“I’m too old for that.”
The older we get the easier it becomes for us to mutter those 5 words. At times, the phrase is simply used as an excuse to refrain from doing something we would rather not. However, there are many times that we legitimately feel like we are too old for it.
Society itself has also been guilty of perpetuating the falsehood that as we age we need to do less and are ‘limited’ in our abilities. This is often called ageism.
Fortunately, there are organizations in place that work diligently to promote active aging and squash ageism. One such organization is the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA).
The organization works tirelessly to challenge society’s “diminished expectations of aging by showing that, regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live as fully as possible in all areas of life—physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental.”
In addition, they founded Active Aging Week, a weeklong campaign in September that raises awareness of the positivity of aging, was founded by the ICAA.
According to the ICAA website, the entire objective to Active Aging Week is to “give as many older adults as possible the means to experience wellness activities and exercise in a safe, supportive environment.”
Since the 2017 Active Aging Week happens to be this week, September 23-30, we thought it would be a perfect time for us to discuss Wiser Home Care Services’ top 6 ways to help your elderly loved one age actively.
Join a Senior Friendly Gym
Joining a senior friendly gym will allow your elderly loved one to remain healthy by working out in a comfortable and non-intimidating environment. Many gyms also offer senior-centered group exercise sessions that focus on senior-friendly, safe exercise. In addition to staying healthy, the gym provides a community of other seniors to spend time with.
Don’t Make a Habit of Sleeping in Too Long
We get it, your entire life you had to wake up to an alarm to go to work. Now that you’re retired you want to sleep in. Sleeping in every once in a while is good. However, once you’re caught up on your sleep you may find yourself waking up early. In retirement, you get to enjoy those early morning hours instead of rushing out the door.
Go Out and Meet People
As we age, it can sometimes become more difficult to go out. When that happens, loneliness and depression can easily strike. We urge our elderly clients to make it a point to go out and meet people. There’s many ways your elderly loved one can do this. They could join a club, go to a Bible study, frequent the local Senior Center, go to game nights, etc.
Keep Your Brain Strong
Keeping your brain active and working is an important aspect of healthy aging. Encourage your senior to attend some classes, join an arts program, or work on brain games. Whatever they decide, it is important to exercise that brain.
Volunteer at a Local Non-Profits
After retirement, many elderly loved ones struggle to feel like their life has meaning anymore. To combat this, we suggest finding a local non-profit that aligns with your loved one’s values.
Try Something New
It’s never too late to find a new hobby or passion in life. Trying new things will help your elderly loved one age actively, have fun and learn something in the process.
As always, if you care for a loved one, and would like help developing a care plan of any kind please feel free to contact us. We can help your family establish a care plan to personally accommodate your loved one’s needs.