Keeping up with New Year’s resolutions in assisted living facilities in Oceanside, CA can be especially difficult. Mobility and memory issues can make it even harder than it otherwise should be. The following tips from Ocean Hills should help you stay on top. Some of these resolutions can be a benefit on their own, while others will help you maintain good physical and mental health.
Update Crucial Documents
Updating your most important documents is an important task that often gets overlooked during our day-to-day hustle and bustle. Think about how many things there are – living wills, end of life wishes, and not to mention financial documents. Oh, and medication lists as well! All of these things are crucial but can easily slip your mind – until an emergency happens. In fact, right when the family needs them most, they tend to be disorganized or disheveled, then it’s already too late. Let 2020 be the year that you finally get organized and get friends and family on the same page as you.
Keep Up With Technology
Technology changes so fast, so how can we keep up with the best and the latest advancements? This predicament is why you should choose at least one new technology to learn about each year. A tablet is an excellent choice for seniors in assisted living, and it can help you keep in touch with friends and family throughout the year.
Downsize
Downsizing is an important consideration when planning a move to assisted living facilities in Oceanside, CA. Most seniors have lived in their homes for decades and have accumulated quite a large number of possessions. If you and your family plan to get together during the holidays, then set aside some time for downsizing.
Consider Your Options
The months right after the holidays are the best time to consider a move into assisted living. Bring your friends and family along with you to tour assisted living facilities in Oceanside, CA. Also, be sure to write down what you’re looking for in a space. What amenities would you like to have? Where would you like to live? Begin this process now and make 2020 the year for a significant change.
Engage In Physical Activities
Physical activity is essential for everyone, especially for older adults. The following exercises can help you control weight, posture, mood, and build up bones and muscles.
- Tai Chi
- stretching
- chair aerobics
- water aerobics
- walking
Even if you suffer from some of the worst diseases including heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes; you may see improvements with some mild to moderate physical activities.
Visit Your Doctor Often
It’s always important to visit your healthcare provider regularly. During these visits, you’ll want to discuss any changes in your health as well as talk about advance directives and medication intake. Also, don’t forget about your annual screening tests! Inquire with your doctor if you should get any shots or boosters.
Prevent Falls
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death and injuries among seniors? There are many things in your home that can be trip hazards such as throw rugs, wet floors, and excessive furniture or clutter. Exercising can help to counter this by improving your balance, flexibility, and strength. Check with your doctor to make sure that you aren’t taking any medications that could make falls more likely to happen. Some other things you can do include installing safety rails or grab bars in your bathroom and night lights to help you see better at night.
Stay Mentally Active
It’s just as essential to stay active mentally as it is physically. Our brain is what controls our happiness. Mental health is also vital for living independently. So what activities are fun and can also keep you mentally engaged? Arts and crafts, reading, word games, trivia, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and bingo are some of the most popular choices for seniors. These items are popular because they help keep an active mind essential for health and well being.
In fact, keeping your brain challenged as often as possible will help improve cognitive skills and ward off potential memory loss. Are you ready to accept some of these new (and fun) challenges in 2020?
If you are already accustomed to these items, then great! But not so fast! You can always increase the level of difficulty. Crossword puzzles, for example, can challenge your brain more. Alternatively, you can try to learn a new language, which is one of the best ways to improve brain plasticity.
Stay Social
A person is never too old to make new friends or reach out to old ones. Especially these days when there are so many ways to connect. There’s social media, video calls, phone calls, or just good old fashioned snail mail letters. Keeping social is also a great way to rediscover old friends in your community. Ways you can stay social include visiting with former neighbors, attending church, volunteer work, exercise classes, etc. Whatever you decide to do, remember that socialization is critical for your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Get Involved In Your Community
Volunteering will not only benefit your community, but it will also benefit your own health. It will help bring you a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment about life, as well as a confidence boost. You’ll also be surrounded by like-minded people, which is another benefit for your mental health. Make 2020 the year where you get involved in your community and reap the benefits that go along with it.
Spend Time With Your Grandkids
Most seniors agree that spending time with grandchildren is among life’s greatest treasures. However, you don’t have to save this time just for special occasions. You can stay connected with your grandkids regularly! That will make your bond even stronger as well as keep your whole family closer together. In 2020 consider having a family meet up every week.
Resist The Treats
We know how it’s all too tempting to reach for that treat after dinner. However, this can lead to a whole host of severe problems including chronic health issues, weight gain, and higher blood pressure. Make 2020 the year to change your path going forward, and choose healthier options. Fruits and dark chocolate make great dessert alternatives.