In the pragmatic race of life, people often miss out on self-care and nurturing. But the constantly rising stress and pressure in modern life demand every individual to pay extra attention to their health. As per research, a little effort can bestow you with both favorable physical and mental health conditions. The pandemic-stricken era is making the lifestyle of people even more strenuous.
In this scenario, self-care has become a significant priority for one and all. However, it is even more imperative for seniors due to increased health risks and complications. So, how can you take care of yourself and live happily even when you are old? Here are some of the most useful ways to promote self-care in your declining years. Let’s have a look!
Educate Yourself On Happy and Healthy Aging
A certain percentage of the aging population is still unaware of the necessary amount of care they require in their old age because elderly care is not a common practice, and they lack self-care education. Thus, always try to remain upgraded with the innovations in the field and industry of elderly care. Medical technology and products are constantly evolving with time.
Portable conversion commodes, stainless steel grab bars, squat toilet stools, air pump mattresses for bed sores, and shower chairs with backrests are some of the innovative old-age accessories that you can explore. There is also no shortage of advanced and highly comfortable adult diapers to help you deal with your incontinence without hassle.
Exercise Every Day and Have Adequate Sleep
Research has revealed that only 1/4th of older adults between 64 and 74 exercise every day. While some are too lazy to do any activity, some think they are too old to work out. But the truth is exercise is good for both physical and mental health, irrespective of age. It can improve your mood and balance, reduce the chances of falling, increase your strength, etc. Take a walk on the lawn or in the park, swim a little with your other senior friends, or go cycling. You can also switch to light yoga practices to keep a good leash on your health. If you are too old one can consider taking power scooters for a walk in the park.
Besides exercise, having a sound sleep of at least seven hours daily is essential. Seniors find it hard to fall asleep or sleep peacefully, leading to a depressed mood and lethargy throughout the day. Thus, fixing a time for going to bed and waking up is necessary.
Plan a Frequent Health Screening
Studies suggest that many older people suffer from life-threatening diseases such as respiratory ailments, cancer, diabetes, influenza, and more. Medical researchers also say that if these ailments are diagnosed early, they can be cured hassle-free. Health screening is one of the most significant innovations in today’s health industry to help diagnose ailments before symptoms or worsening conditions.
So, occasional screenings can help older adults spot dormant ailments early and stay ahead of time. In this way, you can save your medical funds and your precious life. So, this is yet again another wise measure you can add to your old-age self-care list.
Encourage Social Inclusion
As people age, social interaction or communication with the outer world tends to decrease on a certain level. This is not applicable for one and all but surely for most of the elderly crowd. Social interactions might tend to drop mainly due to health conditions. Make sure you create opportunities for yourself to be involved in family or neighborhood gatherings. Do not wait for other family members to do the same, as they might be fiercely busy with their work or something else.
Many social life forums and communities for older adults want to cherish their lives after retirement. There are also many activities that older people can take over to stay physically fit and ease their minds. Some examples include puzzles, traditional games, short hikes, arts and crafts, gardening, and much more. You can choose any of them based on your health condition and preference.
Focus on Healthy Diet
It is often said that food must be the medicine for the human body, and this is true to a large extent. One of the most significant issues behind health ailments is processed and unhealthy foods. Processed foods with artificial colors, flavors, and concentrated sugars can cause more harm than you think to your present health or any ailing health conditions. A key secret to a happy and healthy gain is consuming whole and fresh foods. Legumes, beans, grains, raisins, fruits, and yogurt are some of the edibles to focus on in your old age.
Wrapping It Up
The aging population must go ahead and stand up for themselves to add an edge and quality to their existing life in the overwhelming environment of the twenty-first century. So, these are the quick tips that will not only keep you physically fit but offer you a holistic approach to nurturing old-age health care. Start following the guide above and cushion a healthy lifestyle, habits, diet, and mindset to combat aging challenges and live up to the statement that ‘age is just a number.’ ‘
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
