Sticking to a Routine: The Key to a Happy, Healthy Life for Seniors

Author

Comfort Keepers

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Comfort Keepers

Posted on

Sep 07, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

Share This

For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, routines can be beneficial. Routines can help seniors feel more secure and in control of their lives and develop good habits and stick to them. Routines that incorporate joy while also creating predictability have several other noteworthy benefits. Creating a routine that brings joy is essential, and we share a few tips that can help.A daily routine is an excellent way for seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy life to the fullest. Adding a consistent structure to your day can benefit people of any age but is especially important to seniors’ physical and mental health. Routines provide predictability, which can help seniors feel more secure and in control of their lives as well as develop good habits and stick to them. But remember, routines aren’t all business – there should be plenty of time scheduled for activities that foster joy and keep life rich and meaningful.  

How to Create a Routine that Brings Joy

Setting up a routine is empowering and creates a sense of control, which is important as older adults may not have the same control over things like physical ability and mobility. Keep in mind that the routine is not meant to be a strict schedule, but rather a foundation for structure and predictability. 

Get senior input: The main goal of a routine is to meet the needs of the senior, so getting their input is key. The routine should center on the senior’s needs and consider their unique abilities, desires, and interests. Be sure to go over the details of what they want their days to look like. Putting too many activities into each day can cause frustration, so working on a plan together is essential. 

Set realistic goals: Focus on the “can,” not the “can’t,” and modify activities as needed. Setting realistic goals makes them more achievable and enjoyable. For example, improving mobility or increasing physical activity gradually is better than pushing their limits right out of the gate. Measuring progress along the way will let you know when to make changes. 

Start with a simple routine: It doesn’t have to be complicated or overscheduled. Start by including essential activities such as meals, medication, hobbies, and exercise. As seniors become more comfortable with the routine, more activities can be added or rearranged.

Include enjoyable activities: Routines don’t have to be boring. Focus on activities they enjoy, such as reading, gardening, walking, or spending time with loved ones. Social engagements can not only brighten a senior’s day, but also improve health, so make sure to include time for the things they love. 

Be flexible: Allow space in the routine to make changes as needed to accommodate unexpected events or be spontaneous. Maybe Tuesday was forecasted to be rainy but turns out to be bright and sunny, you take a rain check on your craft day and start the herb garden instead. Appointments, visits with family and friends, and special outings all fall under this category, too. 

Prioritize nutrition: A well-balanced diet should be part of any daily routine because it supports overall health and energy levels. Regularly spaced meals help control and maintain blood sugar levels, which is especially important for seniors with diabetes.  

Make a schedule: A schedule gives seniors a tool to manage parts of their routine, feel more in control, and reduce stress. Writing reminders where seniors can see them, setting timers so they know when to exercise, and making to-do lists for tasks such as grooming and errands can help seniors keep track of their daily activities.  

Benefits of a Routine for Seniors

Routines that incorporate joy while also creating predictability have several other noteworthy benefits, such as:

Reduces stress and anxiety: As older adults begin to deal with health issues, they may feel stressed and anxious. A routine lets seniors know what to expect each day, making them less likely to feel overwhelmed or anxious. 

Increases feeling of safety and security: With the many changes that come with aging, seniors may experience intense emotions. If they are unsure of what the future holds, a routine can make them feel confident and safe by providing a familiar and predictable environment. It also makes it easier to plan activities with family and friends.

Improves sleep: A set routine can help regulate the body's internal clock, making falling and staying asleep easier. Sleep quality directly affects energy, memory, and overall health. Establishing a daily routine can help lower anxiety and stress so older adults get better sleep and are generally healthier and feel better.

Helps manage symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's: For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, routines can be particularly helpful. These conditions have less impact on the area of the brain that controls procedural memory, so it’s actually easier for those with these conditions to remember and follow routines. Familiar routines can create a sense of comfort and reduce confusion and anxiety.

Sample Routine

Need help getting started? Here’s a sample daily routine outline to use as a starting point:

Morning:

  • Wake up at the same time every day
  • Drink a glass of water
  • Take any necessary medication
  • Eat a healthy breakfast

Afternoon:

  • Go for a walk or do some light exercise
  • Have lunch
  • Take a nap or rest for a while
  • Engage in a hobby

Evening:

  • Prepare a healthy dinner
  • Spend time with loved ones, socialize over the phone/virtual video meetup
  • Engage in relaxing activity such as reading
  • Take any necessary medication
  • Go to bed at the same time every night

Give the Routine a Test Run

Giving the routine a test run allows everyone involved, from caregivers to seniors, to see if it supports the needs and goals as expected. A few small changes may be in order—adding something here, taking something away there, or moving activities from the morning to the afternoon. The routine may need to change over time, so regular reevaluation will let you know if it still achieving the goal.

