10 Healthy Habits for Seniors:
Keeping up with the health necessities of your aging loved one is an overwhelming responsibility…
Tracking their regular health check-ups, treatments, medications, and routine health maintenance can turn into a full-time job. Here’s a list to assist family caregivers in overseeing a senior’s health care needs.
1. Get Free Physicals – Medicare offers free physicals during the first 12 months upon joining the program. After the first year, seniors receive free annual wellness visits. The free assessment gives you a clear direction on what’s needed: If the relative can stay home, move to a nursing home or an assisted living facility. You’ll gain a better understanding of the loved one’s capabilities and needs.
2. Focus on Prevention – Take advantage of preventative health screenings for heart issues, cholesterol levels, colon cancer and sugar levels. Seniors can receive pneumonia and influenza vaccinations during these screenings and health check-ups.
4. Visit the Dentist Every Six Months – It’s important to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Mouth conditions can show serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Get regular dental check-ups.
5. Eye Exams – When a senior wears the right prescription glasses, they reduce the chance of falling. Vision screening also examines the person’s eye health.
6. Remember Mental Health – Keep the senior loved one mentally active. Make sure they participate in crossword puzzles and hobbies. Help them to continue to read and write. These activities motivate and engage the brain and ward off a mental decline.
7. Physical Exercise – Physical activity and exercise increases energy and memory. Activities, like walking and moving around, can help reduce depression.
8. Eat Nutritious Foods – Because the body slows down with age, eat plenty of high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Be sure your senior stays hydrated. Drinking water helps maintain energy.
9. Get Sleep – Frequent insomnia affects seniors. Dim lights in the evening to encourage drowsiness. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting.
10. Stay Connected – It’s important that seniors feel connected and emotionally engaged with people they know and love. Make sure they spend time with friends and grandchildren.