It is never too late to start leading a healthy lifestyle. Making better lifestyle choices can be an excellent way for seniors to improve their physical and mental health and reduce their risk of chronic health conditions. Luckily, there are dozens of ways for you to support an elderly loved one and help them become healthier now and in the future.

Here are three ways to encourage seniors to lead a healthy lifestyle.

1. Suggest quick healthy recipes

Following a healthy diet is important at any age, but it becomes ever more important in later life. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet has numerous health benefits and reduces the risk of developing multiple health conditions, including diabetes and cancer.

Research shows that many older people fail to eat a healthy diet, and 1 in 4 older Americans suffer from poor nutrition. Poor nutrition in seniors can be caused by various factors, including a lack of interest in food and difficulty preparing meals or traveling to the grocery store to buy fresh food.

It is vitally important that seniors eat the recommended nutrients and vitamins to support good health. You can encourage seniors to eat a nutritious diet by suggesting quick, healthy recipes for them to try. Some easy recipes for seniors include one-pan salmon with vegetables, chicken and egg salad, vegetable stir fry, and pasta bake.

If an elderly relative finds it difficult to go to shops to buy fresh groceries, then suggest that they order food delivery or offer to pick up their groceries for them if you live nearby.

2. Encourage them to be active

Many seniors lead sedentary lifestyles as they often find it more difficult to get out and exercise. Exercising can be more challenging as you get older, but you should try to remain active at any age.

The CDC recommends that seniors should do approximately 30 minutes of exercise a day, i.e. a brisk walk. Regular exercise is essential to healthy aging, and you should promote an active lifestyle. You can encourage seniors to be more active by offering to go on a daily walk together or signing them up for senior-friendly exercises like group walks or water aerobics.

3. Discuss the benefits of residential care

Many seniors get to an age when they find it difficult to remain living independently at home. For instance, you might notice that an elderly relative struggles to cook meals or complete household tasks like laundry. If an elderly relative begins to struggle with their daily routine, then it might be time to discuss the benefits of residential care.

Care experts that run senior living communities explain how their facilities offer “innovative programming, engaging activities, and comfortable apartments.” Moving into residential care can help to ensure that seniors can continue living healthy, safe, and fulfilled lives.

Conclusion

Being healthy is especially important in later life as seniors are more at risk of developing medical conditions such as heart disease and strokes. The good news is, minor lifestyle changes can have a big impact and help seniors lead longer, healthier, and happier lives. Try the above suggestions to encourage elderly loves ones to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Seniors to Lead a Healthy Lifestyle