Healthy Aging and Your Loved Ones
Elder Care in Allentown NJ
When your loved one was younger and thinking about his golden years, he probably had a distinct idea about what it would be like. If he has health problems that have changed that picture, however, he may feel that a happy and healthy later life aren’t possible. The truth is that with a few lifestyle changes, he can get healthier and stay healthy as he ages.
Healthy Aging Means Different Things to Different People
For some people, aging healthily means lowering cholesterol levels while for others, the same phrase maybe can mean losing a few pounds and keeping diabetes at bay. Healthy aging can also mean a change in plans as your loved one hits different age markers. Since there are so many different definitions of this term, it helps to talk with your elderly loved one and determine what healthy aging means for her. She may have answers about the topic that surprise you. If she wants to be able to exercise regularly, for example, then you’ll need to work together with her medical team and her elderly care providers to determine the best plan for that. Anything that helps your loved one to feel and to be healthier is fair game for the plan of action. Revisit the plan regularly to make sure that everything in the plan still fits your loved one’s health goals.
Making Healthy Choices
If your loved one is new to making healthy choices, this is not a plan that you can implement overnight with 100 percent success. It’s tempting to institute a new diet, a solid exercise regime, and whatever else needs to be done and have it go off without a hitch. Remember that what you’re creating for your loved one is a chance for her to make a commitment to her improved health. Baby steps are fine as long as there is forward progress. If you’re having trouble getting your loved one on board with the new plan, talk to her home care providers. They have experience with elderly loved ones and changes to their lifestyle, so they can offer you advice you can put to good use right away.
Getting the Most Out of Life
In the end, what you’re looking for is a way to help your elderly loved one continue to get the most out of his life. If he starts gradually with an exercise program, for example, then that will eventually become a part of his life that he comes to enjoy. Daily walks are a great way to get more exercise and to do so without having to complicate his life. Look for ways to keep your loved one engaged with his new healthy lifestyle so that he continues to embrace it.
Aging in a healthy manner doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. Approach the topic with your loved one and develop a plan together.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elder care services in Allentown, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.