The importance of physical activity cannot be overstated, no matter your age. Although there are noticeable differences between strength sessions for 75-year-olds and 25-year-olds, building strength for seniors holds as much importance as for younger people.
Luckily, professionals who provide dedicated homecare in Studio City know how to help your elderly loved one stay active and safe. Read on to discover some of their greatest tips for helping the elderly!
Why is strength training for seniors essential?
The body of an aging individual changes, often in unwelcome ways. The process of aging, even in a healthy, normal state, includes:
- Metabolic slowdown
- Weakened and depleted muscles
- Increased body fat
- A reduction in bone density
- Increased bone porosity
- Weaker joints
- Slower reaction times and reflexes
- Reduced aerobic capacity
These are just a few of the typical changes we encounter as we age, and they don’t necessarily have to be severe. That’s why walking and other low-impact activities are an important part of slowing and minimizing these changes.
What are the benefits of physical activity for seniors?
Furthermore, many diseases like Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes are associated with these transformations. And even though it’s impossible to stop or reverse the aging process completely, physical activity should be part of a daily healthy routine for many reasons:
- Fracture prevention
Osteoporosis and bone loss make older adults more likely to suffer fractures and breaks. Even though osteoporosis can be also caused by other factors, research shows that exercising can improve bone density. A combination of aerobic exercise and strength training can boost the density and reduce breakage risks.
- Better functional movement
Strengthening your muscles through training will improve your overall performance. Thanks to it, older adults can gain more mobility, cover longer distances, and even reduce their dependence on assistive devices.
Even if it’s just a light daily activity, as a result, you’ll also be able to perform a variety of functional tasks more easily, such as sitting and bathing. Consequently, this simplifies life considerably, allowing more time for activities.
- Boosts mental health
A person’s mental health is as important as their physical health as they age. As you age, you are more likely to suffer from loneliness and a lack of social connections, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Physical activity increases mobility, improves function, and boosts mood, enabling you to live a more fulfilling life.
How does exercising look for seniors?
It’s often assumed that strength training is all about weightlifting, but in reality, it is a form of exercise that is extremely adaptable. It can involve light or heavy weights, but it is also possible to stay active in a variety of other ways. From a simple pet walk and light housekeeping to full body movements similar to the ones you do every day – walking, jogging, squatting, and more.
Where can I find reliable homecare in Studio City and the surrounding areas?
As a caretaker of an elderly loved one, it is imperative that you do not underestimate how important this task is. However, if you’re on a tight schedule and overburdened with daily responsibilities, A Better Way In Home Care can refer a caregiver to assist you. Besides bathing, dressing, and preparing meals, they can also help your elderly family member feel less lonely and more confident on their feet.
If you’re living in Studio City or anywhere else in the Los Angeles area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let us connect you with someone who’d be eager to help with everyday tasks. We can ensure that seniors remain healthy and happy – regardless of their age! Give us a call today and we’ll match you with the best Caregiver.
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We all benefit from socialization in many ways: we’re cultivating friendships, improving our communication skills, and fostering a sense of belonging. The importance of socialization does not diminish as we grow older — just the opposite. Social isolation is associated with a number of negative health consequences, including depression, impaired sleep, and inflammatory responses, ultimately resulting in weakened immunity and accelerated mental decline.
Thankfully, in Studio City, professional homecare plays a significant role in helping seniors stay socially active, connect with others, and maintain positive emotional and physical health. Read on to learn more about why seniors need socialization.
Why is socialization important for seniors?
It’s both physically and mentally beneficial to stay social as we age. The following are some of the main advantages explained in more detail.
- Decreased depression
In today’s society, social isolation is still a major cause of depression among older adults. There’s no denying that loneliness can affect people at any age, but older adults are at greater risk due to changes in routines and independence.
Furthermore, seniors are more likely than other age groups to experience loneliness after the passing of a spouse or close friend. Being able to interact with others brings satisfaction in our lives and provides bonds crucial for a good quality of life.
