What Factors Improve the Quality of Life for Elderly People?

Growing older is an inevitable part of life. While it comes with its own unique challenges, aging doesn’t have to mean compromising on joy, independence and personal fulfillment. In fact, many people today are redefining what it means to get older by embracing vibrant, active aging-in-place lifestyles.

From maintaining your physical and mental health to building social connections to adapting your home, there are so many ways to improve your quality of life as a senior.

While it might take a bit of work and effort, making these changes will allow you to continue to lead a happy, healthy life. And don’t forget: you don’t have to go at it alone. Help and assistance are always available when you need it so you can continue to thrive.

Ensuring Physical Well-Being

Whether it’s joint pain or limited mobility, many people experience physical health challenges as they age. While we can’t halt the progress of time, there are certainly ways to look after our bodies and keep them as healthy as possible.

Regular Healthcare Access

First, preventative healthcare is the most important favor you can do for your body.

Health issues are much easier to deal with when they are caught early. It’s not just because it allows for early intervention and cure. Preventative care also significantly reduces the recovery time and lessens the chance of having to endure extended hospital stays.

This means you should go for routine check-ups – even if you feel fine and well. Preventative screening, vaccinations and routine monitoring of vital signs all play an important role in keeping you healthy.

Additionally, if you suffer from a chronic condition, keeping up-to-date with ongoing monitoring and medication will also keep symptoms and discomfort under control.

Getting the right support for managing chronic conditions is crucial. Receiving medication reminders, organizing pharmacy deliveries and ensuring your condition is continuously monitored will enable you to continue getting the right level of care.

Proper Nutrition

People of all ages should enjoy a balanced and nutritional diet. Nutritious foods help maintain your energy levels and the functioning of vital organs like your brain, heart, liver and bones.

But did you know that seniors require higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals to maintain optimum health as you age? These include:

• Vitamins A, D, B12 and B6

• Calcium

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Fiber

• Protein

• Iron

Eating a diet that is tailored to your age will help you retain muscle mass and strength and ensure you’re absorbing sufficient levels of nutrients. Eating well will also properly support your immune function and keep those mental and physical energies sharp.

Proper nutrition also elevates your mood and can make you feel happier and “lighter.” In contrast, non-nutritious foods like sugary snacks have the opposite effect. Studies have shown there is a direct correlation between eating junk food and having high stress levels and poor mental health.

Regular Physical Activity

It’s natural to slow down as you age, but that doesn’t mean you should stop altogether. Engaging in regular exercise will keep you mobile, prevent your joints from stiffening and keep you steady on your feet, significantly reducing the risk of falls.

Let’s not forget the role exercise plays in your mental health too. It’s well-known for staving off anxiety and depression – a common issue faced by seniors who are less active.

It’s also fun! Getting involved in any sort of group exercise sessions provides social interaction and a chance to make new friends.

There are plenty of seniors who lead very active lives and take part in competitive sports, pushing boundaries and displaying impressive feats of fitness well into their golden years. One man even successfully completed the infamously grueling Ironman event at age 80.

Of course, you don’t have to go to these lengths to stay fit. Any sort of exercise you can incorporate into your routine will benefit you and help you lead an independent life longer.

For a more gentle approach, exercises like walking, swimming, yoga or low-impact aerobics are best. They’ll keep you flexible and increase your cardiovascular health without being too hard on the joints.

Even if you suffer from mobility issues, there are ways to keep active. There are classes adapted specifically for wheelchair users or specialized activities such as armchair aerobics. Each is designed to help you make the best of your abilities and keep you healthy.

Maintaining Emotional Wellness

What is the quality of life without emotional well-being? Looking after your physical health is one thing, but addressing mental health concerns such as loneliness, anxiety and depression is just as crucial.

Mental Health Support

Feelings of loneliness and depression are common among seniors, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

The important thing is to recognize these feelings and reach out for support when needed. Counseling services, support groups and companion care can all provide much-needed mental health support.

Just remember that you’re never alone and there are many resources out there to get you back on track and feeling more like your true self.

Fostering a Sense of Purpose

Just because you’re retired, it doesn’t mean that you should lose your sense of purpose.

On the contrary, being free from work opens up the opportunity to re-engage in old hobbies or even discover new ones. Whether it’s reigniting your passion for art, planting a vegetable garden, starting a book club or jamming on the guitar, you have the time to absorb yourself in your favorite activities.

You can also become an active member of society in a meaningful way. There are many clubs, associations and community projects that would jump at the chance to have your wealth of skills and experience on board.

Volunteering for a local charity, for example, benefits a worthy cause within your community and enriches your life with a renewed sense of purpose.

Family and Social Connections

Staying connected to family and friends is a key part of what defines quality of life. We need our loved ones around us to make us feel valued and supported.

