Sophie Okolo, MPH

As we age, focusing on our physical and mental health becomes more essential. This is especially true for our elderly parents, who may be vulnerable to age-related illnesses and conditions affecting their quality of life. Therefore, you must do whatever you can to ensure your elderly parent’s physical and mental health. Here are some tips on how to keep your elderly parents healthy:

Make sure they are getting enough exercise:

Regular physical activity helps keep the body strong, plus it’s a great way to stay socially connected and mentally alert. Encourage your parents to participate in activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga so they can stay active and healthy. This will also help them to maintain a healthy weight and can help manage any existing chronic conditions. You should also encourage your parents to participate in activities they find enjoyable. This could include gardening, playing cards or board games, or even walking together.

Keep an eye on their diet:

Healthy eating is vital for everyone, but especially for the elderly, as it helps to boost their energy levels and keep their immune system strong. Make sure your parent is consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy products. If your parents are having difficulty preparing meals for themselves, you can offer to help by preparing meals in advance or taking them out to eat occasionally.

Encourage social interaction and stimulation:

It’s important to encourage your elderly parents to stay socially active and engaged with the world around them. This could include joining a local senior center or attending events specifically aimed at seniors, such as lectures, movies, or art exhibitions. Additionally, try to keep your elderly parents involved in conversations about current events so they can stay up-to-date with the world.

Make sure they are getting enough sleep:

Keep track of your elderly parent’s sleeping habits and help them maintain a regular sleep schedule. This can be accomplished by avoiding caffeine late in the day, turning off screens an hour before bedtime, and providing a comfortable mattress for them to rest on. Additionally, if your elderly parent is having difficulty sleeping through the night, try introducing calming activities such as yoga or meditation into their routine.

Schedule regular doctor visits:

Your elderly parents must get regular checkups from their doctor in order to monitor any health conditions they may have or are likely to develop due to age. Make sure your parent is up-to-date on their immunizations and any necessary screenings for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Additionally, it would be best if you encouraged them to speak with their doctor about any concerns or changes in their health that they are experiencing.

Monitor their mental health:

It’s important to keep an eye on your elderly parent’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy and socialize with friends or family members as much as possible. Additionally, make sure you always ask how they feel so you can be aware of any changes in their mood or behavior. If needed, arrange for professional help from a qualified therapist who can provide counseling and support.

Make sure they are taking their medications properly:

Medication is an essential part of keeping your elderly parents healthy. Make sure that they take all of their medications exactly as prescribed and alert the doctor if there are any issues or concerns. Additionally, create a system to monitor which meds have been taken so you can ensure everything is being taken correctly. Finally, be aware of any possible side effects from the medication and talk to their doctor about them if needed.

Keep their living environment safe:

Ensure your elderly parent’s living environment is safe and secure by installing any necessary safety equipment, such as handrails. Additionally, it’s important to keep the home clean and clutter-free to avoid tripping hazards. If any major repairs need to be made around the house, ensure they are addressed in a timely manner. Finally, if you or your elderly parent feel that assisted living may be needed for safety reasons, consider contacting the Nursing Home Justice Center for more information about their services.

By following these eight steps, you will be helping your elderly parents stay healthy and active while ensuring that they have a safe environment in which to thrive. Remember that taking care of our elderly population should always be a top priority, and it’s important to look out for their well-being every day. With your help, they can lead long and happy lives despite the challenges of age.