Growing old gracefully is a popular saying. However, it shifts the focus on aesthetics rather than health, which misses the challenges that senior citizens face. Indeed, old age is synonymous with health issues and the loss of independence. Therefore, while everyone wants to look good while getting older, the priority is about feeling good.
If you are worried about your parents or grandparents, you can help them preserve their independence and health for longer with dedicated care and preparation.
Health checks and health insurance know-how
Health insurance cover should reflect an individual's health situation. Therefore, seniors need to pick covers that encompass the necessary healthcare for their age. It's time to consider a cover that will assist with pre-existing conditions and potentially extended hospitalization, as these are frequent occurrences for seniors.
Additionally, you also want to encourage them to get frequent health checkups so they can be aware of conditions that need monitoring. Unmonitored conditions can dramatically affect an individual's health.
Create a no-effort home
Running a household is a lot of effort. That is where smart appliances and a smart home hub can completely transform the experience for seniors, helping them live longer at home comfortably. Thermostat sensors can ensure your old relatives can seamlessly maintain their ideal temperature at home. The addition of light sensors can also prevent unpleasant falls, as the light turns automatically on when they enter the room.
Strength and endurance reduce in old age. Therefore, appliances such as amazing faucets with touchless features can maintain easy access to running water without worrying about strength to turn the tap. Similarly, a smart vacuum cleaner can keep dust in control seamlessly, reducing risks of back pain in the process.
Focus on mobility-friendly improvements
The loss of mobility can occur in old age. Reduced mobility does not mean that someone should move into nursing facilities. However, you can help your relatives to adjust their homes to maintain their independence. Smart home improvements such as a walk-in shower or adjustable beds could assist your relative in their day-to-day life. Similarly, if they have a stairway at home, an electric lift chair can ensure they continue to access all levels within their property.
Encourage them to stay healthy
If you don't look after it, your health naturally suffers. Despite medical checkups, seniors are more prone to health issues related to depression, cognitive impairments, and the loss of muscle and bone density. However, these issues are not unavoidable. Encouraging seniors to join their local fitness club with a specialist training coach can help support balance, bone density, and muscle strength in old age.
You can also help them find workshops or evening classes where they can meet new people. From joining a chess club to learning how to make pasta from scratch, people are never too old to engage and preserve their mental health. Indeed loneliness and depression are among the highest risks for seniors.
When it comes to maintaining mental clarity, maintaining a physically active lifestyle can help keep the brain healthy. Hobbies such as jigsaws, reading, crosswords, or learning new skills ensure the brain remains active.
In conclusion, it's time to help seniors not just age gracefully but age safely, independently, and healthily. Let's not let a few silver hairs ruin the best years of their lives.
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