Living a healthy lifestyle can translate to a happy and quality life. As such, healthy habits are all the more necessary during this COVID-19 pandemic. Not only will these boost your physical health, but these will also foster your mental wellness. Ultimately, they can promote your overall well-being.
But while you pay attention to your health as young as you are, old people tend to neglect this. Unfortunately, they are the most vulnerable during the pandemic. They are among those who might get hospitalized and eventually perish. That’s why you must involve them in your pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
That said, here’s how to encourage your elderly loved one to have healthy habits:
1. Set healthy routines at home
As the head of the household, take the initiative to set healthy routines at home. Implementing these is all the more plausible during this pandemic as the whole family members stay at home. Be sure to sit down with your family and orient everyone, most especially your seniors. These routines include waking up early, eating together, pursuing physical activity, and spending quality time with each other.
2. Prepare healthy and nutritious meals
If you or your spouse is responsible for cooking, you must be wary of what food you put on the table. As much as possible, push for a healthy diet for proper nutrition. Opt for whole fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and lean meat. Try to avoid canned goods, processed foods, and preservatives. Veer away from carbonated beverages and encourage everyone to drink plenty of water instead. Ultimately, eating properly and staying hydrated can keep your elderly loved one always healthy.
3. Get them involved in your physical activity
As a young adult, you may be determined and committed to your fitness routine. Sure, you may be lifting weights or performing cardio exercises. However, your seniors don’t need to get into strenuous physical activity or extensive workouts. But they must not have a sedentary lifestyle for their health and wellness. That said, encourage them to walk around the house or perform minor exercises. Any form of physical activity can make a world of difference in their overall health.
4. Allow them to set health goals
It’s easy for seniors to dismiss the idea of setting health goals. Know, however, that they aren’t old enough to stay dormant in life. In fact, they must continue to set goals to make the most of their remaining years. For instance, they can enjoy doing outdoor gardening or even try indoor hydroponic planting. In the end, allow them to pursue their hobbies and interests to foster their physical and mental health.
5. Push them to have medical checkups
A part of having a healthy lifestyle is getting regular medical checkups. They are especially imperative for older people who start to show all sorts of diseases. As such, encourage your seniors to visit their doctors regularly for health screenings and medical examinations. These include a blood pressure check, cholesterol screening, colorectal cancer screening, prostate cancer screening, mammogram, colonoscopy, vision test, and hearing test. Ultimately, prevention is and will always be better than cure.
6. Visit them in the assisted living facility
If your old parents are staying at an assisted living facility, you may have the assurance of a healthy lifestyle. In most cases, they are taken care of through proper medical treatments and personalized care. Know, however, that a healthy lifestyle is holistic. Not only does it include physical health, but it also covers the person’s emotional and psychological well-being. That said, visit your seniors regularly to communicate, bond with them, and offer emotional and psychological support.
7. Keep them excited for the future
The future may be uncertain, especially given this COVID-19 crisis. However, we must be as hopeful as possible. Such hope and optimism must apply to the elderly as well. As much as possible, encourage your seniors to look forward to the future. For instance, tell them how you want them to see your kids grow and succeed. Also, give them good reasons to live and make the most of their lives. In the end, you’ll be surprised at how they will live much longer and happier.
At this point, you now know what it takes to encourage your elderly loved one to live a healthy lifestyle. As such, be sure to consider our valuable health tips recommended above. As a family, you must get everyone involved, from your young children to your old parents. In the end, a healthy lifestyle can make a difference in the overall quality of your family’s life.
