Self-Care Tips for Seniors

 

Many older adults have taken care of someone else their entire lives. From young children to aging parents, these adults may not have stopped to consider the importance of self-care. Even if they had, they probably didn’t have the time to implement self-care techniques into their routines.

Research increasingly shows that frequent senior self-care contributes to less stress, better physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. Research also suggests that self-care in seniors promotes positive health outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer and becoming better equipped to manage stress.

While many people view self-care as a form of selfish indulgence, the act of caring for yourself is an important part of good health and wellbeing. Self-care is defined as the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s well-being, health and happiness, especially during periods of stress. The World Health Organization declared that overall health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Wellness is holistic, or about the whole being. According to experts, holistic health can be viewed as:

●     Presence of positive emotions and moods

●     Absence of negative emotions such as depression or anxiety

●     Satisfaction with life

●     Fulfillment and positive functioning

●     Physical, emotional, psychological, economic, and social well-being

●     Development and activity

●     Life satisfaction

Self-care is putting yourself first. It is an unselfish action and a priority, because if you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot help others. Self-care comes in many forms and can be practiced easily

 Ten Self-Care Tips for Seniors

1. Live healthier. Try to eat healthier foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and cut back on alcohol.
2. Be proactive with your physical health. Schedule regular medical, eye, and dental checkups. These preventative measures help to catch any small issues before they become bigger problems.
3. Be proactive with your emotional health, too. It’s common for older adults to struggle with anxiety or depression. Even if you do not struggle with these issues. having a good friend to talk with can be a big source of support.
4. See friends regularly to build a sense of belonging. Joining a support group can lead to new friends and connecting with old friends is often beneficial and enjoyable.
5. Try to do something you enjoy every day. This can include watching a favorite TV show, working in the garden, painting, reading, etc.
6. Find ways to relax. Finding time to relax can destress the mind and body and provides time for peace and reflection. Examples of this are meditation, yoga, bubble baths, or massages.
7. Get outside. The outdoors has so many health benefits, so making a habit to go for a walk can do wonders for the mind, body and soul.
8. Do something you loved to do as a kid. Having fun is a great way to take care of yourself. Make a mess with finger paints, blow bubbles, challenge friends to a game of checkers.
9. Do something you’ve always wanted to do. Crossing items off a bucket list is a great way to nurture your spirit and live life to the fullest. This can include anything from traveling to a new place to learning a new skill. Introducing new ideas or experiences is the best way to escape the mundanities of everyday life.
10. Give thanks. Being grateful for your many blessings is a very popular form of self-care. This can be accomplished through private prayer or reflection or listing your blessings in a gratitude journal. This self-care practice can be taken a step further by reaching out to those you’re grateful for and reminding them that you’re grateful for their presence in your life.

There are numerous ways to practice self-care. Ultimately, the most important part of self-care is to remind yourself that your number one priority should be you. Do what makes you happy, and your mind and body will flourish.

At Elder Law of Omaha our passion for seniors and their care is top priority. If you have questions about adult guardianship, estate planning or how to plan for long term care and the future, then please give us a call to setup your complimentary 30-minute consultation at 402-614-6400.