essentially, a smiling caregiver combined with light physical touch and upbeat music can work wonders. When a grumpy or withdrawn senior is surrounded by music from an era they enjoy and good companionship, it’s often possible to bring them out of their shell. So if you’re looking for ways to brighten a senior’s day, consider turning on some tunes and get ready to dance, even if that means just a few creative turns in their wheelchair!
Let them be themselves
It can be difficult to see a senior become increasingly negative and unhappy as they age. Some seniors find that they are happiest if they can complain about everything and everyone. While it may be tempting to try to help them see the positive side of things, it is important to remember that their attitude is not personal. It is important to detach from their complaints and not take them personally. Cheerfully agree that “that was terribly inconsiderate.” Do not accept blame or argue. Instead, let the grumbles and objections float by. Observe their moods and behavior for signs of underlying physical or mental illness issues. If you are concerned, be sure to talk to their doctor. Remember, you cannot change another person’s attitude, but you can control your own reactions. Choose to be understanding and hopeful. They may just need someone to listen to feel happy.
Read books
While it may seem that reading is a sedentary and solitary activity, frequent reading has actually been linked to a happy, long, and healthy life. A Yale study of 3,600 seniors over the age of 50 found that readers of books outlived readers of newspapers and magazines by almost two years. While those who read for more than 3.5 hours a week reaped the most benefits, the researchers noted that even reading for just 30 minutes per day was beneficial. Blog reading was not covered in the study, but it may be helpful as well. Seniors can even have some laughs learning trendy new terms through reading a blog or two! Reading before bed can also be helpful in getting a good night’s sleep. According to experts, reading helps to calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep. So, if you’re looking for something to improve the wellbeing of seniors, picking up a book might just be the answer. For a senior with limited vision, try reading their favorite book to them.
Build muscles
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain our muscle mass and strength. Unfortunately, after the age of 40, we start to lose muscle at a rate of 1% per year. This loss of muscle mass can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, strokes, and osteoporosis. However, research has shown that older adults who engage in regular strength training can live longer and healthier lives. Strength training not only helps to prevent the loss of muscle mass, but it also makes us stronger and less susceptible to injury. There are many ways to incorporate this type of fitness into our daily lives. We can suggest that seniors lift weights while watching television. Even simply keeping a set of weights near the TV and lifting them for a few minutes each day can make a big difference in long-term fitness.
Go out in the sun
It is well known that sunshine boosts moods. Encourage your senior to walk outside when he or she feels down. The sunshine can help with emotional wellness even if you only sit on the porch for a few minutes. Research has shown that exposure to sunlight can increase levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood. In addition, sunlight also helps improve sleep quality and can reduce stress levels. As a result, spending time in the sun can be an effective way to combat depression and anxiety. If the senior under your care is struggling with mental health issues, encourage him or her to spend some time outdoors each day. The fresh air and gentle light of the sun can offer powerful relief from negative feelings.
Eat together
It’s a sad reality that as people age, they can often become isolated and lonely. This is particularly true for seniors who may live alone or be unable to get out and about as much as they used to. One simple way to combat this isolation is to make sure that they always have someone to eat with. Eating together is one of the oldest and best ways for families to stay happy, connected, and build a strong bond. It gives everyone a chance to catch up on the day’s events and share any news or concerns. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and create lasting memories. For seniors, these moments can be especially valuable. They may not be able to participate in many of the activities that they once enjoyed, but by eating together they can still feel like an important part of the family. So next time you sit down to dinner, make sure to extend invitations to your elderly relatives. It will mean the world to them. If they are far away, get on Skype or other video messaging apps and have a virtual dinner together!
Take advice from them
It is always a good idea to take advice from elders. First and foremost, by doing so, you honor their experience and dignity. Secondly, seniors always have a lot of knowledge to share, and if you want to honor them, you should never ignore it. Taking advice from elders gives you the benefit of their years of experience. When you listen, you are benefitting from their years of knowledge and wisdom. What they have to say is valuable, and you should never dismiss it out of hand. So, the next time a senior offers you advice, be sure to listen carefully and give it the consideration it deserves. You may just find that it is invaluable, and it helps them feel happy too!
Cultivate friendships
Loneliness is often thought of as a vague and intangible feeling, but research has shown that it can have very real and serious consequences for our well-being. Studies have linked social isolation to conditions like dementia, heart disease, stroke, and depression. While these findings may be discouraging, there is also evidence that suggests we can use our social networks to improve our overall well-being and extend our life span. Individuals with large social networks tend to live longer than those who lack close friends or family. Additionally, research has shown that the quality of our friendships is just as important as the quantity when it comes to reaping the happy benefits of social connection. So, if you suspect a senior is feeling lonely, take some time to reach out to their friends and family members and see if they can visit more often. Additionally, consider easy ways in which seniors can give back to their community and help others—doing so has been shown to provide numerous wellness benefits.
Meditate
Meditation has been shown to have a powerful effect on the brain, and research suggests that it can beneficially impact stress levels, empathy, and grey matter loss. Just 15 minutes of meditation each day is enough to make a difference, and there are many different forms of meditation to choose from depending on what your needs and preferences are. Kirtan Kriya is a form of meditation that has been shown to be especially helpful for Alzheimer’s disease prevention, and it involves chanting and finger movements. Even taking a few moments to focus on breathing or calm surroundings can help promote a feeling of calm in senior patients. You can find many resources to help them get started with meditation, so if they are open to trying it out, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. The practice of meditation can be beneficial for managing stress and promoting wellbeing, so maybe try meditating together!
Make Your Seniors Happy Seniors with One-On-One Delightful Interaction
There are many things that contribute to happy and healthy lives for seniors. At 1 True Health – Care Management, we are dedicated to helping your senior patients live their best lives possible. Through thoughtful use of technology and video visits, we provide remote health monitoring, compassionate care, and healthcare and wellness coaching. To assist them in better managing chronic disease and the challenges of aging, we use a customized, coordinated Care Plan. And most importantly, we collect and communicate the signs or symptoms that could lead to a health crisis, so that you can intervene as early as possible.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your elderly patients live happier and healthier lives, please contact us today.