Once retired, seniors often find they have more time on their hands. Some may feel strange and lost at first. However, by adopting daily routines, older adults can relax and enjoy their new lifestyle. Having a regular routine also offers the following benefits.
Reduce Anxiety & Stress
Many adults wake up, dress, eat, and perform personal hygiene tasks at the same time each day. However, by scheduling activities for certain times of the day or days of the week, seniors are less likely to become preoccupied with situations that cause worry or stress. Daily routines are also helpful in preventing anxiety and confusion related to dementia.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Maintain Control Over Life
It’s not unusual for older adults to feel a sense of grief and loss of control over their lives when living with a chronic illness or disability. By being able to plan each day, seniors can gain some semblance of control. They also have the freedom to decide what to do with their time.
Increase Productivity
When seniors schedule tasks for specific times throughout the day, they may find they’re more productive and better able to achieve their goals, get necessary tasks done, and make time to enjoy their favorite activities. For some, going grocery shopping or cleaning the house are considered unpleasant tasks. However, older adults who follow their routines with rewards may be more motivated to perform and complete their chores.
Boost Overall Health
By repeatedly performing certain activities day after day, they soon become habits. Not all habits are healthy, but there are plenty that are. Routines that enhance health might include daily walks, working out a few times a week, or scheduling weekly visits with friends or loved ones.
Maintaining daily routines is just one of the many ways older adults can boost their health. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Columbus families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Build Momentum
Making time to do something each day often has a cumulative effect. If your loved one is reluctant to start a regular exercise regimen, he or she should consider performing a few exercises during the commercial breaks of a favorite TV show. The 10 to 15 minutes of exercise add up to 90 or more minutes each week.
Perhaps there’s a book your parent always meant to start. By reading a chapter a day, your parent can finish the book in two to three weeks. As your loved one realizes how many tasks can be accomplished in a single day, he or she is more likely to continue the activity.
Enhance the Quality of Sleep
Having more control over the day and the satisfaction of accomplishing activities often enable older adults to feel more relaxed at the end of the day. They’re then more likely to fall asleep faster and enjoy a better night’s rest. Adopting a regular bedtime routine and going to bed at the same time each night also increases the likelihood of developing healthier sleep habits.
Many seniors require help with cooking, cleaning, and other daily activities. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Columbus respite care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Reach out to us at Assisting Hands Home Care if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Specialists today.
