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Seven Tips for Seniors to Improve Quality of Life
Although getting older is an advantage not many people get to enjoy, it is also essential to maintain quality of life. This is especially important for seniors dealing with significant life changes and health issues. A positive perspective on life, in general, can help older adults feel they have more control over their lives, which automatically translates into better mental and physical health. Seniors Helping Seniors presents a few simple yet effective ways to help older adults take control over their mental and physical health.
Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS) offers in-home care that empowers seniors to keep living independently in their homes for as long as possible.
Address Depression
It is a widely known fact that late-life depression impacts over 6.5 million older adults. This type of depression can be triggered by stressful life events like losing a loved one or retirement, but it could also be caused by medical conditions or medication side effects. To start improving quality of life, it is crucial to recognize the signs of depression. If you have a diagnosis, pay regular visits to your doctor and work with a therapist to help you navigate this challenge successfully.
Clean Things Up
Keeping a clean house may not sound like a good way to improve quality of life, but it can help reduce the number of allergens and irritants in the home. This is especially helpful for seniors who have respiratory problems or severe allergies. In addition to cleaning up floors and countertops, take a quick look at your furniture. Sofas and chairs can trap allergens, especially if you have any pets. So, in addition to cleaning the house itself, research furniture cleaning services using sites like Angi.com to ensure you are getting a trustworthy pro.
Practice Regular Social Interaction
The benefits of regular social interaction impact people of all ages but, in particular, seniors who live alone and experience more extended isolation periods. If you live alone, frequent calls with friends and family, as well as regular visits, are excellent ideas and can mitigate feelings of isolation. Another way to increase social interaction is to consider a senior living community where you would have numerous opportunities to form deep connections with other people.
Exercise Regularly
Instead of sitting at home all day, try to be physically active regularly. Whether you walk around the neighborhoods, swim in the local pool, or take a yoga class for seniors, regular exercise will keep you active and healthy, enhancing your overall life quality.
Consider a Job
Many retired seniors choose to go back to work on a part- or full-time basis. By working, you can add structure to your life, meet new people, and be more financially secure. Many retirees also consider starting a business to fill their time and look for fulfilment and happiness by doing something they love.
If you decide to establish a start-up, do your homework on the best moves to get a business off the ground. For instance, you may be better off establishing an LLC for the tax perks that go with it, among others. As for the process, make sure to check state regulations and determine if you can do it yourself or engage a cost-effective service for convenience.
Travel Around the World
If you have the financial means and are healthy enough to do so, why not travel the country and other parts of the world? As you have unlimited vacation days, you can plan exciting and interesting trips worldwide to learn more about different cultures.
Engage in New Intellectual Challenges
Besides staying physically active, it is also a must for seniors to challenge their minds. Solving Sudoku and crossword puzzles and other brainteasers, along with reading and writing, will help you maintain or even enhance your memory and cognitive function. It’s also highly satisfying to solve a challenging puzzle or finish a book, and this satisfaction alone can help you feel better about your overall life quality.
To Conclude
It is common for seniors to feel that getting older has diminished their quality of life. That does not have to be the case, though. By considering these tips, you can feel stronger, better rested, fulfilled, and more productive, which increases your life quality significantly.