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Even when our older relatives live independently, supporting them through their seniors years is essential. After all, there are many issues, such as mobility, mental health, and isolation, that can affect them. Happily, it really isn’t that hard at all to support our relatives when they reach a more senior age. In fact, you can find out all about how to do this in the post below.
Mobility
Mobility is often a significant issue as we age. In fact, it often becomes a self-replicating cycle with older folks moving less, which then decreases their ability to be mobile. Of course, there are some tactics that you can use to help your senior relatives to maintain as much movement as possible.
The most simple of these is to schedule in some regular walks, or even gentle hikes together. In fact, if you frame it as quality time spent together, they may not even realize that it is designed to help them keep mobile.
Of course, there are other options, as well. Such as chair yoga, dance classes, and some older folks can even benefit from physical therapy. Something that can help them to navigate around any particular problem or injuries and so stay as mobile as possible.
Isolation
Of course, mobility is so essential not just from a physical health perspective, but because it allows seniors to be independent and get out and about in their community as well. In fact, it is often mobility issues that lead to a chronic sense of isolation. Where older people find themselves alone in the home and don’t see any other people for days on end.
That is why, if you can see that an older relative in your life is becoming isolated; it is imperative to act as soon as possible. In fact, getting them involved in unique activities for seniors can be a great way to fight this problem. The reason being that not only will it get them out into the community, but it will provide a valid and enjoyable reason for doing so as well. This being a factor that can often be the missing part of the puzzle in terms of motivation.
Additionally, doing all you can to bring the older person into the family unit can help a lot as well. With things such as regular family meals and get-togethers, as well as making an effort to go pick them up for special events being vital to reducing that sense of isolation.
Mental health
Finally, when it comes to supporting more senior relatives, do not forget that their mental health matters too. Of course, this will have some overlaps with both mobility and isolation, but there are some other issues to look out for as well.
In particular, issues with anxiety and depression are known to worsen as a person gets older. Therefore if they have suffered from these in earlier life, it’s a smart idea to watch out for the warning signs and help them gain access to treatment as soon as possible.
In fact, for many seniors, this is one of the most important ways you can support them because it will have such a significant impact on the quality of life.
