As we get older, our lives sometimes slow down, especially when our routines change due to retirement, medical concerns, or simply reaching a new phase in life. One way to combat all these changes is by focusing on the things around us that bring us joy.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Happiness is not a goal; it’s a by-product.”
We have to enjoy life no matter what it throws us—reaching a point where we can look at our challenges and see the beauty and joy within them is the ultimate goal, not the happiness itself.
There are many ways to ensure we find happiness within our everyday pursuits. Whether it is through taking time to enjoy nature, pursuing a hobby we’ve forgotten, or checking in on our friends and family.
One of the most significant ways we can ensure our continued happiness is through our overall health. The better we treat our bodies, the better we feel.
That is why eating right, exercising as much as possible, and making regular trips to the doctor will create happiness in our lives that can’t be matched by anything else. Taking control of our health in whatever way we can will work wonders on our bodies and mental happiness.
Even with chronic pain or illness, happiness can be found through having a management plan with our doctor. Taking the time to regulate what we can’t control will diminish the stress our anxiety can cause our bodies.
Mental health plays a big part in ensuring overall happiness; chronic conditions or poor health management can affect it. Being aware of all our challenges and meeting them with positivity and hope can go a long way.
Our social and physical life slowing down doesn’t mean we must stop doing anything we love. Continuing to participate in activities and hobbies we enjoy keeps our minds active and ensures that happiness is never far away.
Some might think that staying mentally active means participating in mentally challenging activities even if we don’t particularly like them. This can’t be further from the truth.
Doing any kind of activity that requires our minds to send signals to the rest of our body – whether it is through body movements or the relaying of information – is a mentally active activity.
So, if you enjoy going out in nature and enjoying flowers or other forms of nature, add to it by going with a companion and discussing what you know about these plants. If you love to knit, find a group of others who love this activity and do a project together.
Another way we can stay mentally active is through part-time work. Sometimes, after we retire, we still need that burst of socialization and routine. Volunteering or working part-time allows us the opportunity without becoming overwhelmed.
We can keep our minds and bodies active in many ways that won’t add to our anxiety and stress.
One of the best ways to ensure happiness as we age is by remaining engaged with the world around us. The easiest way to accomplish this is by socializing with family and friends.
We spend time with other people all our lives, either through school or work. So when we get older, and these elements of our lives start to fade away, it becomes harder to find opportunities to connect.
Remember, happiness isn’t a goal; it’s a by-product of our goal. So, creating a goal to engage with our family and friends a couple of times a month can result in happiness.
Suppose you don’t have any known opportunities on the horizon that encourage social engagement. In that case, you can take the initiative and invite others to join you in your daily activities.
Ask your son or daughter to walk with you at your favorite park. Invite a friend to bake a cake or cook a meal together and then enjoy it over coffee or wine.
Simply put, reach out, and you will find others who want to spend time together.
There is power in the positive. Taking time daily to remind ourselves that we love our lives and there is joy to be found all around us will give us the motivation to see the small things.
If you are looking at your big-picture future and feeling overwhelmed, take a step back, breathe, and then find one thing right in front of you to be optimistic about.
It can be that the flowers outside your window have started to bloom. Or that your neighbor stopped to chat with you when you went to get your mail. Or simply that you are alive and well for another day of sunshine and possibilities.
Taking stock of the little things in our lives will help diminish the overwhelming anxiety that can come with all those significant changes as we age.
Awareness of our loved one’s moods and overall demeanor can ensure they remain happy and healthy as they age.
If you think your loved one could use a helping hand in their health, there are steps you can take to ensure they get back on track. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by speaking with your loved one’s caregiver.
The caregivers at Accessible are specially qualified to assist you with maintaining your senior’s happiness through health management and social engagement. If you have concerns, let us know, and we can work with you to adjust their routine.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
As seniors age, physical activities can have not only positive physical effects, but positive cognitive effects as well.Contact an Office in Your AreaIn one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.Its been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active. Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can. For those that are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. Some of the health benefits include:Improved mental health, mood and outlookPrevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosisReduced pain from arthritis and minimizing its severityDecreased risk of fallsEach individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching and balance all without leaving the comfort of home! Aerobic exercise Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight. Strength building exercises there are many easy strength-building exercises that can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required. Stretching Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adults physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.Balance exercises Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.Those that need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle! Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need a little extra help living an active lifestyle, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with physician-prescribed exercise plans. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults Need More Physical Activity. Web. 2019.Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity. Web. 2017.National Council on Aging. Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness. Web.Readers Digest Canada, 5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Heart Health. Web. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise after age 70. Web. 2007.
More Americans are choosing to age in place. That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings.But that often means they must modify their home, so it's not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the National Association of Home Builders. Certified individuals assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and over fall each year. The CDC adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps. The organization offers a checklist to make sure an older adult's home is as safe as possible.Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seatRemove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slippingMove furniture to create clear walking pathsKeep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent trippingReplace doorknobs with lever door handlesApply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor stepsReplace standard light switches with rocker-style switchesIncrease the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertopsMove often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stoolsRepair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairwaysInstall an elevator or chair liftInstall an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy accessReplace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burnsReplace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standingShedding Light on Home ModificationWhen modifying a home for a senior, don't forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.
Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, Florida, is a Joint Commission accredited agency dedicated to providing high-quality in-home health care services for seniors and individuals with memory loss in Naples and surrounding areas. Our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks, provide companionship, and improve the quality of life for our clients. Whether you need hourly visits, live-in caregivers, or customized home care, our team will work with you to create a plan that fits your family's needs and budget. Contact us today to find the perfect caregiver for your loved one and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are in good hands.In addition to our standard in-home health care services, Accessible Home Health Care of Naples offers specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss. We understand the challenges these conditions present and are committed to providing the highest level of care to ensure our clients' comfort and well-being. Our caregivers are trained and certified to assist with tasks that may become difficult for individuals with memory loss, such as bathing, running errands, and cooking. We also offer in-home companion care to prevent loneliness and provide engaging conversation, as well as respite care for family caregivers who need support. With Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, you can rest assured that your loved one is receiving the personalized care they deserve.