Aging is an inevitable part of life. While it might be a perfect time for reflection, aging, however, comes with its downside. At this stage, many older adults become susceptible to health conditions which could result in loss- or decline- in mobility. Stroke, debilitating arthritis, injuries from falls, osteoporosis, neurological diseases- among many others- are some of these conditions that could lead to limited mobility. However, in these all, the need to remain healthy- both physically and mentally- cannot be overly emphasized. That said, we’ve gleaned 7 healthy habits seniors with limited mobility can engage in to preserve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Exercise
If there’s any habit that has proven to boost mood, ease anxiety, expel depression, and lead to the better functioning of the body’s organs, it would be exercise. To be clear, limited mobility doesn’t rule out the possibility of exercising.
An excellent chair exercise that could be extremely beneficial to you if you cultivate a routine around it is an exercise called “seated rows”. This exercise helps keep the upper back and chest muscles fit. To do this, sit at the edge of the chair. Stretch your hands forward with your palm facing and your elbows bent. Draw those elbows back, squeezing your shoulder blades. Repeat for about 10 times.
If you are a professional whose job is to manage elderly patients, you might want to create an activity calendar which would help you run engaging activity sessions.
Writing
Yes- it’s a healthy habit! In regards to staying mentally fit, writing doesn’t only help coordinate your thoughts and emotions, but it also relieves stress and anxiety.
Not a so-good writer? It doesn’t matter. You aren’t writing a poem that’s competing for a literacy award. Just pour out your mind and you’d be shocked at how much wonder a pen and a paper could wreak. If you are a senior with limited mobility, writing can help lift your spirits.
Get a book
Loss of mobility isn’t a one-way ticket to all-day movie watching. Another way to keep the brain active and healthy is reading. Reading helps keep the brain engaged. Also, it helps reduce stress and, oftentimes, insomnia.
Eat Healthily
The food we eat keeps our bodies in shape. Needless to say, your body responds to whatever is thrown at it. Throw junks in, and you’d wind up with some illness. Throw good fruits, veggies, and healthy food in, and you’d become a healthier version of yourself.
Eating right doesn’t have to be overly complicated. To get started with, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables as they are important for older adults.
Get creative
Now’s the time to get in touch with your creative side. Whether it is drawing, painting, sculpture, or coloring, there are a lot of ways to be creative. Asides being able to keep your brain active, being creative comes with a lot of health benefits.
Recent research proves that creative activities can help people battling chronic illnesses to reduce negative emotions and pump positive ones.
Sleep well
In a bid to ensure the proper functioning of your body, sleep is an essential activity. Frequent waking and insomnia at night among seniors isn’t a surprise. However, to get quality sleep, be sure to use a good mattress, turn the lights down, and gradually spur drowsiness by putting the screens away.
Visit the dentist regularly
Don’t you know that your teeth need some attention as well? The risk for cavities grows with age. Again, many mouth conditions could be linked to a myriad of serious health conditions such as heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. Hence, seniors are encouraged to visit their dentist regularly.
Conclusion
Inclining your body to these healthy habits wouldn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency on your part. Start little by little, step by step- and you’d find yourself walking in these healthy habits for seniors with limited mobility.
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