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Physical activity offers seniors incredible physical and mental benefits. Household chores are the easiest way to get the elderly moving on a regular basis. Not only are chores accessible, but seniors will have done them most of their lives. Here are age-appropriate chores for older adults.
Performing light chores around the home requires some level of physical exertion. Seniors engaged in completing household chores experience benefits that are similar to working out. As a result of physical activity, seniors are more likely to extend their lives and reduce risks of heart disease.
Furthermore, the elderly who complete household chores experience cognitive benefits. Doing routine chores helps keep the aging brain sharp. While seniors maintain brain health by finishing up chores on a regular basis, they also feel a rewarding sense of purpose.
Living in a clean and well-maintained household is beneficial in itself. A hygienic home environment prevents bacteria and germs from invading the premises, thereby contributing to the senior householder’s overall health and well-being. Doing chores can be a therapeutic activity.
Before diving into the many chores that are suitable for the elderly, it is important for caregivers to ensure that the senior performs tasks that are safe for her to do. Similarly, the senior should only be encouraged to complete chores that are within her ability level and physical health.
The following household chores can be modified to meet the individual ability levels of the senior. Some routine chores may be accomplished while sitting, for instance, instead of standing. Also offer patience, giving the older adult plenty of time to perform the chores.
1. Vacuuming
Vacuuming once a week is an ideal chore for seniors. Elderly individuals give their upper and lower body muscles a light workout every time they vacuum. Seniors who look after pets should be encouraged to vacuum more often, cleaning the home of pet hairs while staying active.
2. Making the Bed
Older adults, like all other age groups, feel productive and accomplished when they make their beds each morning. The sense of well-being that follows tidying up the bed gives the elderly the motivation to accomplish further tasks throughout the day.
3. Laundry
The physical exercise involved in washing clothes is adequate for the elderly. Before tossing clothes into the washing machine, seniors must gather the clothes and carry them to the laundry room. Washed clothing may be hung to dry on a clothing line, boosting the amount of physical activity.
Once the clothing is washed and dried, seniors may continue the chore by folding the laundered items and storing them in drawers. As mentioned earlier, this type of chore may be accomplished while seated. Sitting while folding clothes is appropriate for seniors with less energy levels.
4. Meal Preparation
Many appetizing dishes require sufficient preparation beforehand: chopping vegetables, standing over a hot stove, and serving the final meal. Seniors who participate in any part of cooking will incorporate beneficial exercise into their day and feel a sense of purpose in contributing to the meal.
5. Grocery Shopping
A senior who is mobile may accompany caregivers on weekly grocery shopping trips. Professional or family caregivers provide safe transportation to the store, and seniors have the opportunity to exercise by taking a brief walk through the parking lot and grocery store.
6. Window Washing
As a once-a-month chore, window washing provides a sufficient level of physical exercise for older adults. Allow seniors to grab a bucket of sudsy water and a clean rag and begin the task of washing inside windows that are within reach. The senior’s major muscle groups will get a workout.
7. Dog Walking
Seniors who are also small-sized pet owners can get their daily dose of exercise by walking their furry friends. A jaunt around the neighborhood with the family dog will prompt conversations with neighbors, making the chore a socially rewarding one, too. Walks can be short and done twice per day.
8. Kitchen Cleaning
A clean kitchen encourages healthy eating. Opened bags of potato chips on the counter can lead to seniors devouring snacks instead of wholesome foods. Aging adults should regularly declutter the kitchen, an activity that simultaneously gives them exercise and promotes healthy eating choices.
9. Car Washing
Seniors who no longer drive can wash their car, if physically able. Giving the car a scrub includes pulling out the hose, soaping up the vehicle, and rinsing off the suds. As the car windows get a good cleaning, seniors also benefit from giving their muscles a fun workout.
Aging individuals do not necessarily need to hit the gym to enjoy the health benefits of a workout. Performing household chores has been shown to be equally advantageous to health. Caregivers should encourage the senior to engage in chores for half an hour per day to experience health benefits.
While the senior in your life is performing chores, she may need supervision. Assisting Hands Home Care providers are experts in ensuring aging care recipients complete routine chores while remaining safe. Our caregivers are dedicated to promoting dignity in the seniors we serve.
Professional caregivers from our well-recognized home care agency encourage seniors to complete household chores when it is safe for them to do so. Whenever possible, we promote independence in activities, as a way to increase seniors’ self-esteem and sense of purpose.
Assisting Hands Home Care professionals provide additional in-home support for elderly care recipients. Our typical responsibilities include help with personal hygiene tasks, transportation to doctors’ offices, and social activities, grocery shopping, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and invaluable companionship.
Our comprehensive senior care services help older adults complete all the activities of daily living. The support provided by our caregivers is essential to ensuring seniors enjoy a high quality of life in the comfort of home. Care options are flexible, and we meet a variety of schedules.
Families with seniors living in Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, NV, and the surrounding areas, find satisfaction in the home care services provided by Assisting Hands Home Care. Your elderly loved one will benefit from quality in-home support.
Call us at (725) 696-9942 to schedule a complimentary consult for an introduction to our care services.
