Everyone, here at Advantage Home Health Solutions, hopes you had an amazing Christmas! We hope that you were filled with joy and surrounded by your loved ones over the past few days. Of course, the holiday season isn’t quite over yet. 2024 will soon be here! On behalf of our entire team, we wish you a very happy, prosperous and safe New Year!
Of course, with the changing of every calendar comes the need to reflect on the past year to make plans for the new one. This is certainly an important requirement for both older adults and individuals with mobility issues. Naturally, health and safety are top priorities. So what New Year’s Resolutions can they commit to in order to make 2024 a year full of good health and safe living?
Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.
A tried-and-true practice, seeing your doctor is a vital step in optimizing your health. Especially for older adults, it’s all about catching any potential issues early. Make a New Year’s resolution to schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider for preventive care and screenings. This can help you stay on top of your health and address any concerns proactively, leading to better overall health outcomes.
“While getting regular medical checkups is important for everyone, regular doctor visits are especially crucial for older adults,” echoes Home Care Assistance Edmonton, “Age-related health conditions need to be monitored because they can quickly progress if they aren’t managed well.” They list monitoring blood pressure, evaluating serum glucose, managing pain and addressing cognitive health issues among the reasons seniors need to see their physicians on a regular basis.
Be mindful of hydration.
We all should know the importance of eating a healthy diet. Surely, you don’t need to be reminded to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats into your meals. However, you may need to be reminded to stay hydrated. Are you drinking enough water every day? Hydration is vital for maintaining energy levels and supporting bodily functions.
Dr. Leslie Kernisan recommends drinking something that contains electrolytes, such as sports drinks, juice or even bouillons. “But in most cases, even drinking water or tea will help,” she writes for Better Health While Aging, “Experts generally recommend that older adults consume at least 1.7 litres of fluid per 24 hours. This corresponds to 57.5 fluid ounces, or 7.1 cups.”
Work to reduce your stress.
We know. It’s easier said than done, right? Make no mistake that practicing mindfulness and managing stress are key ways to better your health in 2024. Take up such activities as meditation, deep breathing exercises or yoga. They are well known for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It’s also wise to find healthy outlets for stress such as engaging in fun hobbies or spending time in nature.
“Try a new hobby, or instead of sitting on the porch, take a stroll around and enjoy the scenery that surrounds you,” encourages Senior Helpers Canada, “Switching up your daily routine sometimes is an easy way to help manage stress… Yoga or meditation is a great way to help you let go of the tension that stress causes. Try taking a few deep breaths when you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious.”
Maintain a regular exercise routine.
Start up a daily routine that involves light exercise. It should go without saying that physical activity is crucial for maintaining mobility, strength and overall health. As we age, this can become more difficult. However, your workouts certainly don’t have to be strenuous. Think walking, swimming or chair exercises that are tailored to your mobility level. You may wish to consult with a trainer to develop a safe and effective exercise plan that is safe for you to start.
On Forbes.com, physical therapist, Rachel Tavel recommends cycling to seniors. “Whether using an outdoor bicycle or a stationary bike, cycling requires the use of larger muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, leading to increased blood flow and demand on the heart and lungs,” she informs, “Cycling is also a non-impact activity, which can be beneficial for anyone who needs to reduce ground reaction forces during exercise to help with joint or muscle pain or dysfunction.”
Connect with others socially.
Social connections are important for mental and emotional well-being. However, they can sometimes be challenging to maintain for older adults and those with mobility issues. Make a resolution to stay socially engaged by participating in activities that bring you joy and connecting with friends, family and your community. This could involve joining social groups or clubs, attending virtual events or simply reaching out to loved ones through phone calls or video chats.
“Sometimes just talking to a loved one or good friend is helpful,” Senior Helpers Canada points out, “Being open to expressing your feelings, maybe even having a good cry is a way to help ease some stress you may be experiencing.”
Make your home more accessible.
Obviously, a safe and accessible home environment is vital for individuals who have mobility challenges. Could your home benefit from some modifications to improve accessibility? Perhaps, you need to install grab bars in the bathroom. This would give you much better leverage and help with balance on those slippery tiles. Do you need a wheelchair ramp set up outside of the house for easier entry and exit with your wheelchair?
Every part of your home can be made accessible. At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we identify product solutions that match your specific needs, giving you freedom and independence at home and beyond. There are many products available, but we will consult with you to fully understand what you’re trying to accomplish. We want you to have the best solutions to maintain your lifestyle.
In 2024, our team will continue its mission to ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You’ll know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you. To learn more, 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! Happy New Year!
