Fostering, enhancing, and maintaining your health and wellness doesn’t stop at a predetermined age. The older you get, the more you need to pursue a balanced mind and body to increase the quality of your life. To do this, you should focus on your physical and emotional wellbeing and mental fortitude to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Seniors need not be afraid of aging as they can still live their best and fulfilled life. With the assistance of loved ones and professional in-home caregivers, Palos Verdes elderly citizens can age in place by pursuing the following elements of senior wellness.

1. Proper Diet

Seniors who consume the proper nutrients and maintain a healthy weight remain active and independent well into their twilight years. They also spend less money and time at the doctor’s office, especially if they have a chronic condition.

As you age, you need fewer calories because your metabolism slows. You also require more of certain nutrients, so it’s essential to select foods with the best nutritional value. A healthy meal includes:

  • Lean protein (lean meats, eggs, beans, seafood)
  • Fruits and vegetables (think a rainbow of colors like orange, green, purple, red)
  • Whole grains (oatmeal or brown rice)
  • Low-fat dairy (or other calcium-rich alternatives)

Choose high-fiber foods that are low in salt or sodium and get plenty of vitamin D. Remember, natural foods rich in vitamins and nutrients are better than dietary supplements.

2. Physical Activity

Palos Verdes elderly citizens need plenty of physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week as per WHO recommendations). Some physical activity each day (walking, gardening, or outdoor hobbies) helps keep the body in good condition, the mind clear, and creates a sense of fulfillment.

Medical experts recommend incorporating cardiovascular health workouts plus some moderate muscle-strengthening activities to prevent heart attacks, the potential for falls, and other common causes of senior debility. Always check with your health professional before starting a new exercise regimen.

3. Sleep

Seniors require seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night to recharge for the next day. Some may wake up early due to advanced sleep phase syndrome (body rhythm changes), so they may need to sleep earlier in the evening.

Additionally, several physical conditions that come with aging can make it challenging for seniors to get enough sleep. The following tips help prevent sleep deprivation:

  • Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the evenings
  • Maintaining a steady circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) every day
  • Avoiding naps longer than 20 minutes during the day
  • Avoiding medication that affects or prevents quality sleep
  • Treating conditions that affect sleep
  • Asking in-home caregivers to monitor proper sleep habits or assist with sleeping discomforts

4. Safety

In-home caregivers can help ensure Palos Verdes seniors are safe from various issues, including falls, poor nutrition and diet, or even telemarketing and online scammers.

5. Socialization

Loneliness and inactivity are silent killers for the Palos Verdes elderly and contribute to dementia, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and other mental and psychological conditions. Therefore, seniors need to interact regularly with their family, friends, and communities to maintain wellbeing.

Community activities and events like going to the farmers’ markets at Palos Verdes High School or the Wilson Park in Torrance help. Seniors may want to join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Village to socialize with plenty of fun activities. In-home caregivers provide much-needed interaction for seniors who wish to or have to remain at home.

6. Purpose and Identity

After retirement, seniors can find hobbies and activities to keep their time fulfilled. For example, these could be birdwatching or volunteer work. Seniors also need a sense of identity, accomplishment, and belonging, which loved ones and caregivers can provide and foster. For example, encouraging them to tell their life stories, write down memories, look through family albums, write journals, or participate in society as a teacher or mentor.

A Peaceful Way Home Care Can Help

A Peaceful Way Home Care can help your Palos Verdes elderly loved ones age in place and lead a quality life. For a free in-home assessment or more information, contact us today or call (310) 377-3776.