Many people dream of reaching the age of 100, and this is certainly one birthday that deserves a celebration. Living to be a centenarian is quite an achievement, and people can achieve this feat by adopting the following strategies.
Take Care of the Little Things
Many serious health conditions start off with minor issues that are correctable when treated early. For instance, proper diabetes care can help seniors avoid developing complications from the disease. Minor injuries are often treatable with therapeutic services so seniors don’t lose their mobility. While it seems tedious to treat minor issues every time they arise, your loved one may live longer if he or she avoids serious illness or injury.
Older adults can live longer by making healthy lifestyle choices. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Make Safety a Priority
Falling is one of the leading causes of injuries in seniors. All it takes is one bout of vertigo or tripping over a pet’s toy to potentially sustain a serious injury in the golden years. Perform regular safety checks around the house to eliminate potential fall hazards, and assist your loved one with activities that raise the risk of falls, such as bathing.
Quit Unhealthy Habits
Giving up unhealthy habits could add a few more years to your loved one’s life. Smoking, drinking, and overeating are all habits your parent needs to give up if he or she wants to make it to 100. However, quitting is sometimes more difficult than it seems. If your loved one needs help, reach out to a local support group or talk to a professional caregiver.
Helping older adults let go of unhealthy habits can be a challenging task, especially for overworked caregivers. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Clearwater, FL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Spend Time with Positive People
If you watch centenarians celebrate their birthdays, you’ll notice they’re surrounded by family members and friends. These people are often the ones who are smiling the most and laughing the loudest. When surrounded by positive people, your loved one is more likely to avoid the effects of stress. Make sure your loved one socializes with other people every day and limits interactions with anyone who brings him or her down. Life is too short to get bogged down by someone else’s negativity.
Focus on Self-Improvement
It’s never too late to learn new things, and some of the oldest seniors picked up new skills well after they hit retirement age. While your loved one may need to avoid activities such as waterskiing, there’s no reason he or she can’t take a computer programming class or learn a new language. By diving into a new passion, your loved one can cultivate a desire to live a long and healthy life.
Older adults who need help living a long, healthy, and happy life should consider professional at-home care. Clearwater at-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.