The industrialized world is facing a growing aging population. America’s people ages fifty and older will be doubled by 2050, comprising over 20% of the population.
Society needs to begin understanding the social impact of this demographic change and gracefully support seniors, by helping them remain active and healthy for as long as possible. Many people who are 50 years of age and older are a huge financial force, creating a whopping $7.6 trillion in economic activity alone in the United States.
What Steps to Take for Healthy Aging
You’ll find that your loved ones start aging and slowing down at some point. While you’re trying to step in and do as much for them as you can, helping seniors remain independent is a great way to ensure their independence. It’s an important way to ensure that they continue to contribute to the physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being of themselves.
Here’s a breakdown of top tips to help seniors age gracefully, actively, and remain independent:
1. Needs of Seniors
First of all, the most important thing to do is recognize the needs of the seniors in terms of care. For example, seniors who use wheelchairs for mobility have different needs for in-home treatment than seniors who have early onset of dementia or other conditions.
2. Get Socializing
Another important point to maintain active aging parents, friends, and other seniors is to support their social life. Start searching for people with similar beliefs, preferences, or inclinations. Encourage social events such as church or reconnecting with old friends, a way of making them feel alive. Digital outlets – such as forums for seniors and offline community events – such as church meetings can be used for meeting new people.
If you’re a senior and can’t manage such activities, go to the library, theater, senior meeting groups, or community centers and events for other senior citizens. The idea is to stay socially engaged with others, as this helps to maintain good emotional health.
If there’s an activity you’ve always wanted to try, then go for it and also encourage others. It may be working in a wood shop, joining a book club, or enrolling in meditation classes – new activities can encourage you to meet new friends. It has also been shown that having healthy social relationships has a positive impact on the workings of your brain.
3. New Technology
It’s crucial for seniors to understand and become accustomed to modern, smart-living technological equipment, such as cell phones, voice assistants, and remote care systems. Health and intelligent living systems and technologies are an important sidekick to a healthier ageing.
For example, smartphones can be used to send emails or surf the internet for vital information. Seniors can use cell phones to set their calendar, alarms, and make emergency calls making their lives easier and safer. Seniors feel secure knowing they have access to state-of – the-art technology and tools they can use to get emergency response when needed.
4. Get Active
Fitness is important for every age and it will ensure that seniors stay fit and active by concentrating on exercises. As people age they tend to lose muscle strength and become vulnerable to falls. Staying active is key to muscle building for seniors.
Keep seniors in daily and effective exercise regimes. Whether it’s a senior yoga class, a stroll, or cycling around the road – exercise will go a long way to helping older, older adults stay fit and strong.
The aim is to give top priority to physical exercise. If a senior has any ideas for workouts then make sure to support and facilitate regular practice. Coupled with a balanced diet and physical fitness workouts help to reduce muscle loss and hold diseases away.
Reno Valley Assisted Living and Retirement Community
Reno Valley is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.
We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional well-being. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact Reno Valley today to learn more about our services or tour our community.