Ways to Prepare Physically for the Golden Years

Getting older doesn’t mean sitting in a rocking chair for hours or taking naps all day. Many people look forward to old age because they’ll have time to engage in hobbies, travel, and be more active. Being active and healthy in old age is a realistic goal when individuals are proactive in their approach to health. Consider these tips for preparing the body for old age.

Eat Healthy to Stave Off Chronic Diseases

It’s never too late to start eating healthy to boost overall health. Older adults are at higher risk for diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating the right foods can protect against these conditions. For example, omega-3 fatty acids in foods like mackerel, salmon, and walnuts may lower blood pressure and promote heart health. Eating low-fat foods can help older adults manage their weight, which decreases the risk of diabetes. Eating healthy can also reduce inflammation, which contributes to clogged arteries and rheumatoid arthritis.  Professional home caregivers can help seniors plan and prepare the nutritious meals they need to enjoy optimal health. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Consume Foods that Build Strong Bones

Strong bones are essential for staying active. Calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt keep the bones healthy by preventing osteoporosis, a condition that can cause bones to become brittle and break easily. Individuals who cannot tolerate dairy foods can get calcium from the soft bones in canned sardines and canned salmon. Leafy greens, including spinach and broccoli, also provide calcium.

Engage in Weight-Bearing Exercises

Weight-bearing exercises can strengthen the bones and joints. However, it’s not necessary to lift heavy barbells to get the benefits. Doing yoga or tai chi, climbing stairs, and exercising with hand weights and resistance bands are all examples of weight-bearing exercises that strengthen the body. Weight-bearing exercises also build lean muscle mass, which promotes a healthy weight by increasing calorie-burning capacity. Professional caregivers can help seniors exercise safely at home. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Winnipeg seniors can depend on.

Keep the Brain Healthy

Clogged blood vessels can reduce blood flow to the brain and lead to stroke. Consuming foods high in fat and cholesterol can cause plaques to develop in blood vessels. Plaques cause the vessels to narrow, which can allow dangerous blood clots to form. When cooking, swapping butter and solid fats for oils like olive and canola that remain liquid at room temperature can promote the health of blood vessels leading to the brain. In addition, activities like reading and playing games of strategy like chess can “exercise” the brain.

Get Regular Healthcare

Seeing their healthcare providers ensures seniors get screenings to identify conditions that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. For example, early cancer detection can lead to better treatment outcomes. Heredity can play a role in an individual’s risk for certain chronic conditions. Medications can slow the progression of hereditary chronic diseases. Taking medicines as prescribed can keep conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol from getting worse.  Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Winnipeg, MB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000.