It’s important for seniors to make lifestyle changes that can have long-term effects on their cognitive health and reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s. However, there are a few steps they can take right away that may have more immediate effects. Here are a few tips to help your elderly loved one start reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s today.
Call a Friend
Many seniors drift away from their friends over the years, and a lack of social interaction can increase their risk of developing any number of dementia-related disorders. Tracking down a friend or two and communicating with them regularly can boost your loved one’s mood and activate the areas of the brain that are used when interacting with the special people in his or her life.
In-home caregivers can engage seniors in mentally stimulating activities designed to boost cognitive health. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. Waterloo families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Exercise with Resistance Bands
Everyone knows exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but not many seniors realize just how much staying active can positively impact their cognitive abilities. Resistance bands give seniors the ability to start exercising today with low-impact movements and routines. According to Teresa Liu-Ambrose, a researcher at the University of BC Brain Research Centre, resistance training delays the onset of Alzheimer’s and enhances brain function in the processes associated with the early stages of the disease.
Clean Out the Pantry
Sticking to a clean diet is nearly impossible when the kitchen is full of processed foods. Taking just a few minutes to throw away or donate unhealthy food products is a great first step toward lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s. Seniors who are actively working to increase their mental health should follow a diet consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Red meat, saturated fats, butter, salt, and milk should all be eaten in limited quantities.
At-home caregivers can assist seniors with preparing nutritious meals that boost their health. When considering elderly home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Make Minor Changes in Habits & Surroundings
One of the reasons seniors develop Alzheimer’s is because many of them fall into static routines. Changing minor daily habits like sitting in different places while reading or eating with the opposite hand can actually create new neural pathways. Moving the furniture often has a similar effect. If the furniture cannot be moved for safety reasons, try to come up with some other changes that can be made around your loved one’s house, such as rearranging the wardrobe or cleaning out the garage.
Engaging in activities designed to boost brain health is another way your loved one can stave off Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Waterloo, ON, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call Home Care Assistance at (519) 954-2111 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.