Aging is something that everyone, if they’re lucky, will do at some point in their lives. When it’s your parents, however, it’s easy to try to take care of them fully, just like they did for you when you were growing up. However, though your parents may need your help, it’s important for them to stay not only healthy but active as well, for their own physical and emotional well being. Keeping that in mind, read on below for a few tips to help you keep your elderly parent not only healthy but as active as possible as well.
Aging in Place
It’s a proven fact, and an old adage, that there is no place like home. This is true from a very young age and doesn’t change as you become a part of the senior population. If at all possible, try to let your elderly parents age in the comfort of their own home. Not only does it make them more comfortable to be around their own things, but studies also show that seniors who age in place are healthier and more active as well.
Keep Up with Medication Management
Keeping up with your parents’ medication and medication management is one way to ensure that they get to age in place. Make sure that you research everything to do with your parent’s medication before you give it to them or allow them to take it. For example, in recent years, the debate over THC and CBD oils, and which is better for pain for the elderly has produced very few answers as to which is better. Make sure to research CBD VS THC yourself before making a final decision for your own parent’s medical needs.
Help Them Stay Connected and Make Friends
Being social is important, regardless of what age you are. Just because your parent is getting up there in age doesn’t mean that they don’t need to stay connected and even make new friends in their age group. The time that they spend with you and your family is extremely important, but your parents need to hang with people their own age as well for their own mental health and well-being.
Help Them Stay Physically Active
The days when getting older meant sitting on the front porch in a rocking chair as you watched the world go by are long gone. Today, seniors are staying physically active for as long as possible and feeling better for it. It is important to talk to your parents’ primary health care provider first, however, to ensure that they are up to the task and for suggestions on the best form of exercise for your their needs. Whether it’s a short stroll around the neighborhood or a long walk in the afternoons, staying active is a great way for your parent to stay happy, healthy, and energized.
These are just a few tips to help you take care of your elderly parent. Do your research and speak with your parents’ doctor first for help deciding which of these tips will work best for your specific situation.
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