Promoting Healthy Aging - Tips for the Older Adults in Your Life

Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and dementia. In addition to causing death at a younger age, any of these diseases can lead to lower quality of life, significant disability, and loss of independence. Healthy behavior changes can help older adults live longer and more independently later in life. If you have older adults in your life, you can help them to adopt and maintain those behaviors to live a longer, healthier life.

What can you do to promote physical health?

• Stay Active: Encourage your older loved ones to engage in activities such as walking, swimming, or gardening, which can help improve cardiovascular health, maintain muscle strength, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Maybe there are activities you could do together, like going for a walk.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet plays a vital role in healthy aging. Older adults should aim to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Adequate hydration is also essential. Consider helping them to shop for groceries to ensure they are getting some healthy options. Maybe you can cook together once a week.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Older adults often face the challenge of managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. Encourage them to see their doctor for regular checkups and to reach out immediately if they are having pain or new symptoms. Offer to help them schedule appointments or go with them to appointments if they want. Help them manage their medications if needed.

How can you help with mental well-being?

• Prioritize Brain Health: Encourage your loved ones to engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing games, which can help keep the brain active. Social interaction and remaining socially connected also contribute to cognitive well-being. Maybe you can play a card game or board game with them regularly or encourage them to play games with neighbors or friends.
• Get Quality Sleep: Sleep plays a crucial role in overall health. Older adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Establishing a regular sleep routine, maintaining a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine close to bedtime can improve sleep quality.
• Manage Stress: Stress can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Encouraging older adults to practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies and activities they enjoy can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.

How do you help with social engagement?

• Stay Connected: Loneliness and social isolation can negatively affect both physical and mental health in older adults. As people age, they often spend more time alone, due to poor health, the death of a partner, or caring for a loved one. Encouraging regular social interactions with friends, family, and community groups is crucial. Technology can also play a role in connecting older adults to loved ones through video calls. You can play an important role by calling or visiting regularly and helping them get the technology they need to stay connected.
• Volunteer and Engage: Encourage older adults to participate in volunteer work or engage in activities that align with their interests and skills, such as a garden club or walking group. This helps promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It also provides opportunities for social interaction and staying active within the community.
• Seek Support: Older adults may require assistance with various aspects of daily life. Encourage them to reach out for support when needed, whether it be from you or other family, friends, or community services. This can help alleviate feelings of burden and ensure their needs are met.

For more information follow this link: National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)

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Dr. Anita Bennett MD - Health Tip Content Editor