In previous years, the U.S. life expectancy has increased by 30 years. We often see such statistics and emphasis on improving the average life expectancy for older people. However, as with many other things, life is not always about quantity; it is much more about quality. As we age, we start experiencing significant changes in different aspects of our lives, from our minds to our bodies. These same changes are shared by our elderly, often making them lose their quality of life. Coping with life changes gets challenging as age increases. If we pair these life changes with positive life factors, seniors may continue to feel healthy and reinvent themselves as they move through the landmarks of 60, 70, 80, and beyond. 

People in their old age require the same attention and care as they did in the infant years. That’s how the circle of life works. It should be our priority to ensure that their life after their 50s is comfortable and happy. Here are a few effective tips to help you provide a contented, safe lifestyle to your elderly. 

1. Ensure Safety 

Ensure your elderly is in good hands, whether at home or a nursing care facility. If you have hired help at home, try to coordinate and establish prompt communication with them, it will let you stay updated and allows you to keep an eye on them while away. While nursing homes serve as excellent shelters for older adults, nursing abuse is not uncommon. If you ever suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing abuse, do not delay contacting a nursing home abuse attorney since they protect the rights and health of older adults who often fail to report the abuse themselves. 

2. Remind Them They Are Needed

Studies have shown that most of the problems associated with aging are due to the lack of meaning in people’s lives, leading to unnecessary surrender to aging. Regardless of the numbers, every age group wants to feel needed, and being useful reinforces that they are necessary. More often, our seniors feel that they are a burden due to their lack of contribution to household help. To alleviate this fear from their mind, you need to create a sense of purpose for them. Ask seniors for use in tasks appropriate to their abilities and comfort level, such as; 

• Folding laundry 
• Help in preparing food 
• Jot down the grocery lists 
• Keeping you updated with news 
• Organizing drawers, etc.

3. Keep Them Social 

Socially isolated seniors are at higher risk of developing memory impairment, low self-esteem, and higher levels of stress hormones. However, simple interventions could be meaningful to prevent this occurrence. Arrange family outing days, like going to the beach or having a cooking day together or a lemonade party. 

Make sure to celebrate holidays or family celebrations together, such as weddings or birthdays. Encourage them to volunteer with church or community centers; you could also get them registered as foster grandparents or in charity organizations. 

Keeping them connected with family, friends, and community is the simplest yet most impactful intervention.

4. Monitor Depression 

Aging brings many triggers, such as loss of employment due to retirement, loss of a spouse, chronic illness or pain, or the loss of independence. These triggers leave the seniors susceptible to depression. Undoubtedly it is a severe and debilitating disorder, but we must remember that it is not a natural part of aging. As their caretakers, it is your responsibility to monitor their daily mood fluctuations and look out for any signs of depression, such as:

• Persistent sadness
• Sleep and appetite disturbances
• Lack of interest and feeling worthless 
• Irritability

To improve their quality of life, early detection and treatment of depression is crucial. If you suspect the presence of any of the above signs, get help from a doctor. 

5. Encourage Cognitive and Physical Activity

Playing games such as sudokus, crosswords, scrabble, or chess will help them to keep their cognitive functioning as good as new. Encourage seniors to read and write more to help stimulate their minds, engage with their surrounding environment, and ward off cognitive decline.  

Likewise, physical activity is essential in all stages of life, but especially in old age because our bodies may feel weak. Various studies emphasize the importance of daily exercise to prevent health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and immobility. Along with the physical benefits, its impact on mental health is also unmatched. It alleviates depression and improves energy levels, memory, and sleep. 

6. Stay Updated on Medication

Owing to their age, seniors become forgetful and may not pay proper attention to prescriptions. It is your responsibility to keep a check on your loved one’s medication. Review their medicines, possible side effects, and drug interactions daily. 

Take notes of any new symptoms after they take their medication, such as allergic reactions, drowsiness, nausea, or loss of appetite. 

7. Ensure Independence 

It’s not uncommon for seniors to often feel depressed due to increased dependence on their loved ones. As we take charge of providing them with the utmost care, they tend to feel trapped and start giving up their interest in day-to-day activities. 

Make sure that their feeling of freedom and independence prevails. Provide them with the liberation to make decisions regarding finances, medical treatments, and all other significant activities they have been doing for ages. At the same time, you should give them the attention they need, remember not to invade their space, and remain respectful. 

Conclusion 

Old age is the time for your loved ones to relax and enjoy retirement life. However, the changes such as career transition, children moving out, loss of loved ones, and waning physical health may make them more problematic and challenging to deal with. Aging brings quite a lot of anxiety and fear for them. Make them realize that aging can be healthy by finding new things to enjoy and explore. These tips will help you keep your elderly in the best emotional and physical health and let them thrive at whatever age or circumstances.