8 Ways to Improve the Quality of Life for Aging Parents

Ageing is a natural phenomenon that everyone will eventually experience. Some of the significant features of advanced age are reduction in strength, slow metabolism and deterioration of cognitive abilities. 

Therefore, as our parents grow older, it is up to the children to assume the role of caregiver and ensure that their parents have the best quality of life possible. 

An elder’s quality of life not only pertains to their physical health but also their mental and emotional status. Hence, it is essential to take steps that will ensure our elderly ones are cared for in all areas of their lives. 

Listed below are eight ways to improve the quality of life for your aging parents;

Ascertain their health needs

Due to the gradual deterioration of the body system, older people are more susceptible to illness and disorders. These conditions are usually responsible for immense changes in the lifestyle of elderly parents.

Understanding the extent of their frailties and knowing their treatment and care plans can help determine how best to go about improving their quality of life.

Help them remain independent

No one wants to feel useless or rely on someone to perform all activities. It is a good idea to devise ways to help your parents maintain as much of their independence as they possibly can. 

Fit their home with equipment that will make the space safer and more comfortable for them. Please encourage them to get involved in physical activities and let them carry out some necessary activities of daily living on their own.

Make it easier for them to get around

As their muscles and bones are not as strong as when they were younger, your older parents might find it difficult to walk the distances they used to. 

Hence, it is a good idea to get mobility scooters which will allow them to move effortlessly. Active Mobility offers a range of scooters, each with its specialized functions. 

From the compact scooter which is designed for light use and low weight to the heavy-duty scooter which will support a high amount of use and weight, you are sure to find a vehicle that will suit your parents.

Spend quality time with them

It is common for older people to become lonely and fall into depression as a result of being left alone. All human beings need adequate social interaction to boost our emotional and mental health. 

Schedule regular visits with your parents and ensure that you communicate with them often. Encourage other family members to visit them when they are able.

Get them involved in activities

Your parents’ advanced ages do not make them unable to engage in various stimulating activities. Try to get them out of the house regularly and enrol them in classes, clubs, recreational centres or communities where they can get active and socialize. 

Get them to continue their hobbies or learn new skills that can keep their hands occupied and their minds engaged.

Ensure adequate exercise

Exercise is highly beneficial to an individual, regardless of their age and health status. Hence, nothing is stopping your elderly parents from engaging in work out activities. 

Talk to their physician about the limitations as regards their health and research exercises that your parents can safely do. Yoga, water aerobics, dancing and walking are some easy activities that are suitable for all older adults.

Take care of their finances

If your parents are unable to keep track of their finances properly, it is up to you to ensure that their accounts are in order.

 If possible, contact a financial expert to help you sort out their portfolio and also advise you on financial aids that are available for the elderly. 

Get them excellent care

If your parents are unable to live on their own, ensure to arrange the best care possible for them. You can choose to get them to stay with you or better still, hire a trained caregiver who would be dedicated to meeting their every need. 

Keep track of their treatment and medications, maintain regular correspondence with their caregiver and endeavour to get involved in their care as much as you can.

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