Yes, aging comes with challenges, but helping elderly family members stay active, in spite of health problems, is vital to maintaining, even improving their physical and mental well-being as they age.
According to geriatrician and researcher, Stephanie Studenski, M.D., M.P.H., a number of health conditions—from a heart attack or stroke to balance problems and weight loss—can result in frailty. And frailty, when not recognized and dealt with, can lead to a diminished quality of life and serious depression. You may already have spotted some warning signs in your loved ones:
• Change. Mom has always been interested in talking to the neighbors, reading the
newspaper, or volunteering but is withdrawing from those interests.
• Inactivity. Dad is suddenly much less active than usual and is less motivated to go to
his grandson’s game, or even walk to the mailbox.
• Slowing down. Grandpa always used to have a bounce in his step. Now, suddenly,
he trudges along. He says he’s in pain, or breathing is difficult.
• Loss of appetite and weight. Grandma enjoyed cooking and always had a healthy
appetite, but she seems to have lost interest in food. She’s not cooking at all or
eating well, either.
• Unsteadiness. Loss of balance comes with aging but Mom’s increasing unsteadiness
has led to a couple of falls, and insecurity in the shower.
Keeping an older adult’s mind, body and social life active can prevent or even reverse frailty, and family caregivers assisting seniors are in a unique position to help them figure out what activities will work best – you know their interests, you know what might motivate them.
According to Dr. Studenski, “A key is simple activities that seniors find pleasurable or enjoyable.” Walking, sharing memories, and spending time just talking, that’s a great start. And there are a variety of activities including everything from doing puzzles, to remembering the lyrics of songs they once loved, to writing letters to soldiers far away from home, a way of reaching out. www.GetMomMoving.com is a Home Instead web site with specific activities for seniors to improve their mind, body and soul.
With help from experts, Home Instead Senior Care has compiled some enjoyable and motivational recommendations to help keep seniors active. Please log on to www.GetMomMoving.com, or call us at 661-254-8701, and we’ll send you a printed copy of “Special Activities to Help Seniors Stay Strong.”
Source: www.GetMomMoving.com