Spring has sprung in Brevard County, Florida and Champion Home Health Care not only focuses on keeping seniors happy, healthy, and safely aging in the comfort of their own home, but we thrive on sharing information benefiting our elder population. So, while the birds are chirping, blooms sprouting, and the hours of sunlight extending longer, we have compiled a list to help add a little spring to your aging loved one’s step.

Our previous post offered simple tips to help uplift your senior’s mood, increase their energy level, and motivate them to get out and enjoy this glorious time of year. This prior entry focused mainly on the benefits of getting the proper amount of shut eye and consuming the appropriate amount of water. Such simple measures can strengthen your overall immune system resulting in more vitality and pep. It is a common misconception that older people require less sleep. In fact, it is best if sleep patterns remain consistent throughout adulthood. Not only is routine quality sleep important, but so is water! All cells, organs, and tissue need water to function properly no matter what your age. Adults should ideally consume 6-8 glasses of water a day. Proper sleep and adequate hydration are easy ways to increase your liveliness.

While getting sufficient sleep and enough water are noticeable ways to add pep to a senior’s step, there are some other not so obvious ways too:

Get a Pet

There are many benefits to getting a pet for an elderly person. Furry friends not only provide companionship and unconditional love, but they can improve a person’s health too. Here are so positive reasons for getting a pet:

  • Companionship
  • Helps one feel needed
  • Bonding
  • Enriches life
  • Promotes good health. Dog owners are more likely to be engage in physical activities daily such as walking which in turn can lower stress, cholesterol, and blood pressure while reducing heart disease risks.
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Encourages socialization
  • Reduce depression
  • Petting and cuddling a pet can lower your heart rate and blood pressure and boosts your immune system

Exercise… Get Moving!

One of the healthiest things you can do every day is exercise. Staying active physically and regularly exercising can prevent or delay certain diseases. Exercise can reduce depressive feelings, help manage stress, and improve your overall mood and energy level. Getting physical and being active also improves your sleep and boosts self-confidence too. Here are some ideas on to get physically and socially active:

  • Swim
  • Walk
  • Yoga / tai chi
  • Play games to increase mental agility
  • Golf
  • Bike
  • Attend church
  • Volunteer
  • Hike
  • Garden
  • Water aerobics
  • Attend local events

We hope these ideas help you to inspire your senior loved one to adopt some habits and activities that help to put a little spring in their step, a little pep in their persona. Keep in mind, if you are in need of hands on health care for your elder family member, the team at Champion Home Health Care is here to help. Call us at 321-608-3838 to schedule your RN consultation. Let us bring peace of mind to your family by keeping your family member safe, happy, and healthy in the familiar environment of home.