Health-Focused Resolutions For Seniors and Family Caregivers
The effects of COVID-19 on aging family members and family caregivers brought significant challenges, to say the least. As social distancing became a defining movement in safety and minimizing exposure to the virus, families found themselves "caregiving from a distance" to help keep "at-risk" individuals as safe as possible by limiting visits and activities outside of the home. Isolation is a psychological risk for seniors. Socially isolated older adults tend to have heightened risks for cardiovascular accidents, dementia, mental health concerns, and depression.
As we welcome the start of 2021 and the promise of hope brought upon by the introduction of the new COVID-19 Vaccine, we now have yet another perfect opportunity to adopt healthy changes that positively impact the quality of our lives. Here are some ideas to help us keep a positive mind frame and stay healthy as we focus on better times ahead:
Keep Connected
During the pandemic, technology has become a way to experience human interaction in a virtual setting. Technology-based "virtual visitations" and pre-scheduled "check-ins" help ease the emotional struggles brought upon by limited physical contact. These check-ins allow us to monitor the well-being of our family members from any distance. Setting up video calls and social networks for our senior loved ones may be a bit tricky at first, specifically for aging adults who may initially struggle with the use of technology. However, with the use of clear, written instructions, encouragement, and patience, seniors can often overcome this initial hurdle. With guidance and practice, they learn to navigate Zoom, Alexa, Facetime, and similar applications. Once they do, they are awakened to a whole new world where the health and emotional benefits of staying socially active and connected are virtually limitless. Additional ideas include:
- Multi-family meetings in the style of Family Feud can be a fun way to promote engagement regardless of generation gaps.
- Storytime with the grandkids
- Virtual book clubs and senior center events
- Virtual health check and consultations
Engage the Mind
Setting goals that support a healthy lifestyle can also involve exploring new hobbies and staying mentally sharp. Mastering a new skill and exploring a new hobby are all possibilities with the aid of online classes. There is a certain sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new. Finding daily crosswords to complete, trivia challenges and puzzles for a few hours each week are just some fun examples that have been proven to help keep aging adults stay mentally fit. Online games can be played alone or with family members. Additional sources for online collection puzzles and memory-boosters worth visiting:
- Lumosity.com
- BrainHQ
- AARP
Healthy Habits
While no specific supplement can protect you against infectious diseases, the best safeguard in protection is by optimizing our immune system. Good nutrition combined with a healthy lifestyle boost immune health. In addition to a healthy, balanced diet including fruit and vegetables, Probiotics, Elderberry, Zinc, and additional Vitamin C & D, are among the supplemental nutrients that may help boost the immune system. Check with your doctor and consider incorporating more of these nutrients and supplements into your diet.
Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep are also factors that help strengthen immune system function. Helping your senior loved one plan meals in advance and making mealtime an enjoyable activity promote better eating habits. For example, setting up a zoom "happy hour" or scheduling a time to virtually "cook together" while on a video call can help bridge distance between families during times of social distancing.
It is important to note that no specific lifestyle modification or diet plan replaces physical distancing and good hygiene practices as we continue to battle COVID-19, adopting habits that promote physical and mental health is tantamount to enduring the ongoing battle against this pandemic. Planning meals in advance and coordinating a well balanced daily schedule that includes moderate exercise, enjoyable activities, social engagement, and plenty of time for rest altogether promote a better quality of life for our senior loved ones.
For more information regarding caring for seniors and ideas to keep them healthy and happy at home, visit www.caringcompanionsathome.com.
