5 Ways to Help Seniors Have a Great New Year

Make Better Food Choices

Like many people, there are seniors who need to take steps to improve the nutritional value of the food they eat. If your loved one falls into that category, do your best to help them make more healthful food choices.

Whether this means eating a more balanced diet of lean meats, fruits and vegetables, or reducing the amount of salt or sugar they consume daily, these changes can go a long way toward improving their long term physical health.

If your loved one needs more information about healthful meal planning, have them visit a registered dietitian. Such a professional can help them understand what and how much they are eating and give practical tips on how to make healthy eating a daily habit.

Daily Exercise

Exercise is important for everyone, but this is especially true for seniors. Encourage your older loved one to do some form of exercise each day, in alignment with their physical capabilities.

Whether that means walking for a few minutes each day or doing simple arm and leg lifts from a chair, any kind of physical activity will be beneficial. Studies have shown that some sort of exercise each day can help seniors lessen stiffness and pain, reduce depression and anxiety, as well as reduce blood pressure levels.

Keeping the Mind Active

Keeping their mind active and occupied with stimulating activities is one of the most important things a senior can do for their long-term health. Some studies have shown that staying mentally active can help reduce the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Encourage your older loved one to read books, play mind stimulating games such as Sudoku or complete crossword puzzles. In addition to reducing the risk of cognitive loss, stimulating the mind can minimize depression, improve mood, and help give your loved one a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Emphasize Social Time

Some seniors struggle with loneliness and feel isolated as they get older. Help your loved one stay socially engaged by encouraging them to visit with family and friends as much as possible. If he or she has grandchildren, schedule times for them to visit on a regular basis.

It’s also important for your loved one to spend quality time with their friends or engage in social activities with others. Set up lunch at a local restaurant so they can see friends and spend quality time together.

If your local library has a book club or puts on a movie night each month, encourage your loved one to attend such events. Interaction with other people in intellectually stimulating settings will do wonders for their emotional health.