5 Ways to Help Your Loved One Have the Quality of Life They Deserve!
As our parents or grandparents age, we want them to experience joy and fulfillment in their later years. This is why it's important to look at and address the challenges that can arise with aging.
Here are 5 ways we can help them enjoy the quality of life they deserve!
1. Help them maintain social connections.
It's important to encourage older adults to stay socially active to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- if they are tech savvy, help them set up an email account to keep in touch with friends and family that may be far away
- if exchanging letters is their thing, then buy cards or stationary with stamped envelopes to make it as easy as possible. Print out a list of important addresses for them or even print out the labels for them
- make sure they have a phone they feel comfortable using. This is important not only for connection, but for safety reasons as well. While some may prefer cell phones, others may find that phones with larger buttons or volume enhancers make the task easier.
- look for opportunities to pursue hobbies or interests either in person in the community or virtually. Many senior centers, YMCA's, libraries, community centers, etc. have interest groups available.
2. Help them feel useful.
We all have a need to feel useful and to be able to contribute. Help them find those activities that give them a sense of purpose by looking at hobbies, household jobs or career tasks that they have enjoyed doing.
- help sort laundry items or match socks
- fold napkins or towels
- open and file mail
- play a game and help entertain a young grandchild
- help in menu planning
- write letters to troops or children in the hospital
3. Keep physically active.
The old adeage is still true..."use it, or lose it"! Exercise not only keeps our bodies moving and active, but our brain and cognitive skills as well.
- taking short walks increases circulation and helps prevent blood clots
- simple stretching when waking or before changing positions can help warm the body up and mentally prepare it to do the work
- walking with friends is a great social as well as physical activity
- balance group exercise classes are a great way to work on functional movements (those we use to get dressed, get in and out of chairs/bed, pick things off of the ground...all of our daily activities) and a fun way to connect with others
4. Keep your brain sharp.
Again with the "use it, or lose it" theme : ). Our brains are amazing and can continue to build or lose neuronal pathways throughout our lifetime.
- crossword puzzles or suduko
- word search and other word game apps can make it into a fun game or competition between friends
- keeping up on the news with TV, computer, phone
- board games (especially those involving strategy) are brain building tools for all ages to enjoy
5. Make their home environment work for them.
This is one of my favorite areas as a former home health OT! People typically do best and really want to stay in their own homes, but it is important that they are set up to optimize their day-to-day functioning.
- pick up those area rugs. Sorry, I know they are warm and pretty, but they are also one of the most likely things to cause a fall in your home
- keep frequently used kitchen items in an easy to reach cabinet or drawer. Maybe all of your glasses and plates have always been on the top shelf, but move a couple of glasses, plates, silverware down to where they are easier to reach.
- find ways to save energy. Sit at the table while prepping food or have a steady stool to sit by the stove while cooking.
- keep clothing and shoes easily accessible. Declutter or at least move those items you rarely wear to the back of the closet and use a hanging shoe holder to keep shoes off the floor.