As your parents get older, it’s important to do what you can to help them stay happy and healthy well into their golden years. This might sound like a tough challenge, but if you break it down into smaller and more specific goals then you’ll see that it’s an achievable one. Not sure where to begin? Here are five ideas to get you started.
1. Encourage them to eat well
Eating healthily is important at any age, but it can be more difficult for seniors. This is because they often require fewer calories, but still need plenty of nutrition. You can help out by making sure that your parents consume plenty of fresh fruit and veg, drink lots of water, and avoid foods that are high in sugar and salt. Effective methods include accompanying them on their grocery shop, cooking with them at their house, or bringing over nutritious meals you’ve made for them at home.
2. Ensure they visit the doctor regularly
When we’re young we tend to only go to the doctor if we have a specific problem. However, as we age it’s important to get regular medical check-ups, regardless of symptoms, including routine nutrition blood test. This includes appointments such as eye tests and hearing tests, as well as screenings for conditions such as cancer. Try to make sure that your parents attend all of these, so that any issues can be detected early. If they take regular medication and struggle to pick up their prescription, an online pharmacy such as Chemist Click can be a reliable and convenient alternative.
3. Persuade them to stay physically active
Keeping active and physically fit is key to staying healthy in old age. It can reduce the risk of harmful medical conditions such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes, as well as increase strength and balance: two factors which can in turn lower the risk of falls. See if you can encourage your parents to join a local fitness class for the elderly, or take up an active hobby such as walking or gardening to get them moving.
4. Help them to stay mentally sharp
One issue that many of us worry about is our parents losing their memory and other cognitive abilities. An effective way to help prevent this is to encourage them to keep their minds as active as possible. There are many ways to do this, ranging from doing the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper and reading widely to learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument. Even visiting museums and art galleries can stimulate the brain cells.
5. Combat loneliness
It might surprise you to hear that one of the biggest threats to health as people get older is loneliness. Studies have linked social isolation to a number of medical conditions such as depression, stroke, and dementia, in addition to premature death. This point is especially key if either of your parents live alone. Try and make an effort to visit your parents if you can, or video chat with them if not. Another great idea is to encourage them to socialize with people of their own age in their local area by joining a class, hobby group, coffee morning, or a similar activity.
