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Aging Gracefully: Health and Safety Tips for Seniors
by Maria Cannon
Aging gracefully involves many things; staying healthy is a priority, but safety is also a crucial part of getting older. For many seniors, making sure their home and lifestyle are in line with those imperatives can be difficult. You may have a disability that makes things a bit more challenging, or you might be on a budget that requires you to limit the amount of money you spend on improving your home to make sure it’s safe and accessible. Many seniors find it hard to get used to a different diet when they’re focusing on their health, especially if they’re living with diabetes or other conditions that require big changes.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to boost your health and safety no matter your age or lifestyle,starting with maintaining or adopting the right mindset. Everything that’s going on in the world, combined with the challenges we all face on any given day, can make it easy to focus on the negative. But positive thinking can help improve your health and help you live longer. The key is to be intentional with your thoughts and reactions, focus on what’s good in your life, practice gratitude, and surround yourself with positivity.
Once you have your mind right, you can move on to more specific goals. For example, you might consider looking for a grant that will help you pay for modifications to your home, or working out a spending budget for the week that will allow you to cook healthy meals at home. With so many ways to stay healthy, you have plenty of viable options. Keep reading for some wonderful tips on how to get started.
Look Over Your Medicare Plan
Medicare is crucial for most seniors, but it doesn’t always cover everything you need. Supplemental insurance, such as a Medicare Advantage Plan, can help pay for extras such as dental and vision insurance and prescription medications. This is a huge benefit for seniors who are on a budget but have health issues they need to prioritize. Look at the website to learn more about this type of plan and how it can help you save money, but take special note of the open enrollment period, which runs between October 15 and December 7 every year.
Pick Up a Hobby
Hobbies can be invaluable for many seniors; not only does it provide relief for stress and anxiety, but it can also help you stay social and boost your mental and physical health. Think about the things you enjoy doing the most and work them into your routine. Whether it’s gardening, reading, or playing a sport, practicing a hobby you enjoy can help you feel good about yourself and can even help keep you happy. Hobbies that include friends or loved ones are even better.
Modify Your Home
Because your home should be a safe and comfortable place, it’s important for you to go through each room and take a look at how accessible everything is. Would a grab-bar or seat make showering easier? Would changing the flooring prevent slips and falls? Home modifications are common for seniors and individuals with disabilities, but they can be costly if you don’t have a good plan. Look online for information about grants that may be available in your state.
Get Enough Rest
Many seniors find it difficult to get adequate rest, either because of a physical ailment that makes sleep elusive or because of stress. You can prioritize good rest by making sure your bedding is comfortable, that your diet contributes to a healthy sleep routine (cutting out caffeine and eating foods like turkey and yogurt can help significantly), and exercising daily. With better sleep comes an improved ability to cope with stress, which will help with your overall well-being.
Staying healthy and safe well into your golden years can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking. Start a new plan for your lifestyle, and look for small ways you can change to avoid becoming overwhelmed. With some preparation, you can ensure that your mind and body stay healthy for years to come.