Healthy Aging

One experiences an increasing number of changes as they grow older, major changes such as retirement, maybe the loss of loved ones, and of course physical changes of aging.

The key to aging well is how you handle these changes. Aging healthily is about staying physically healthy and maintaining a sense of purpose and a zest for life. There are a few basics which can help for aging well, even though it is not the same for everyone, but knowing the basics will help a person to live a meaningful and joyful life throughout their senior lives.

It`s difficult to cope with change at any age, and there are many challenges for older people when they lose friends and family, a career, or even health and independence. With the inclusion of positive ingredients into one`s life, coping and aging is that much easier.

One has to reinvent themselves by finding new things to enjoy, learning to adapt to change, staying physically and socially active and being connected to one`s surroundings and loved ones.

Old age does not have to mean poor health and disability. There are many older adults who enjoy vigorous health, and there are preventive measures such as healthy eating, exercising and managing stress that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and the risk of falls later in life.

There are things one can do to keep the memory sharp, and avoid or delay significant memory loss. The more you use and sharpen your brain, the more benefits you will get. You can try crosswords, cooking new recipes, variations on things you already enjoy, perhaps more challenging ones, new word games etc.

The elderly are capable of learning new things, it`s important for them to believe in themselves and have confidence and a positive attitude.

There are things in life which are beyond our control, difficult as it might be, those are the things we have to accept, and rather than create stress over these things, one should focus on the more positive things, the ones that you can do something about, because the way you react to problems is the key. There are some limitations as one grows older, but accept them with a great sense of humour, and also with dignity. Find interest in the things around you and expand on that, or start up with a hobby, going for a walk, and learn at least one small thing every day.

Meals on Wheels help countless elderly people by providing nutritious, cooked meals to those who cannot fend for themselves.

Fun and Laughter in Old Age

With an old age population on the rise, we need to take a good look at how we can enrich the lives of these seniors, and remove the picture from our minds of an elderly sitting in a chair knitting all day (nothing wrong with the activity – but all day?) or snoring out of sheer boredom.

These elderly people can still enjoy interacting with others, and one is inclined to leave them out when they don`t hear as well as they used to, or aren`t as exciting and interesting as other company might be.

We all need fun and laughter in our lives, but sadly so many elders are inactive, have no enthusiasm for life and feel left out it. Yes, we no doubt provide all the physical needs, like a comfortable bed, food and warmth, but do we see to their emotional needs? Maybe if we have an elder living in our home, we might want to keep her out of our kitchen for example not thinking that perhaps she misses being able to see to the odd meal, even if only for herself. She has probably catered for her family for so many years and it is difficult to relinquish that independence. It`s a big mistake to say that they have done their share and should now take it easy. Let them gauge how much they can do without being tired out too much.

Our way of thinking towards the elderly has to change, and we should work towards a better quality of life. The elderly are a very important part of family life and we should include them in as many activities as possible.

Music is very uplifting and whilst the different generations in the house may have varied taste in music, have a time when each one has a choice of music to listen to, and one can even include physical movements or dance in time to the music, which can also create a lot of fun and laughter. Physical activity, especially if it is fun, is great for an elder (or any age) and it helps to keep one happy and the mind alert.

A happy person is generally a healthier person, and so if in old age one can keep active with hobbies, perhaps with making a collage or scrap booking, doing puzzles, crossword puzzles to keep the mind alert, going for walks etc it would surely benefit the entire family and enrich their lives.

Perhaps one could also include an elder when planning meals, find out if there is any particular choice of meal that they would fancy, and include their input when preparing a shopping list.

Meals on Wheels are committed to providing the elderly with nutritional, cooked meals when they do not have the resources to fend for themselves.