I often talk to my family members, as well as my staff, and caregivers at Home Helpers about the importance of self-care for better physical, mental, and emotional health. Then it occurred to me that many of the seniors that we assist must be reminded about their own self-care, especially if they have become more sedentary, less social, or demonstrate signs of anxiety or depression.
Self-care isn’t necessarily about a day of shopping or a fancy meal at your favorite restaurant, although these are social activities that can be fun and fabulous! Self-care is more about actions that help your body and mind stay balanced, focused, and healthy.
A few self-care suggestions for seniors to boost physical and mental health could include:
Staying Connected with Family & Friends
Human connection and relationships are vital for people of all ages, especially seniors. Senior Services of America recommends aging adults:
- Join special interest clubs.
- Have phone conversations.
- Email family and friends.
- Routine gatherings for coffee or a meal.
- Attend weekly spiritual services.
- Video chat on Zoom or FaceTime.
Learning Something New
Seniors can keep their minds active by learning something new, maybe not every day, but routinely. There are many ways to learn:
- Explore art forms.
- Take up photography.
- Learn games like chess.
- Make crafts.
- Tutor high school and college students.
- Write blogs.
- Read books.
- Listen to audio books.
- Research articles online.
- Take in-person classes.
- Take online courses.
Volunteering
“Especially for retired seniors, finding a way to spend time helping others is a great way to practice self-care. Volunteering offers a plethora of benefits for seniors,” says Senior Services.
Volunteering is a way seniors can be involved in a community and more social. It provides seniors with something to work for beyond themselves. Volunteering gives seniors a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and it provides an opportunity for productivity in giving back to their community.
The following are examples of ways seniors can volunteer and make a difference:
- Be a server at a local soup bank or food kitchen.
- Help at the local food bank.
- Become a CASA or GAL advocate for children.
- Find a local non-profit that means something to you and volunteer.
- Mentor children and teens.
Dancing for Exercise
Dancing is a fun form of exercise that can help seniors improve their balance, coordination, and strength.
Getting Enough Sleep
If seniors do not get enough sleep, they may suffer from irritability, brain fog, lower immune strength, memory loss, and depression.
Some smart suggestions for getting adequate sleep include:
- Going to bed at a good time.
- Sleeping in a dark room.
- Shutting off screens a minimum of two hours before bedtime.
Eating a Well-Balanced Diet
“Your body relies on the food you eat as its main source of nutrients and nutrition. Giving your body healthy fuel helps it function better. Eating well is self-care because you are intentionally giving your body what it needs.”
A healthy diet should include a nutritious mix of:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean protein
- Healthy fats
Taking up Gardening and/or Getting Back to Nature
“Gardening is an excellent way for seniors to keep active and enjoy some time in the sunshine. Just tending a few plants can greatly increase mental health and provide opportunities for social interactions.”
If tending a garden isn’t for you, perhaps nurture a few houseplants.
Spending time in nature has many benefits for seniors, like increased social opportunities, physical activity, and better mental health.
“Whether you are traipsing through a forest, listening to the birds sing above you, or simply stepping outside into the sunshine for a few minutes, nature is a beautiful and healing space.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I want to reemphasize the importance of self-care for seniors. If you or a senior loved one could benefit from the assistance of a compassionate caregiver who can support self-care efforts, I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and ways Home Helpers® can help improve your well-being and make life easier!
Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently-abled, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
Our team is honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and the Employer of Choice Awards 2023, as well as the 2022 Super Star Award from Caring.com. Contact our award-winning team today if we can help make life easier for you or a loved one: 630.800.3837
Source:
Senior Services of America