Maintaining regular visits, phone calls, video calls and other electronic communications keeps family bonds strong. Plus, surrounding yourself with younger generations will help you stay young at heart.

Similarly, it’s important to foster meaningful connections with friends. Attending group activities and get-togethers offers the chance to find like-minded individuals who you can chat with over a cup of coffee or two.

Providing a Safe and Comfortable Living Environment

Home Adaptations

Having a safe, accessible living space is likely to become necessary at some point. Making the right adaptations before they become necessary will enable you to stay independent for longer and keep your quality of life high.

For instance:

• Installing grab bars in the bathroom or near steps will prevent slips and falls.

• Adding ramps will enable easier access to the home – especially if you require a wheelchair.

• Using a stairlift will mean you can remain in your own home, even if the staircase becomes a challenge.

• Adjustable furniture, non-slip mats and easy-to-reach appliances will also make your life much easier.

• Even something as simple as installing brighter lighting will lessen the likelihood of having an accident.

The importance of keeping a clutter-free home also cannot be underestimated. Having stuff everywhere creates a trip hazard. Plus it’s much harder to keep clean and maintain.

Household support services can help you go through your home, declutter it and get everything organized to your liking.

Encouraging Social Interaction

We’ve mentioned social interaction a few times, but it deserves its own section because it does so much for our mental well-being and quality of life.

Research consistently shows that seniors who regularly engage in social activities experience less stress, anxiety and depression. It also goes a long way toward combating feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Community Programs and Events

We’re lucky to be living in a world where there is a gathering for just about every type of interest or hobby. Whether it’s a book club to share the love of reading, a fitness class to keep the blood pumping or classes where you can pursue your creative passions, there’s something out there for everyone.

Love to learn? Why not stretch your brain by enrolling in an educational course? There’s no better time to learn a new or useful skill, and many colleges offer discounted or free tuition for seniors.

Local communities and senior centers also offer classes and groups. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try woodworking. Or do you want to learn a musical instrument or join a choir?

Once you start exploring the available options, we think you’ll be surprised at just how much there is on offer.

If getting to and from these activities is a concern, there’s no reason to miss out. You can always enlist the help of a care worker to transport you.

Access to Modern Tech

Embracing technology and taking the time to learn it will open up a new world of possibilities – as well as give you a new and exciting skill.

There are lots of free or low-cost courses designed specifically for seniors to teach you the basics. Or enlist the help of a grandchild or other younger family member to show you what to do.

Here are some of the ways it will benefit you:

• Using modern communication methods such as video chat, email and texting helps you remain in closer contact with loved ones.

• Shopping online brings items you need directly to your home and prevents you from getting caught short without vital groceries or self-care items.

• Connecting with other individuals via social media and discussion boards allows you to chat about your interests and hobbies.

• Learning new skills is easy via online courses and videos.

• You can discover what’s going on in your local area and how you can get involved.

Or you can simply explore the internet and all it has to offer. Discover blogs that align with your interests and read news sites to stay updated with what’s going on in the world.

You could even learn to create your own website to write about your interests and passions.

Intellectual Engagement and Lifelong Learning

Keeping your brain occupied and engaged is another important aspect of maintaining your quality of life. Our brains work like a muscle and must be constantly exercised to keep the mind sharp.

Reading is an excellent way to stay focused and it’s well worth investing in an electronic book reader like a Kindle. These can store thousands of books without taking up any room, and – unlike physical books – the text can be adjusted to any size you like to make reading more comfortable.

There are puzzles and games of all kinds to try. Sudoku, crosswords and jigsaws are all great solo activities that keep the brain occupied.

Are there games you’d like to play with others, like Scrabble, backgammon or chess? Besides keeping your mind occupied, they provide another opportunity for social engagement. Look around and find a local get-together, where you can go and engage in some friendly competition.

Additionally, you can play these games with others via a computer or smartphone app – another great reason to get up to speed with technology!

Access to Professional Caregiving

Keeping your health and mind in check will allow you to keep your independence for as long as possible. So will getting the right help when you need it.

You don’t have to struggle in your daily life when certain tasks get challenging. Asking for help when you need it can make the world of difference for an active, aging-in-place lifestyle.

At Tandem Care, we understand how vital it is for you to get the proper support in your own home so you can maintain your quality of life. We prioritize your independence and ensure that your daily routines can continue smoothly and without stress.

Our professional assistance services range from quick assist visits to extended care and everything in-between. We also provide on-demand care for those day-to-day situations that require an extra helping hand.

Whether you want assistance with personal care, grocery shopping, transportation or something else, our caregivers will make it happen in a way that fits your lifestyle.

To learn more about our services, get in touch with our friendly and caring team today.