Taking care of our physical and mental health only becomes more important as we age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the older we get, the more w risk developing debilitating illnesses, like dementia, heart disease, and diabetes.
That's why encouraging and maintaining senior wellness and health is one of the most important things we can do, both as seniors and their caretakers. Not only does engage in healthy daily activities and habits like staying physically active and making smart food choices increase seniors' longevity, but it also improves their quality of life.
Of course, some seniors can't be "active" in the traditional sense. Due to old injuries, the side effects of medication, or even just a prolonged lack of physical activity, certain older folks may have difficulty leaving their homes to exercise. This is a problem since exercise is critical to healthy aging.
Fortunately for these and all other seniors, you can promote all aspects of healthy aging – including exercise – without leaving the house! Read on to discover the top five ways you can use at-home care for seniors to promote healthy aging.
Get Moving: Stay Physically Active
Number one on our list is to get moving and stay physically active. This gets the blood and oxygen flowing through your body and all your organs, which is essential for healing injuries and decreasing inflammation. It also promotes mobility in your joints (a big concern for most seniors).
One great option for physical activity is to go outside and walk the neighborhood. But if that's not feasible, or if you want an alternative in case the weather is bad, the Redliro Recovery Treadmill is a better bet.
Unlike normal treadmills that you find at the gym or buy from the store, the Redliro Walking Treadmill comes with special features designed with senior wellness and health in mind.
Extra Long Handrail: The handrail is extra-long to provide more surface area for you to hold onto as you walk, thus improving your balance.
Large LCD Screen: The built-in LCD screen is large and easy to read, so you can easily keep track of your progress and control your pace.
Power Safety Off: As an added safety measure, if you should happen to fall while using it, the power will instantly disconnect to help you avoid further injury.
Foldable Design: This treadmill can fold up and out of the way when it's not needed. When it's put away, you don't have to worry about tripping over it. But while it's out, you can exercise at whatever time is most convenient for you.
This treadmill is, by far, the most convenient way to get moving as a senior!
Healthy Eating: Make Smart Food Choices
Healthy eating is challenging no matter what age you are! That's why we recommend you focus on making smart food choices rather than fixating on any specific diet.
For example, if you tend to eat a lot of sugary cereal in the morning, consider swapping it for organic granola that's sweetened with honey or maple syrup. And instead of reaching for crackers or chips for a snack, try a piece of fruit or carrots with hummus.
When deciding what to eat, take into consideration any health concerns you may have, such as diabetes, and adapt your choices accordingly. Also, talk to your doctor about what you should and shouldn't eat.
Get a Good Night's Sleep
The importance of a good night's sleep can't be overstated. When we're asleep, our bodies heal, our hormones reset, and our blood pressure regulates.
Unfortunately, many seniors have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. One primary reason for this is the urge to get up and go to the bathroom, sometimes on multiple occasions after going to bed.
If you have trouble sleeping at night, talk to your doctor about natural sleep aids like melatonin and magnesium. You may also consider not drinking any beverages after dinner. Use blackout curtains to make your bedroom as dark as possible and eliminate sources of noise pollution. These simple techniques can help you relax enough to drift off to sleep and remain asleep throughout the night.
Get Rid of Bad Habits: Smoking and Drinking
Bad habits like smoking cigarettes or cigars and drinking alcohol often come with major negative impacts on your health. Seniors who drink and smoke are at a higher risk for developing a long list of health problems, including liver disease and lung cancer.
If you struggle with these habits, talk to your doctor. You can also check your area for non-profit organizations or counselors that specialize in helping people stop smoking and drinking.
Have a Regular Physical Examination
A regular physical examination is an important preventative measure you can take against disease and illness. By catching physical and mental problems early, you have a better chance of curing or managing them before they damage your health.
Healthy aging through at-home care for seniors is not impossible! By following our five tips – especially exercising with the Redliro Recovery Treadmill – you or your senior can maintain physical and mental health for increased longevity and overall quality of life.
