February 3, 2022

Continuum’s St Louis, MO caregivers can assist with boosting senior health.

Many people have left their New Year’s resolutions by the wayside already by February, but who says resolutions should only be made in the beginning of the year? There’s no time like the present to commit to a brand new habit or goal, especially if you are trying to improve senior health and wellness.

We have six strategies you can implement today. Choose one to start, or jump right into all of them to attain the greatest senior health benefits. And if you decide you could use the assistance of a professional St Louis, MO caregiver to help you reach those goals, give Continuum a call!

Schedule a physical. As opposed to waiting for an injury or illness to call the doctor, an annual check-up is a good way for seniors to stay on top of their own health and potentially prevent problems before they occur.
Get physical. With the physician’s approval and recommendations at hand, begin a new physical fitness routine – together! Working out with a senior you love allows you to motivate one another and act as accountability partners. Agree to adhere to it for a minimum of 21 days, after which it ought to be an ingrained, pleasurable habit you will want to continue.
Stay connected. Help the senior maintain friendships and contact with friends and family to reduce the chances of isolation and loneliness – something we’ve all become too familiar with throughout the pandemic. Offer transportation if necessary for lunch dates, or with setting up technology to stay virtually connected.
Update vaccinations. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines ought to be up to date. As people age, there is a heightened risk for severe effects from these illnesses, so vaccinations become even more crucial.
Don’t forget mental health. A mental health provider will help determine if depression, anxiety, or any other concerns should be addressed, providing both therapeutic tools and medication if needed. Staying mentally sharp through brain enrichment activities will also help with the natural cognitive decline that occurs in aging.
Monitor what you eat. If the fridge and pantry are filled with fatty or empty-calorie foods, replace them with proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and low-fat dairy products. An extreme change in diet may be overwhelming and hard to stick to, so start simple with one replacement at first – carrot sticks instead of potato chips, for instance – and work up to a more healthy overall diet.

Continuum, providing St Louis, MO caregivers as well as serving the nearby areas, is here to assist in helping older adults achieve their senior health goals through individualized in-home care and companionship. From accompaniment and transportation to medical appointments and exercise classes to grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals, all while giving socialization a much-needed boost, we’re empowering seniors to live their best lives each and every day. Reach out to us for more information on how we can help someone you love!