Feeling satisfied and fulfilled is just as important for overall well-being as getting regular check-ups from the doctor.
In fact, having a positive view of life can help seniors have more energy, less stress, better appetite, and prevent cognitive decline.
We share 5 ways to help older adults improve their quality of life.
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5 ways to improve quality of life for seniors
1. Treat depression
Depression late in life affects 7 million people aged 65+.
It can be caused by stressful life events like retirement or losing a spouse. It could also be caused by a medical disease or medication side effects.
To improve quality of life, it’s important to recognize the signs of depression and get help from a doctor, psychologist, therapist, or counselor.
2. Help them feel useful and needed
From the very young to the very old, everyone wants to be useful.
When you care for an older adult, do your best to make them feel like you still need their help and that they’re not a burden.
Even if they can’t do these tasks efficiently or perfectly, that’s ok. What’s important is that they’re contributing.
Ask for help with tasks they can handle, such as:
- Folding laundry
- Organizing drawers
- Opening the mail
- Writing grocery or household to-do lists
- Clipping coupons
- Keeping you up to date on the news
- Prepping dinner – for example, trimming vegetables
- Going with you to help shop for groceries or run other errands
3. Encourage regular physical activity
Regular physical activity, no matter how gentle, helps keeps both body and mind feeling balanced and positive.
Physically, exercise boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep quality, improves heart health, relieves anxiety, improves strength and stamina, and more.
Seniors are valuable members of our society, but they may not always feel like it. The challenges of aging can sometimes take a toll on their self-esteem. The loss of loved ones, health challenges, limited mobility, and a loss of independence can lead to feelings of loneliness and irrelevance, symptoms of depression, and a decrease in self-esteem. By paying special attention to the following areas of concern, you can help maximize your loved one’s quality of life and boost their self-esteem.
Social connection
Studies have shown that social relationships are vital to happiness and quality of life for everyone, no matter what age they are. You can help stave off the loneliness and isolation common with older adults by arranging card games, outings, lunch dates, game nights or other activities with your loved one and their friends or family members.
Active lifestyle
Exercise increases self-esteem by boosting mood-enhancing hormones for the short-term and by helping us feel good about our bodies for the long-term. Join your senior for regular walks or yoga classes. Or gift them with a membership at a dance school where they’ll not only get the exercise they need, but where they’ll receive the social benefits as well.
Self-care and good hygiene
Personal hygiene is directly linked to self-esteem. When a person takes the time to care for their teeth, their body, their hair, it says they are worth the time and effort. You can help your senior’s self-esteem by driving them to salon appointments, putting on their makeup before an outing, or making sure they’re stocked up with all the necessary hygiene supplies at home.
Beautiful clothing
Feeling good about the way you look is not reserved for the young. Older people love to feel attractive too, but unfortunately, many seniors give up on the idea of feeling pretty or handsome. Help your loved one choose clothing that makes them happy, colors they love or fabrics that feel great on their skin, and remind them that there are no rules for what they can or can’t wear just because they’re older.
A sense of relevance
When the culture is centered around the youth, older people often feel irrelevant, which can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. To help your senior continue to feel relevant and important, include them in family discussions about current events, ask for their opinions and advice about personal matters or things they’re knowledgeable about. The more a person feels included and involved in the life around them, the better it is for their self-esteem.
Creativity
Creative activities have been shown to improve brain elasticity in older adults. This means that drawing, painting, ceramics or other creative pursuits help keep the brain fit. They can also reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and increase self-esteem. Encourage your senior to sign up for drawing classes at a local community center. Or commit to a weekly date where you set up your easels side by side in the backyard or at local parks. Just spending time coloring together is a simple creative and social activity that can help keep the brain active.
Independence
It’s important to help maximize your loved one’s independence in any way you can. Whether your loved one lives on their own or with you, making modifications in the home is a good way to help them stay safe while also maintaining their independence. This may include simple changes such as installing grab bars in bathrooms or more complex changes such as lowering counter heights and widening doorways for wheelchair users.
Emotional support
For older adults who may have lost their siblings, best friends, or spouses, emotional support may not be easily available. You can tune in by asking them how they’re doing and really listening to what they have to say. Additionally, keep an eye out in your area for support groups for seniors. Or, if they’d be willing to speak to a therapist or pastor, you can help make arrangements.
5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego at Bella Vista Health Center
At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand how health conditions and recovery from surgery can take a toll on a person’s overall sense of wellbeing. We offer a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment and the high-quality care our patients need to achieve optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Our team of compassionate medical specialists and professionals create customized rehabilitation programs designed to shorten recovery time and return patients to independent living as soon as possible. We also offer essential services, social opportunities, and round-the-clock care. For more information or to schedule a tour, give us a call at [619] 644-1000 today.