As your parents’ caregiver, you need to keep your well-being in mind. At the same time, you also want them to stay in the best possible health, making it important for them to embrace healthy habits. Team up and make sure all of you are taking steps to improve your health.
Choose Meals and Snacks Wisely
Added sugars, high sodium items, saturated fat, and processed flours are all poor dietary choices. It’s time to embrace a diet that focuses on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy unsaturated fats, and a lot of fresh produce.
Make as much as you can from scratch using fresh fruits and vegetables, grains like farrow and barley, and healthy fats like walnut oil or extra virgin olive oil. Canned low-sodium beans are high in fiber and low in fat, so they’re a must-have. Stop snacking on cakes, cookies, and doughnuts. Instead, enjoy nuts, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit.
Exercise Often
Every day, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity. If you feel you can do more than half an hour, feel free. Mix it up, too. Put on a Yoga or Tai Chi video before you shower in the morning. Go for a walk after dinner. Add weight training and aerobic activities throughout the week.
Stop Smoking
If you or your parents still smoke, it’s a good time to stop. Talk to your doctor about cessation aids that will help you kick the habit. Within weeks of quitting, your blood’s carbon monoxide levels return to normal.
You’ll find it’s easier to breathe. It also helps lower your blood pressure and reduces the risk of many chronic health conditions like gum disease and lung diseases.
Check Your Blood Pressure
See your doctor each year for a blood pressure screening. You may want to ask about electronic monitors you can use at home to track it so that you’re not dealing with doctor’s office anxiety when the reading is taken.
Drink Plenty of Water
Everyone should be drinking about two liters of water per day. Set this as your goal, and do your best to reach it each day. Some foods will add water to your daily intake, but it’s also essential to drink enough water throughout the day.
Make Time for Fun
It’s just as crucial for you to take breaks. If you’re busy helping your mom and dad and keeping up with work, stop and think about your last day off. Has it been months or years since you did something fun like take a vacation or went out with your friends?
Hire senior care aides to help your parents for a few days. While their needs are covered, you’ll have time to go on a trip. Take some days off, sleep in, and lounge around the home for a chance.
No matter how you decide to relax and unwind, make sure you take this time for yourself. Senior care is the best way to ensure everyone’s needs are covered.
Any time that your senior is noticing some big changes to how she experiences food, it’s important to look a little more closely. Some health issues can cause food to taste different, and some medications have side effects that affect taste. Your senior’s doctor can help you to look for and find a resolution for those issues.