- Improved cognitive function
Similarly, active social life is extremely beneficial to a senior’s cognitive health, too. Maintaining positive social interactions on a regular basis will keep seniors engaged, focused, and mentally stimulated. Best of all, healthy social interactions give older adults a sense of self-worth and accountability.
- Reduced risk of mental decline
According to studies, many seniors regarded as alert and mentally sharp are socially active. Memory for specific events, described as episodic memory, is preserved through social interaction and friendship among older adults.
However, did you know that improving your or your loved one’s social life is also good for your brain? According to current studies, brain cells are more connected, contributing to the brain’s resilience against Alzheimer’s disease.
- Better physical health
Socially active seniors typically engage in more activities. Keeping an active physical routine provides seniors with improved physical health while growing older. Exercise offers many health benefits, including:
- Lower blood pressure
- Enhanced cardiovascular health
- Low risk of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Improved mental health
- A sense of belonging
In our senior years, being a part of a community has the same importance as it did during our teenage years. When things get tough, we need to know that there are people who can support us. It may be particularly difficult for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to feel included. So long as people socialize, new friendships can still be made and lasting bonds can be formed.
Where in Studio City and the surrounding area can I find trusted homecare?
Here at A Better Way in Home Care, we have a team of experienced and knowledgeable caregivers who can help out your elderly family members in Studio City and the vicinity. Their goal is to make sure they are well taken care of in every way possible: help them with their daily chores, prepare meals for them, accompany them to doctors, provide emotional and social support, etc. Assuring that your elderly loved ones receive the dignity and empowerment they deserve is what we strive for.
Our team meticulously checks the background of each caregiver we recommend. Rely on us to match you with a dedicated and supportive senior care professional, whether your loved one lives in Studio City or elsewhere in LA, to provide them with the care they require. Get in touch with us today and discover all the benefits of working with us!
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As our loved ones age, it’s only natural that we worry about their well-being. One of the many issues that can come with age is increased stress and anxiety. While some stress is normal, too much stress can lead to serious health problems.
That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of stress in your senior loved one and to know how to help them combat it. Whether you do this with the help of professional caregivers in Marina Del Rey or on your own, it’s important to be informed on the topic.
What helps the elderly with stress?
Here are 5 ways you can help your elderly loved one keep their stress under control:
1. Keep them connected to their loved ones
One of the main sources of stress for seniors is feelings of loneliness and isolation. According to UCSF’s study, more than 40% of seniors regularly experience loneliness. This can lead to business all sorts of other health problems, including depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and sleep problems.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that your elderly loved one stays connected to their loved ones, whether that means setting up regular Skype calls or planning family visits.
2. Get them involved in their community
Another way to help reduce your elderly loved one’s stress is by getting them involved in their community. There are plenty of ways to do this, depending on their interests. If they’re interested in art, for example, you could look into joining a local art group or taking classes at a nearby museum or community center.
On the other hand, if they’re looking for something more active, there might be a senior citizen sports league in your area. Getting involved in activities outside the home can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness while also providing a sense of purpose.
3. Help them stay organized
As we age, it can become more difficult to keep track of things like doctor’s appointments, medications, and bills. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress, especially if the senior is experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline. Luckily, there are a few ways you can help your elderly loved one stay organized and on top of things.
One way is by creating a simple spreadsheet with all their important information like doctor’s appointment dates and contact information so they always have it on hand when they need it. You could also look into online bill-paying services or medication reminder apps that can help make things easier for them (and for you).
4. Promote healthy coping mechanisms
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is by using healthy coping mechanisms like exercise or relaxation techniques. As we age, it’s important to stay active both mentally and physically through activities like brain games, reading, gardening, or walking outdoors.
Taking some time each day for some simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also work wonders in reducing stress levels. No matter how resilient your elderly loved one may be to stress, these techniques are helpful for stress reduction at any age.
5. Encourage them to eat right
What we eat plays a big role in our overall health, including our mental health, so it’s important to make sure that your elderly loved one is eating right. This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods as much as possible.
