Blog

Promoting Healthy Living in Your Aging Loved One

January 31, 2020
Lenora Alabi
As people age, they often stop living as healthy as they could be. They might not be walking as much as they used to. Maybe they stop working out or stop eating nutritiously. There are many reasons why this might happen – one being that they just don’t feel good. However, if you or elder care providers are helping to care for your aging loved one, promoting healthy living is a must. You can help your loved one to see just how important healthy living is as they age. 

Exercising

One of the most important parts of healthy living as someone ages is exercising. Their physical wellbeing is just as important as their mental wellbeing. In fact, the two often correlate together. Working out doesn’t mean that your loved one has to hit the gym, lift a bunch of weights, and run a marathon. It just means they should do light exercise on a regular basis. Cardio exercise is often good for aging adults. With that being said, before our loved one starts any exercise regimen, you should double-check to make sure it’s alright with their doctor first. 

Eating Nutritiously

When promoting healthy living in your aging loved one, you also need to promote healthy eating. Your loved one should be filling their diet with nuts, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. This type of diet has been connected to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. If your loved one hasn’t been eating nutritiously, they may be lacking in certain vitamins. A simple blood test from their doctor can tell which vitamins they might be lacking. Then, you and their elder care providers can make sure they are getting more of those specific vitamins in their diet. 

Engaged Mind

Another tip for promoting healthy living in your aging loved one is to engage their mind. If they aren’t using their brain often, it is likely their brain will degenerate faster. There are many ways that you can encourage your loved one to engage their mind. You can help them to find a new hobby to take on, help them to learn about something new, or work on something they haven’t practiced in a while. As the brain works, it is making new connections, which keeps it healthier and more active. Helping your aging loved one to engage their mind can be one of the best things you do for them.

These are some of the many tips for promoting healthy living in your aging loved one. If you are caring for your loved one now or in the future, be sure that you get them moving physically, eating nutritiously, and keep their mind engaged, as well. All of these things are going to help them live healthier, longer, and happier. 

Sources
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/healthy-eating-physical-activity-for-life/health-tips-for-older-adults?dkrd=/health-information/weight-management/health-tips-older-adults
 

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN RIVER NORTH, IL FOR AN AGING LOVED ONE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.