Helping Your Elderly Loved One To Enjoy The New Year
And just like that, another decade has drawn to a close. With 2020 beginning not just a new year but a new decade, it’s bound to be a time when a lot of changes are made in people’s lives. For many seniors, it will be their second go-around with a decade known as “the 20s”. Older adults deserve to celebrate a special occasion just like everyone else. So, what can you do to help your elderly loved one enjoy the new year?
Get a Better Handle on Modern Technology
We can only imagine what advances in technology await us in 2020. Clearly, there are many that already exist, including the many apps that are readily available for use on our smartphones. Your elderly parent isn’t likely to be familiar with most of the ways in which people communicate and consume entertainment. Why not fill them in and get them to learn more about today’s technological advances?
“Learn more about the technology your family is using,” suggests Medical Alert Advice, “Did you know that Fast Company magazine has reported that people aged 55 to 64 are the fastest-growing demographic on Twitter, with use in that age group increasing by 79% since 2012? Additionally, since 2012, used by that age group has grown 46% on Facebook and 56% on Google+! Even if you are unfamiliar with these technologies, you can learn them.”
Also Read Finding The Best Holiday Gifts For Your Elderly Loved One
Explore New Volunteer Opportunities
Staying active is a great way to enjoy better health. But it doesn’t have to be done through exercise alone. Volunteering is a great way to both live an active lifestyle and give back to your local communities. Sunrise Senior Living points out that becoming a volunteer has a number of physical and mental health benefits.
“It provides a sense of accomplishment, increases self-confidence and brings fulfillment to life,” their website notes, with help from Helpguide, “It also connects you with like-minded individuals, which is great for your mental well-being. This year, find an organization to get involved with to help your neighborhood and reap the health benefits.”
Eat Healthier
This is a New Year’s resolution we should all have on our lists. You don’t need to be a senior to reap the benefits of increasing your intake of water, fruits, and vegetables and decreasing or eliminating your intake of fatty, salty, and sugary foods. As HealthInAging.org explains, in your later years, healthy eating is important, although fewer calories are necessary.
“The USDA’s Choose My Plate program, and your healthcare provider can help you make good choices,” the website informs, “Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose a variety with deep colors: dark green, bright yellow, and orange choices like spinach, collard greens, carrots, oranges, and cantaloupe are especially nutritious. Include nuts, beans, and/or legumes in your daily menu. Choose fiber-rich whole-grain bread, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta.”
Eliminate the Dangers of the Bathroom
Why not make 2020 the year when the potential for slips and falls in the bathtub are gone for good? With Forward Day’s Shower Bay portable shower, you can ensure a safe and comfortable showering experience in any room of the home where there is a faucet nearby. Learn all about it by calling us at 1-877-593-4461 or emailing us at info@showerbay.com
