No matter what age you are, living a life of purpose, connection, and happiness is crucial for our mental and physical well-being. For seniors, different obstacles such as loss of vision, social isolation, memory issues, and mobility problems can make enjoying life difficult. Though seniors may not be able to fully take care of themselves and may need help by moving into an assisted living facility, they can also be healthy in such a setting. This post will look at the different ways seniors can stay healthy in a home for senior citizens.
Create a healthy routine
When you have just moved into a senior living community, your routine daily is filled with errands, chores, and responsibilities. Your days may suddenly start to feel like they are a bit longer. Without a proper structure to everyday activities, you can easily fall into unhealthy habits and even depression. Here is a sample healthy daily routine:
- 7:30am wake-up time
- Taking care of personal hygiene and dressing up
- Enjoying breakfast on the porch and listening to your favourite music
- Taking a stroll to the neighbouring park
- Work on a piece of art or tackle a puzzle
- Run an errand
- Spend some time reading or taking a nap
- Prepare dinner together and tidy up
- Take a bath
- Go to bed
Routines lower anxiety, stress, and are comforting and calming to seniors living in communities.
Keep up with doctor’s appointments
Dental services and physical checkups are more significant as you age. Your immunity may not function as efficiently as it did years ago. This makes you more vulnerable to many diseases. Keeping up with different medical requirements to stay on top of your health is crucial. Important checkups may include:
- Vision screening
- Dental checkups
- Physical examinations
- Vaccination
- Screening of conditions such as diabetes, and hypertension
It is wise to partner and establishes open communication with your General Practitioner (GP) about your health. Caregivers also have a role to play by ensuring that seniors always get their medications at the recommended time and the proper dose is administered. The assisted living facility can use Home Health Software to monitor how many times a caregiver visits a resident.
Join exercise programmes
Regular physical activity is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. The best-assisted living facilities offer exercise programs for their residents. Low-impact exercise can do wonders for your health when practised daily. It is a natural immune system booster that helps to preserve the way your body system functions. Exercising reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improves your mood. For the best results from exercising, pair physical activity with a healthy and nutritious diet.
Eat a healthy diet
To keep your body’s defence system in top-notch condition, eat meals that are rich in fruits, lean meat, whole grain, and vegetables. These healthy foods will fill your system with minerals and essential vitamins to properly function. Nutritious healthy foods to include on your plate include:
- Herbs, nuts, and beans
- Low-fat dairy products
- Apples, oranges, and blueberries
- Fish and lean meat
- Spinach, kale, and arugula
Endnote
Living a healthy and wholesome life is a requirement for everyone, especially seniors in assisted living homes. Living in a community of senior citizens does not mean you can’t be healthy. Join the activities available in that community and you’ll enjoy it in good health.
Zuella Montemayor did her degree in psychology at the University of Toronto. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
