Happy New Year! With 2025 now in full swing, the Advantage Home Health Solutions team would like to offer its absolute best wishes to everyone. Every time we switch up the calendar, people tend to make what they believe to be thoughtful and achievable resolutions. Sensibly, they often prioritize health and well-being. We would like to offer our assistance to everyone who wants 2025 to be a year of optimum health, safety and independence!
Whether big or small, every step towards your goals can lead to a more fulfilling and confident life. So what can you do to ensure that your new year is a safe and healthy one?
Schedule regular check-ups and properly manage your medication.
We highly recommend that you place “I will stay on top of my health appointments and medications” on your New Year’s resolutions list, if you haven’t already. Regular health check-ups and proper medication management are keys to maintaining overall health and well-being. Schedule routine doctor visits, vision tests and dental check-ups. It is certainly worthwhile to make sure that all facets of your health are positive.
As well, keep a medication list. It’s vital that you take your medications as they are prescribed. Use reminders or pill organizers to help you to stay consistent. It’s also wise to ask a family member or caregiver for support, if needed.
“Although adults aged 65 and older make up about 13 per cent of Canada’s population, they consume 20 to 40 per cent of all prescription drugs and 25 per cent of all over-the-counter drugs,” informs Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), “Older adults usually take medications as prescribed. However, problems can arise if they forget to take their medications, share medications with others or get confused about what to take or when.”
Commit to being more physically active.
Is “I will engage in safe physical activities regularly” on your list of New Year’s resolutions? You’ll likely never come across one that doesn’t have some form of exercise on it. This is because it’s widely known that physical activity is good for you. It’s as simple as that. Staying active helps maintain strength, balance and flexibility. Especially for seniors and those with physical challenges, these are essential for mobility and fall prevention.
We would recommend such low-impact exercises as chair yoga, water aerobics and tai chi. Make it a point to take short, regular walks if the cold outside isn’t too much to bear. You may even with to work with a physiotherapist to help you create a safe exercise plan. It’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Consistency matters more than intensity!
“When older adults increase their physical activity, they can help manage their chronic conditions and prevent frailty,” reports Dr. Linda Li for Arthritis Research Canada, “Our recent study showed that physical activity counselling by a physiotherapist can help older adults with chronic conditions stay active. The key to that study was having a physiotherapist work with the person to develop a realistic physical activity plan and make updates over time.”
Focus on your mental wellness.
Let’s be clear. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Be sure to include “I will take time for activities that bring me joy and reduce stress” on your New Year’s resolutions list. Find ways to practice mindfulness or meditation. Consider taking up a new hobby like painting, reading or completing crossword puzzles. As well, it’s good idea to spend time in nature, whenever possible. Peace and tranquility can do you a lot of good!
Note that even a few minutes a day spent doing something you love can make a big difference. By the way, don’t hesitate to turn to a loved one for some assistance with bettering your mental health. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a step towards independence and peace of mind.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, as many as 1 in 3 older adults living on their own say they have a need for mental health care. “12% of those 65 and older have reported feeling social isolated,” reveals their website, “Delays in diagnosis increase as people age. 22% of older adults in one study screened positive for depression. 5% of older adults access health services for mood or anxiety disorders.”
Prioritize the safety of your home.
If “I will make my home safer and more accessible this year” is one of your New Year’s resolutions, we are right there with you! There’s no question that a safe home environment is essential for maintaining independence and preventing accidents. In any home with an older adult or individual with mobility issues, safeguarding the entire priority should be of paramount importance.
Install grab bars in the bathroom and near the stairs. Doing so will help to stabilize those who are unsteady on their feet. Also, ensure that there is proper lighting in hallways, staircases and entryways. Clearly, this will help for those with vision impairments to see the walkways in front of them. Be sure to remove loose rugs or clutter that may pose tripping hazards as well.
It certainly wouldn’t hurt to install or upgrade your home’s security system. “A smart home is a secure home,” insists ForYourLife.ca, “Install smart locks, video doorbells and security cameras that you can monitor remotely. These devices provide real-time alerts and allow you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere, any time.”
Get in touch with Advantage Home Health Solutions!
In 2025, our team is more dedicated than ever to providing solutions that ensure the well-being and independence of your loved ones. Top quality stair lifts, mobility scooters, lift chairs and other mobility equipment are just a few of the many products we offer to those who wish to live more fulfilling lives.
Remember that, at Advantage Home Health Solutions, we always ensure that you have the complete picture of our products. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page