Comfort Keepers® Can Help

If you need help establishing or maintaining a daily routine for a senior loved one, Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can help establish a daily routine that reduces stress and anxiety, creates a sense of control, infuses joy in every day, and boosts physical and mental well-being. To find out more, contact a Comfort Keepers location near you.

References:
https://alzheimersproject.org/the-importance-of-routine-and-familiarity-to-persons-with-dementia/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep


Other Articles You May Like

Tips for Healthy Aging: A Comprehensive Guide

Aging gracefully and healthily is a journey that encompasses more than just medical care; its about nurturing the whole person body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive guide, drawing from the expertise of Executive Home Care, is designed to help seniors and their caregivers navigate the path to a fulfilling and vibrant senior lifestyle. We understand that every individual is unique, and hence, this guide offers a holistic approach to healthy aging, covering physical activity, mental well-being, social engagement, personal care, and emotional support.Physical Activity and Exercise: Staying active is crucial for maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall health in senior years. Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or light weightlifting are recommended to preserve bone density, muscle strength, and joint health. For those with mobility challenges, assistance from caregivers or tailored exercise plans can offer safe ways to stay active. Remember, its not about the intensity but the consistency of the physical activity.Mental Health: Cognitive and emotional health are integral to a seniors quality of life. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or hobbies helps keep the mind sharp. Emotional well-being can be nurtured through regular social interactions, and companionship care programs can play a significant role in combating loneliness and depression.Social Engagement: Social connections are vital for emotional and mental health. Participating in community activities, classes, or group hobbies can offer meaningful interaction and a sense of belonging. Caregivers can facilitate these activities, ensuring that seniors remain integrated within their communities.Personal Care and Hygiene: Maintaining personal hygiene and a clean living environment is essential for physical health and self-esteem. In-home care services can assist with daily routines, household chores, and ensuring a safe living space, thus promoting a dignified and independent lifestyle for seniors.Healthy Lifestyle and Independence: A balanced diet, regular sleep patterns, and routine health check-ups are fundamental for a healthy lifestyle. In-home care services can assist with nutritious meal preparation, errands, and transportation, supporting seniors in maintaining their independence safely.Emotional Support and Encouragement: The role of emotional support in the lives of seniors cannot be overstated. Caregivers and family members should provide encouragement, listen attentively, and offer companionship to enhance the emotional well-being of seniors.Tailored Care Plans: Individualized care plans, developed with input from healthcare providers, caregivers, and the seniors themselves, ensure that each senior receives care that is specifically suited to their needs and preferences. In conclusion, healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but life to years. Its about empowering seniors to live their best lives through comprehensive care that addresses their physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. At Executive Home Care, we are committed to supporting seniors in every step of their journey towards a fulfilling and vibrant life. By embracing these principles, we can ensure that our seniors not only live longer but also enjoy a richer, more satisfying quality of life. Remember, every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our beloved seniors, guiding them with care, compassion, and respect towards a joyful and healthy future.

How senior living encourages socialization

Socialization plays a crucial role in the well-being of seniors, especially those residing in senior living communities. Lets explore why its essential and how these communities foster social connections:Importance of Socialization for Seniors:Chronic loneliness can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Prolonged feelings of isolation trigger stress responses that impact our bodies negatively.Seniors who lack social connections may experience depression, poor sleep, and even cognitive decline due to cellular inflammation.However, increasing social activities can significantly improve seniors overall well-being. Studies show that seniors who engage in more social interactions feel more satisfied with life and have a more positive outlook1.How Senior Living Communities Encourage Socialization:Proximity: Residents in senior living communities live close to their neighbors and are surrounded by staff. This proximity is reassuring, especially when friends or family members dont live nearby or cant visit often.Planned Activities: These communities offer a rich array of social opportunities, including:Shared Meals: Residents can choose to eat with others instead of dining alone.Activity Participation: Seniors can join classes, workshops, or interest groups.Outings: Community transportation makes it easy to agree to outings or shopping trips.Game Nights, Movie Nights, and other entertainment events.Support Network: For seniors whove experienced loss (such as the death of a close friend or spouse), socializing with others helps cultivate new friendships. These peers understand similar life transitions and provide support and understanding.Sense of Purpose: Healthy social interactions affirm seniors worth and make them feel valued members of the community123.In summary, senior living communities create an environment where social connections flourish, reducing loneliness and promoting overall health.

