Modern health and science researchers have determined that certain lifestyles leave seniors prone to the development of various medical conditions. However, for decades before modern research, many older adults adopted habits and lifestyles that weren’t in their best interests. Family members often encounter resistance when trying to convince an elderly parent to change. However, there are a few tactics families might want to consider that may produce positive results.
1. Be Positive
Seniors aren’t likely to change when they feel family members are preaching to them or being critical concerning their decisions. Instead, focus positive attention and praise on the healthy choices and habits your senior loved one currently makes in life.
While making healthy lifestyle changes is good for all seniors, some may already live with health conditions that require an extra level of support. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Clearwater, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
2. Set an Example
One of the most highly recommended ways of influencing seniors to change their bad habits involves setting a good example. When your loved one sees firsthand how positive lifestyle changes have affected your life, he or she may be more likely to emulate your actions. If your loved one asks how you’re doing, perhaps start a conversation about how changing your eating habits or getting more exercise has made a significant difference in your energy levels and how you feel. If possible, provide some facts concerning your habits by discussing lowered blood pressure or weight loss.
3. Quit Enabling
By providing unhealthy foods, you’re giving your loved one permission to continue choosing such items. Family gatherings often include foods that aren’t healthy for anyone. Instead, treat your loved one to a healthy homemade snack. Consider serving healthier main and side dishes at your next family get-together.
4. Educate
During their younger years, today’s seniors didn’t have the scientific data that’s now available concerning what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. Share some articles or website information about diet considerations or beneficial exercise routines. Consider giving your loved one a cookbook featuring recipes that closely follow the Mediterranean diet.
A highly trained, experienced caregiver can be a fantastic source of information and support for your loved one. In Clearwater, home Care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
5. Encourage Taking Baby Steps
Lifestyle changes must occur gradually if they’re expected to last. When out with your loved one, maybe park further from the entrance to the store or restaurant. This way, you’re gently encouraging him or her to get more exercise. Invite your loved one to take a stroll around the block or along the path in a park, then work up to walking for 30 minutes five days a week. Offer to join an exercise class with your loved one or work out together at home. Maybe convince your loved one to limit fatty or sugar-laden foods to once every two or four weeks, and encourage him or her to create at least one nutritious meal per week. Praise successes and encourage your loved one to increase the healthy meals to two or three times weekly.
Seniors often find it easier to maintain healthy lifestyles when they have constant support and encouragement from professional caregivers. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Clearwater in-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862.