Watching a beloved parent get older can be tough. The role of the caregiver between parent and child reverses with time as your loved one begins to slowly require more support than before. As your loved one gets older, you want to ensure they remain happy and healthy for as long as possible. Here are three practical ways you can help your parent as they become less independent.
1. Help Them Plan Their Future
Whether your parent is still largely independent or they require assistance with everyday activities, it can be difficult having a conversation about what happens many years down the line. However, having a chat about where they want to spend the rest of their days when they are older and the type of care they want to receive can be incredibly empowering. When it comes to elderly care, there are plenty of assisted living options in Memphis, TN for example. Assisted living facilities are great for seniors who require additional help with daily activities. Some facilities also feature memory care, which is specifically geared toward older adults with memory-related illnesses. Alternatively, older adults who are still largely autonomous may prefer to be in an independent living facility. Whichever option your loved one prefers, speaking about this topic openly will ensure they get what they want in the future.
2. Exercise Together
One of the best ways to maintain good overall health is to stay active. Regular exercise can help your parent maintain a healthy body weight and avoid heart disease, which is common in older adults. Daily physical activity can help them reduce their chance of getting heart disease by decreasing inflammation in their system, slowing the heart rate, and lowering blood pressure. Studies suggest that people with an active lifestyle who exercise regularly are less likely to have a life-threatening cardiac event, like a heart attack. It can also help you reduce stress, which can cause problems with the heart. Exercising doesn’t have to be strenuous, simply doing some gardening with your parent or going for regular walks around the block whenever you visit can help them stay fit and healthy.
3. Encourage Them to Adjust Their Diet
A person’s diet can have a huge effect on their health, and helping your elderly parent eat well will make a positive difference to their overall well-being. Some older adults who live alone find it tedious to cook nutritious meals. Instead, some may opt for packaged meals for a quick fix. Helping your parent adjust their diet by incorporating healthier, nutrient-rich foods can help them maintain healthy body weight and reduce their chance of getting heart disease. If your parent has a sweet tooth, pay particular attention to the amount of refined sugars they consume. Consuming too much added sugar can have negative effects on your heart. It can increase chronic inflammation and cause your blood pressure to rise. Encourage them to eat more whole grains and to swap sugary snacks for healthier alternatives, such as a piece of fresh fruit and heart-healthy nuts.