Maximize your Senior’s Independence

If you know an elderly loved one that’s living on their own, without any assistance, it’s important to help make sure they are leading a healthy, independent lifestyle. Maintaining or restoring health in elder years requires more work and time than in younger years. Here are some tips on how to help keep your aging, independent loved one healthy.

A healthy diet.Make sure they are eating well. This is especially important if the person has a medical issue that requires dietary restrictions. Buying groceries can be expensive, so help your loved one cut out coupons and look for weekly deals at the grocery store. For a holiday gift, consider giving them a membership to a wholesale club where they can purchase items in bulk, which may be more budget-friendly.

Get moving! If your loved one is already reasonably healthy, they can begin a regular fitness program. Staying active can help keep them happy, healthy and less stressed.  According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise boosts mood and energy, and can lower blood pressure. Try low-impact exercises with your loved one, like walking or stretching, light aerobics and yoga. Always consult with your loved one’s primary care doctor to make sure they can begin an exercise routine.

Keep living quarters safe. Ensure your loved one’s house or apartment is safe. Make sure they have proper lighting and invest in nonskid rugs to help prevent falls and accidents.

Monitor daily. If your loved one takes prescription medication for a medical condition, be sure to know the dosage and frequency, and monitor them to ensure that they are taking it as prescribed. Keep an eye out for any over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements that may interact with prescription medication. If there are any questions regarding prescribed and over-the-counter medication and supplements, offer to accompany your loved one to see their primary care physician or pharmacist.

Be good company.  Make frequent visits to your loved one. While it’s important to check up on them to make sure they are living well on their own, it’s also a good idea to provide companionship. Make your visits special. Take a walk in the park, go to lunch and a movie, play cards and board games or just reminisce about shared happy memories.  Also, check out community activities at local senior or adult daycare centers. It’s important for your loved one to stay involved with family and friends to maintain a healthy, active, social life.

If you are a Health Advocate member, reach out to your Personal Health Advocate for more information and tips on helping your elderly loved ones maintain their independence, health and quality of life.

Let’s Get Physical: Boomers and Exercise

It’s Healthy Aging Month, which serves as a great reminder to start getting more active. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says that adults can gain substantial health benefits through moderate aerobic physical activity. They recommend two and a half hours of exercise per week for adults – that's only around 20 minutes per day, which makes it easy to fit it into your schedule.

Regular exercise is important for everyone, but especially for seniors who want to combat their risk of disease or loss of mobility. As long as your doctor clears you fit for exercise, try to embrace it, since becoming more physically active can help you stay healthy as well as gain strength and endurance. Don’t be frightened—getting into a fitness routine doesn’t have to be scary or hard! Check out our ideas for easy ways to add more physical activity into your daily life.

• Get your walk on. Aim to walk at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise. It's safe, simple and doesn't require practice. And according to the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits are many, including potentially lowering your blood pressure, reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes, helping you manage your weight, and even improving your mood.

• Step it up. You already walk around every day—now focus on creating more opportunities to fit in steps! Park your car several blocks away from your destination or, if you take public transportation, get off a few stops earlier than your usual stop.

• Be a social butterfly. Get one of your friends to join you in a fitness-related activity. Adding a social aspect to your fitness can help you stay motivated and on track with your goals. Set up a walking schedule with a friend, or join a fitness class together, like Pilates or yoga. Check with your local senior center or community center; they may offer free or low-cost fitness classes or walking groups.

• Stretch it out. You don’t have to move too far from where you’re sitting to fit in some fitness—you can do some stretching exercises at your chair. Stretching can help you burn calories, improve circulation and reduce stress. By stretching regularly, it helps you relax, strengthen specific muscles and even get your heart rate up.

• Clean up your routine. Turn housework into an exercise routine. Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming can be a great aerobic workout. You can even burn calories doing laundry, cleaning out your kitchen cabinets, or washing the walls of your shower!

Still unsure about how to add more physical activity into your daily life? If you have access to a Wellness Coach through a service like Health Advocate, call your coach to discuss your fitness needs. You can also talk to your primary care physician about what might be the best form of physical exercise for you. Remember, don’t start any exercise program before talking to your doctor and getting the all-clear!