Tips for Successful Aging

Successful aging can be defined as living with optimum physical and emotional health. Today’s seniors are finding ways to remain physically active and mentally challenged—two factors that lead to a higher quality of life. Seniors who aim to age well will find the following tips for successful aging helpful.

As recently as 2019, the aging population in the US totaled 54.1 million. The number represents 16 percent of the population; and, this percentage is expected to rise to 21.6 by 2040. Based on the 2019 percentages, seniors make up more than one in every seven Americans.

Older people are living longer and healthier lives. This age group embraces the concept of healthy aging, which is achieved through making choices that contribute to physical and emotional well-being. Seniors who receive help developing either are likely to enjoy more comfortable and longer lives.

Tip 1: Boost Self-Worth

Aging naturally comes with increased confidence, as older people have learned valuable life lessons along the way. Life experience gives seniors the strength and resources they need to make wise decisions. One smart decision is accepting caregiver assistance when needed.

But growing older comes with physical and cognitive challenges that can become roadblocks to any senior’s self-worth. Confidence comes tumbling down when older adults are no longer able to drive, regularly maintain the yard, or pay household bills as well as they did in their younger years.

Self-worth can be sustained, even as seniors advance in age. Receiving support with the activities of daily living, while having opportunities to safely attempt tasks independently, boosts confidence. Independently accomplishing even the smallest of tasks gives back seniors their self-worth.

Tip 2: Maintain Social Ties

Socialization is a key component to healthy aging. Seniors need as much positive interactions with others as any age group. However, loneliness and social isolation can plague older adults, especially those who live alone, do not drive, experience limited mobility or suffer from physical disabilities.

Companions can be found in the community, however. Seniors who volunteer are in the company of likeminded individuals who are working together toward a meaningful cause. Homebound seniors will enjoy conversations with companion caregivers as well as sharing recreational activities with them.

Social ties can be further strengthened when professional caregivers provide transportation services to senior centers, social events, and yoga classes, for instance. Friends and family who live nearby are also an invaluable source of comfort, joy, and unwavering emotional support.

Tip 3: Work Out the Brain

The brain ages like the body, leading to minor bouts of forgetfulness. Although occasional memory lapses are a normal part of aging, seniors can improve their cognitive abilities by exercising their brains. While physical workouts maintain bodily strength, mental workouts keep seniors’ minds agile.

Seniors can work out their brains in a number of ways, from reading books in the library and discussing favorite reads at a book club to playing mentally stimulating games on the computer. Companion caregivers, too, keep seniors’ minds alert by assembling puzzles together or playing card games.

Tip 4: Exercise Regularly

Physical exercise is the key to strengthening the body and contributes to the ability to live independently for longer. Countless opportunities abound to keep seniors active, from walking paths, hiking trails, and senior exercise programs to scheduled physical activities with professional caregivers.

Seniors should aim for the recommended 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise or 1.5 hours of vigorous exercise per week. Combine strength training with balance and flexibility exercises. Add more exercise to each day by taking the stairs, parking farther away, or working in the yard.

Tip 5: Eat a Balanced Diet

Good nutrition is an integral part of healthy aging. Eating a balanced diet helps seniors manage a healthy weight, receive the essential vitamins and minerals their bodies need to function optimally, and stay hydrated. Seniors may need more vitamins than when they were younger.

Most older adults can get their daily nutritional needs from the foods they eat. But when preparing meals becomes difficult due to age-related causes, like arthritis or mobility issues, professional caregivers will prepare balanced meals in accordance with the senior’s dietary restrictions.

Tip 6: Reduce Stress

Successfully managing stress is another contributor to aging well. Stressful events can wreak havoc on the aging body’s immune system. Seniors can minimize financial stresses by sharing access to financial accounts with trusted relatives or by arranging a durable power of attorney for financial management.

Several community-based resources also serve the elderly population. For example, the Illinois Department of Aging offers helpful programs, such as the Senior Health Assistance Program, Senior Health Insurance Program, Community Care Program, and Automated Medication Dispenser Program. Information about Covid-19 is readily available.

Growing older comes with a range of benefits, such as increased wisdom, greater life satisfaction, time to pursue hobbies or travel, and more afternoons with the grandkids. But to enjoy life’s pleasures, seniors should follow the abovementioned tips and take care of their physical and emotional health.

When everyday tasks become a hurdle, seniors can rely on the in-home support from the professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a reputable home care agency with a reputation for excellence. Our teams of caregivers are experienced and trained to help seniors of all ability levels.

Assisting Hands Home Care services are designed to give seniors an opportunity to attempt tasks independently, which helps to boost their confidence. We further promote emotional health by serving as pleasant companions; our companion care reduces loneliness and social isolation.

Additional caregiver responsibilities include assistance with personal hygiene (ie, bathing, grooming, and dressing) transportation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and fall risk assessments. We help seniors find guidance with estate planning, advanced directives, Medicare, and reverse mortgages.

Aging successfully can be accomplished with the compassionate support from Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are privileged to meet the daily needs of seniors living in n Hinsdale, IL as well as Brookfield, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Darien, La Grange, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Willowbrook, and the surrounding areas in DuPage and Cook counties, Illinois. Call us at (630) 407-1932 to schedule a free in-home consultation and start quality home care.