As a child, your parents were the ones who supported you through thick and thin. Now that you are an adult, it is time to return their favors and keep them as they age. The last two decades have seen the world becoming more populated with seniors. In fact, by 2050, the number of people aged 65 or older will almost double from about 600 million to about 1 billion. As your parent gets older, there will be some changes in their lifestyle and habits. They may need help with activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing, assistance with medication management, or even just company to avoid feeling isolated and alone. Let us take a look at 4 ways in which you can support your aging parents and make their golden years much happier and more fulfilling:
Check-in regularly
If your parent is living alone, it will be beneficial to have a check-in with them regularly. This will not only make them feel less lonely, but also allow you to see if they need any help or assistance. You may want to pop in during the week if you live close by. If they are a bit further away, you can use technology to stay connected and ensure they are okay. There are lots of apps that allow you to video call your parents and vice versa. This will let you see if they are eating well, taking their medication, and are generally okay. If you have a parent who is divorced and living alone, be sure to check in with them regularly. They may be more prone to feeling lonely, depressed, and having fewer people to talk to.
Help with housekeeping
As your parent grows older, their ability to clean their own house will become more and more difficult. Whether it be a lack of physical strength or impaired vision, keeping their home spic and span is difficult. Therefore, you can take up the role of housekeeper and keep your parent’s home clean for them. You can also help them organize their home to make cleaning and organizing easier for them. This will also help them avoid falling over items that have been left out or items in the way. Asking friends and family members to help out with the cleaning will also ease some of the burdens off your shoulders.
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Increase physical activity
As people age, their physical activity tends to dwindle. This can lead to several health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Therefore, you must encourage your parent to get active and stay active. If they have always enjoyed walking, try to take walks with them. If they have always enjoyed gardening, try to take on some gardening activities with them. You can also try to encourage them to try new activities. You can even try playing games like scrabble or social card games to help them interact with friends and family.
Ensure they go to their medical appointments
As your parent ages, they may start to forget important dates and appointments. This may lead to them missing necessary medical treatments and appointments. Therefore, it is essential to help your parent keep track of their appointments with their Dentist, primary care physician, and other health-related specialists they may need to see. You can also try to go with them to their appointments. This will help you stay informed about their health and any issues.
Conclusion
As your parent ages, you must support them in any way possible. This can be anything from helping out with housework to accompanying them to their doctor’s appointments. Doing this will ensure they stay happy and healthy during their golden years.