Prioritize Personal Wellness with Seniors Helping Seniors®

In-Home Care Services

Healthy Aging Month, celebrated every September, brings awareness to the physical and mental changes seniors experience as they age. This month-long observance also reminds seniors to care for physical and mental health throughout the golden years. Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services enable older adults to lead a vibrant and fulfilling life. A kind hand and a positive perspective will help you or your senior loved one remain connected, curious, and content as you navigate the later years.

The Significance of Healthy Aging

Healthy aging is a conscious choice with remarkable benefits for older adults. The goal is not only living longer but living better. Prioritizing physical and mental health enables seniors to improve their well-being and outlook. This includes lifestyle changes like engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and finding activities that bring joy. Continue reading for four Seniors Helping Seniors® ways to promote healthy aging this month.

1.    Focus on Physical Well-Being

During Healthy Aging Month, make movement an enjoyable part of your or your special senior’s routine. Non-strenuous activity helps us stay fit while improving overall well-being, and an active lifestyle builds muscle and mobility for everyday life.

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. Explore workouts that match your fitness level or that of a loved one. Some options that the Seniors Helping Seniors® family loves include yoga, swimming, walking, and even dancing!

2.   Nurture Emotional Health

Mental health matters as much as physical health. Prioritize self-care this month by incorporating mindfulness into a daily routine.

Peaceful activities like meditation, breathing exercises, or journaling center thoughts and reduce stress. Seek opportunities to connect with friends and family. Sharing stories, laughing, and being present with loved ones combats feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing to a positive state of mind. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help.

3.   Take Preventative Measures

Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Monitor health and keep up with recommended screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and bone density tests. Be sure to follow recommended vaccines, including influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles.

Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver is happy to give you or a senior loved one a ride to any appointments. Proactive measures empower seniors to take control of health, allowing our clients to continue enjoying life to the fullest.

4.  Make Positive Lifestyle Choices

Lastly, this month offers an excellent opportunity to incorporate better habits into a daily routine. Consider setting specific goals that align with your well-being aspirations or those of a loved one.

Aiming to eat healthier? Start cooking with more nutritious, nutrient-rich foods. Want to build a better sleep schedule? Try going to bed an hour earlier and reading before going to sleep. Or get more organized by committing to decluttering at home. It takes about two months for a new habit to stick, so don’t wait to make lifestyle changes.

·         1 cup of warm water (approx. 110° F)

·         2 (.25 ounce) packets active dry yeast

·         1 cup of raisins

·         3 large eggs

·         1 ¼ cups of white sugar, divided

·         1 tsp. of salt

·         ½ cup of margarine, softened

·         8 cups of all-purpose flour

·         2 tbsp. of milk

·         2 tbsp. of ground cinnamon

·         2 tbsp. of butter, melted

2.    Mix warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Add raisins, eggs, ½ cup sugar, margarine, and salt and mix until combined. Stir in cooled milk. Add flour gradually to make a stiff dough.

3.    Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for several minutes. Transfer to a large, greased bowl and turn dough to grease the entire surface. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size.

4.    Grease three 9×5-inch loaf pans and set them aside.

5.    Punch down dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a large rectangle, about ½-inch thick. Moisten dough with 2 tablespoons milk. Mix together remaining ¾ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle over moistened dough. Roll tightly into a log that is about 3 inches in diameter.

6.    Cut log into thirds and tuck the ends under to form loaves. Place into the prepared loaf pans, lightly greasing the tops. Cover and let rise again, approximately 1 hour.

7.    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Once your oven is ready, bake for about 45 minutes, or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped. Remove loaves from pans and brush with melted butter. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.