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In the midst of our lives’ hustle and bustle, little do we realize that our parents are ageing and require further support and care. Other problems can become so compelling that we lose sight of our parents’ concerns. Whatever our schedule looks like, it is increasingly important to be mindful of our parents’ ongoing well-being. Small changes — and big ones, too — can play a significant role in ensuring their well-being and supporting them in their journey towards healthy ageing.
In this blog, we will discuss essential tips to take care of your parent’s health and help them lead a healthy and happy life.
Ways to take good care of ageing parents
Encourage regular medical check-ups
No matter how healthy your parents appear to be, some illnesses can manifest in the body with no symptoms. Additionally, as the body ages, it loses important nutrients and minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, vitamins like Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. Regular medical check-ups are fundamental in detecting health issues at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Encourage your parents to schedule routine visits to their healthcare providers for comprehensive health assessments, including screenings for common age-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases etc.
Promote a balanced diet
A well-balanced and nutritious diet is key to maintaining good health at any age. Encourage your parents to start being mindful of their diet to prevent depletion in any of the essential nutrients, minerals and other compounds. Motivate them to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, excessive sugar, and salt intake to prevent various health conditions and add foods rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Stay physically active
Regular physical activity is essential to improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall mobility. Also, regular activity has been shown to improve mood and relieve loneliness and boredom in the elderly along with providing overall feelings of well-being. Encourage your parents to engage in activities they enjoy, such as walking, swimming, gardening, or yoga. Give them the gift of appropriate footwear or attire to keep them comfortable while participating in an activity.
Ensure adequate sleep
Adequate and quality sleep is essential for the body’s rejuvenation and overall well-being. Sleep deprivation in older individuals increases the risk of depression, concentration and memory issues, excessive daytime sleepiness, and overnight falls. Inadequate sleep can also cause major health issues, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, weight issues, and breast cancer in women. Encourage your parents to establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep.
Stimulate mental health
Mental health is as vital as physical health. Multiple studies have validated that active brain engagement can slow down the process of progressive dementia. Encourage your parents to engage in activities that challenge their minds, such as crossword puzzles, word searches, reading, or learning new skills. These activities are the key to maintaining good brain health. Also, social interactions are an essential yet overlooked factor, in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Encourage them to reach out to friends and peers to find meaningful friendships.
Regularly review medications
If your parents are taking medications, ensure that you regularly review them with their healthcare provider to ensure that each medication taken is used appropriately, optimally, and that there are no potential interactions or side effects. Help them organize their medications and set up reminders if needed.
Promote safety at home
Make their living environment safe so that they can comfortably move around their space and perform their daily routine. Falls account for most common issues for seniors. Since most falls occur around the home, focus on removing tripping hazards, installing railings and handrails throughout the house to support them in moving around. Ensure proper lighting and regularly check the functionality of home appliances to minimize potential risks.
Encourage hobbies and interests
Support your parents in pursuing their hobbies and interests, as they can bring joy and purpose to their lives. Experts have analyzed that those elderly adults who lead an active life are healthier, have reduced levels of stress and tend to experience more satisfaction and contentment in their lives, than those who have nothing to do. Gardening, music, yoga, swimming etc. can offer numerous health benefits to older folks.
Closing thoughts
While ageing comes with its own set of challenges, there are numerous ways we can help our parents stay in the best of their health. Helping our parents stay in the best of their health requires continuous support, love, and attention. By being more mindful of the minor details in their lives, we can play a significant role in their journey towards healthy ageing. Let’s cherish the valuable contributions our parents have made to our lives by supporting them in living their golden years to the fullest.
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