It might also mean cutting back on caffeine or alcohol if either is causing problems with anxiety or sleep deprivation. Having balanced meals throughout the day will help keep energy levels up and stress down.
Where can I find experienced caregivers in Marina Del Rey and the surrounding area near me?
Our agency connects you with experienced in-home specialists in senior care who can help with all aspects of caring for your elderly loved one. We carefully screen and select professionals who are compassionate and skilled in providing high-quality care.
The professionals we match you with are trained to provide assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, light housekeeping, and much more. In addition, they can provide transportation to medical appointments and other errands as needed, as well as walks around Marina Beach with your elderly loved one.
If you’re interested in learning more about our in-home care services, contact us today! We would be happy to answer any of your questions and match you with a professional who can meet your or your loved one’s specific needs.
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The elderly population experiences a great deal of stress. The challenges of old age such as retirement, health issues and isolation can make your senior loved one more stressed and in a chronically bad mood. Given the aging population in the United States, more and more families are finding themselves in need of home care agencies for their elderly loved ones in Marina Del Rey.
These professionals provide a valuable service by helping to relieve the stress of caregiving and providing a reliable source of support. Read on to learn more about why the elderly population tends to stress more than their younger loved ones.
Why do old people stress so much?
There are a number of reasons why older adults may experience more stress than younger adults. Let’s have a look at the 5 most common reasons:
- More responsibilities
The increased responsibilities that come with age can be a major source of stress. For example, older adults may have to care for young children or grandchildren, manage a household, and deal with health issues.
In addition, older adults often have more financial obligations than younger adults, including mortgages, credit card debt, and medical expenses. All of these factors can lead to increased levels of stress.
- Facing retirement
Retirement can be a stressful time for many older adults. For some, it may mark the end of a long and successful career. Others may find retirement to be a sudden and unexpected loss of income.
In addition, retirement can also bring about changes in lifestyle and social status. For example, retired individuals may no longer have the opportunity to interact with co-workers on a daily basis. As a result, they may find themselves feeling isolated and alone.
- Struggling with a loved one’s death
As people age, they often face more significant losses, such as the death of a spouse, close friends, or other loved ones. The grief that follows these losses can be very difficult to cope with, even for more resilient seniors, and may lead to feelings of stress and isolation. This can be a difficult time for anyone, but it can be especially hard for older adults who may have already lost many friends and loved ones.
- Chronic health issues
Declining health can also be a major source of stress for the elderly. Chronic health issues can be painful and physically debilitating, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Potential cognitive decline and chronic tiredness can make the situation even more difficult.
These conditions often require ongoing medical treatment, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Finally, chronic health issues can cause feelings of anxiety and helplessness, as older adults worry about their declining health and ability to care for themselves.
- Loneliness and isolation
A combination of all of these reasons often results in an intense feeling of loneliness for many seniors. Their retirement from work can make their social circle shrink. This can leave them feeling isolated and cut off from the world.
Their health problems make it difficult for them to get out and about, which can also contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Another possible source of stress is that some of the elderly may be on a fixed income, or they may have expensive medical bills. If there’s no one to help them with this, it can make their feelings of loneliness even worse.
Final note
While stress is a natural part of life, it’s important to find ways to manage it in order to maintain our physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help seniors cope with stress.
How can I find reliable home care agencies in Marina Del Rey and the surrounding area?
Caring for an elderly loved one can be a difficult and stressful task. If you are feeling overwhelmed, A Better Way In Home Care can refer a caregiver to provide the assistance you need. They can help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation and various other tasks.
Transportation to doctor’s appointments and other errands can be provided. Most of all, the caregivers can provide your elderly loved one with companionship and conversation, which can help to reduce stress levels. A walk around Burton Chace Park with one of the experienced caregivers we match your elderly loved one with, can do wonders for their mood and well-being. Let us refer quality care that will allow your loved one to age in place in the comfort of their own home. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help.
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