With new advances being made in the field of medicine, there’s no reason seniors can’t live to be 100. However, older adults may have to put some effort into maintaining their health. Seniors who want to become centenarians should consider taking the following steps.
1. Follow a Healthier Diet
Diet plays a major role in longevity. Encourage your loved one to work on making small changes, such as skipping a second portion during dinner, until he or she eventually eats a healthy diet every day.
Some seniors need help preparing healthy meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Mississauga seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
2. Cherish Personal Relationships
Living a long life gives seniors more time to spend with their friends and family members. Older adults who have close social connections experience fewer health incidents, and they tend to be happier than those who are isolated. Encourage your loved one to cultivate new friendships and maintain existing relationships to enjoy a rich social life as a centenarian.
3. Soak Up the Sun
While they still need to use caution and wear sunscreen the majority of the time, seniors should try to get about 10 minutes of sun exposure every day. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is critical for bone health and emotional wellbeing.
4. Prevent Common Accidents
Many people don’t make it to 100 because they experience common accidents that are preventable. For instance, taking the wrong medication could cause an overdose or interaction that requires hospitalization. Watch out for situations that pose a risk to your loved one’s health, and act immediately when you spot danger.
5. Pick Up a New Hobby
With all of those extra years, your loved one may have some serious time to fill. Make sure each year of your parent’s life is filled with opportunities to learn new things. Your loved one can take a class at the community college or learn how to sew. Learning new things strengthens the mind so your loved one can retain more memories of each wonderful year that goes by.
6. Get Routine Health Screenings
In addition to accidents, your loved one can prevent serious medical conditions by simply taking care of minor issues before they get worse. Routine health screenings such as bone density scans and blood pressure checks can identify changes that need to be made to protect your loved one’s health now.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to help your parent enjoy a healthy life. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care, Mississauga Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
7. Learn to Manage Emotions
Seniors who live to be 100 seem to have a true zest for life. Encourage your loved one to cultivate a positive attitude that motivates him or her to live longer. Whether your loved one practices mindful meditation or writes in a journal, managing stress may help him or her continue to age gracefully.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust Mississauga elderly care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging parent, call Home Care Assistance at 905-337-1200 today.