The Importance of Practicing Self Care

Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promote health and wellness. It goes beyond mere indulgence; rather, its an essential component of overall well-being. Lets delve into what self-care truly means and why it matters:Understanding Self-Care:According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care encompasses various facets of life, including:Hygiene: General and personal hygiene.Nutrition: Making mindful choices about what we eat.Lifestyle Factors: Exercise levels, leisure activities, and overall lifestyle.Environmental Factors: Living conditions and social habits.Socioeconomic Factors: Income levels and cultural beliefs.Self-Medication: Following treatment plans for existing illnesses.The primary goal of self-care is to prevent or control disease and maintain overall well-being by consistently tending to different aspects of our health.What Self-Care Is Not:Its not about overindulgence or instant gratification. Instead, it involves:Prioritizing physical and mental health.Adopting healthy lifestyle habits that are sustainable.Eating a balanced diet.Engaging in regular exercise.Getting adequate, quality sleep.Following treatment plans for existing conditions.Taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.Types of Self-Care:Physical Health: Taking care of our bodies through exercise, nutrition, and rest.Mental Health: Nurturing our minds, managing stress, and seeking professional help when needed.Emotional Health: Acknowledging and expressing emotions, practicing mindfulness, and building resilience.Spiritual Health: Connecting with our inner selves, values, and beliefs.Social Health: Cultivating meaningful relationships and social support.Benefits of Self-Care:Clinical studies have shown that self-care can:Reduce anxiety and depression.Minimize stress.Improve concentration.Increase happiness.Enhance energy levels.Promote resilience.Contribute to longevity.Equip us to manage stress effectively.Remember, self-care isnt selfishits an investment in your well-being. So, take a moment today to prioritize yourself and engage in activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul

Local Services By This Author

Quality Medical Services Network, LLC

Non-Medical 12480 Brantley Commons Ct., Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

PRIVATE NURSING CARE YOU CAN TRUSTHelping clients regain their health and independence while remaining in their home for as long as safely possible is at the heart ofQuality Medical Services.We respond by listening to our clients' quality of life, care and comfort issues, as well as to those of their family and loved ones. We take to heart the task of matching the right professional to the individual needs of each client.Quality Medical Servicesprovides licensed and experienced nurses to provide the appropriate level of care in the comfort of your own home, where you want to be.CARING PROFESSIONALS PROVIDE A CONTINUUM OF CAREMost importantly, we deliver care right in thecomfort of your home, where you want to be.Many things makeQuality Medical Servicesstand apart from other nursing services. Oneof the main differences is not clinical at all.We recognize that as important as technicalskills are tohome healthcare, so is the needfor empathy and kindness. We are acompany that believes in compassionatecare that comes from the heart.

Comfort Keepers of SW Florida

Non-Medical 12480 Brantley Commons Court, Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

Comfort Keepers helps seniors stay independent in the comfort of their own home by providing quality, compassionate care by screened, trained, insured and bonded caregivers. We understand that each client has unique needs and personal preferences and needs.  Our Interactive Caregiving model offers a full range of in-home services to tailor care plans that support senior mind, body, safety and nutrition.

Quality Medical Services Network, LLC

Home Health 12480 Brantley Commons Ct., Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

PRIVATE NURSING CARE YOU CAN TRUSTHelping clients regain their health and independence while remaining in their home for as long as safely possible is at the heart ofQuality Medical Services.We respond by listening to our clients' quality of life, care and comfort issues, as well as to those of their family and loved ones. We take to heart the task of matching the right professional to the individual needs of each client.Quality Medical Servicesprovides licensed and experienced nurses to provide the appropriate level of care in the comfort of your own home, where you want to be.CARING PROFESSIONALS PROVIDE A CONTINUUM OF CAREMost importantly, we deliver care right in thecomfort of your home, where you want to be.Many things makeQuality Medical Servicesstand apart from other nursing services. Oneof the main differences is not clinical at all.We recognize that as important as technicalskills are tohome healthcare, so is the needfor empathy and kindness. We are acompany that believes in compassionatecare that comes from the heart.