Aging can have a negative impact on the emotional wellbeing of seniors. Whether they’re living with limited mobility, smaller social circles, or a lack of purpose in life, it’s fairly common for older adults to feel depressed. Here are a few easy ways to help seniors boost their emotional wellbeing.
Take an Active Interest in Physical Health
Enhancing physical fitness is one of the best goals for elderly people. Regardless of their mobility levels, seniors should try to incorporate exercise into their weekly routines. Chair aerobics and chair yoga are some of the many exercises that help older adults with limited mobility maintain strong muscles and bones. Seniors who live with arthritis may enjoy water aerobics, which puts less pressure on the joints than traditional cardiovascular exercises.
Aging adults should turn daily activities into opportunities for exercise. Chores like gardening, vacuuming, and putting away the groceries have a notable physical component. Embarking on a new physical fitness routine gives a senior a goal to work toward, and cardiovascular exercise provides a mood-boosting emotional release.
Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Find New Opportunities to Socialize
Socialization is essential to emotional wellbeing, and engaging with friends and family members can have a restorative effect on health. However, many seniors have limited social circles due to distance, lack of transportation, and other issues. Facilitate your loved one’s social life by providing transportation to see friends, finding enjoyable local events, and arranging family gatherings. Take a look at local senior centers and retirement communities to see whether they have any upcoming events, parties, or club meetings that might be of interest.
For families living in Potomac, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Utilize Music & Art Therapy
When seniors are feeling sad, lonely, or depressed, they may find comfort in activities that provide an emotional outlet. Music and art therapy are popular choices for seniors, as they allow them to communicate their feelings through nontraditional means. Creating art can have a healing effect on the body, allowing seniors to rid themselves of negative feelings and reduce their stress levels.
When seniors learn new skills, such as how to knit, paint with watercolors, or play the violin, it gives them an empowering sense of accomplishment. Look for local art and music therapy classes that give your loved one the chance to interact with others.
Adopt New Technologies
Seniors who can’t get out of the house on a daily basis may have limited opportunities for socialization. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t maintain long-term friendships. New technologies can help seniors stay connected regardless of distance. Teach your loved one how to use communication tools such as Skype.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Potomac, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (301) 363-2580 today.