We talk a lot about making sure that our kids are growing up healthy. Is it time to think about your parents’ health, too? For a lot of us who are watching our kids grow, we are also seeing our parents age, as well. Many of them are showing signs that they’re not as fit, nor as independent as they might have once been. We want them to stick around, to be as happy and healthy as they can for as long as they can. So, is it time to think about your parents’ health?
Encouraging a healthier lifestyle
One of the best ways to ensure a healthier body is to make sure that you spend enough time taking care of it. Older people may not be able to immediately start running a marathon, but you can encourage them to do beginner’s exercises and take part in low impact workouts, such as basic yoga, with them to help them maintain their range of motion.
Taking the trip to the doctors’
As we get older, we tend to become prone to a lot more chronic diseases, as well as general health changes. This can include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, changes to our hearing, changes to our sight, arthritis and more. However, many of these conditions can be hard to spot, initially, are more likely to jump out and surprise us in some harmful ways. Taking the time to arrange a full annual physical and see if your parent needs any help in keeping or doing to a doctors’ appointment can make sure that no pesky illnesses sneak up on them.
Getting them the help they need
If your parent has lost a lot of their mobility in recent years, it may be the case that they cannot take care of their daily needs as they once used to. Things that may have once been simple, such as bathing, transport, and taking care of the home may be very draining or even dangerous for them. To that end, it might be time to talk about options with them. Asides from potentially living in a nursing home, there are options like home nursing care that can ensure they’re still surrounded by the environments and things that they know. Of course, some children will take care of their parents themselves, but that is a large commitment, especially if you have kids of your own.
Minding their mental health
Not all health concerns as we age are about our body. Some of those concerns are rightfully focused on the mind, as well. Isolation is one of the biggest dangers for elderly people. Not only does it make them more likely to suffer from stress and anxiety, but isolation has also been closely linked to dementia and Alzheimers. Taking the time to make sure your elderly loved ones have someone to talk to, and social activities to take part in, can do them a world of good.
Our parents are adults, meaning we can’t exactly take control of their health and lives, as good as our intentions can be. However, with the tips above, we can aim to improve their quality of life, at least.
This is a collaborative post.
