Five ways to improve the quality of life for seniors

Are you looking for five ways to improve the quality of life for seniors? Seniors can suffer from multiple health problems as a result of being vulnerable to many physical and mental disabilities. Both environmental factors can affect the quality of life in senior populations. 

Aging is a natural life cycle attributed to gradual changes in organ metabolic activity and decreasing capacity in cell regeneration ability. The average human life span has been rising worldwide. The quality of life can be affected by several factors, including heredity, lifestyle and a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and physical activity.

Seniors are more likely to suffer from multiple health problems because of having decreased physical and mental functions. Solitude, impaired sexual activity, and chronic metabolic disorders are some of the causes that can cause emotional distress. These problems can diminish the senior's quality of life.

Five ways to improve the quality of life for seniors

1. Treat depression

Late-life depression affects more than 6.5 million seniors 65 and over. Stressful life events, such as retirement or the loss of a spouse. Side effects of a medical illness or drug could also contribute to depression. Recognizing the signs of depression and seeking help from a doctor, psychologist, therapist, or counselor is vital for improving the quality of life.

2. Help seniors feel useful and needed

Everyone needs to feel they are living a successful and fulfilling life; from the very young up to the very old. When you care for an older adult, please do your best to make them know that you still need their support and that they are not a burden to you. Even if they are unable to do these tasks effectively, perfectly, or even correctly. That is okay. What's important is that they play a part.

Have them help with routine tasks, for example:

• Helping with shopping for groceries
• Making up the shopping list
• Laundry - helping to fold clothes helps with their dexterity and sense of accomplishment
• Making decisions about their clothes - what to keep and what to give away
• Reading and Answering mail
• Staying on top of the world and local news
• Preparing dinner 

3. Encourage regular physical activity

Regular physical activity, however gentle it may be, helps maintain a healthy and optimistic feeling for both body and mind. 

Physical exercise 

• strengthens the immune system 
• reduces blood pressure 
• improves the quality of sleep 
• enhances heart health 
• relieves anxiety,
•  increases stamina and strength, and more.

4. Keep the seniors mentally active

Crossword puzzles, brain games, reading, and writing all are excellent mental stimulation behaviors.

5. Help seniors stay connected with family, friends, and community

Isolated and lonely seniors have shorter lives and are at higher risk for dementia.

Avoid this by empowering your older adult to stay connected to their community and help it.

Some suggestions:

• Arrange for family and friends to meet, eat with, or take them out daily 
• Arrange transportation so they can go to senior centers 
• Please encourage them to attend any celebrations-birthday, graduation, vacation, etc.
• Encourage them to volunteer with church, school, or charitable organizations.
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