As your loved ones age, they are more likely to be affected by stress, especially when it comes to their health. Stress has been known to cause disease, especially in elders. No matter what type of stress your loved one may be under, whether it be chemical, physical, or emotional, it’s important to help them to reduce their stress. Here are eight ways for you to help your loved one reduce stress in their life.
1. Help Your Loved One to Regularly Exercise
While you don’t have to get your loved one to run for exercise, going on a walk every day can provide many benefits to their health. They could also try tai chi for balance. Physical exercise won’t just help reduce stress, but it will improve their health and mood too.
2. Start Elders on a Nutritious Diet
If you know an elder who doesn’t have good nutrition, it is likely one of the causes of stress in their life. You can help them reduce stress by starting them on a healthy diet, which will not only help reduce stress but help their body and mind perform better.
3. Help Them to Practice Mindfulness
Being able to enjoy the “now” and quiet your mind is a great practice to reduce stress. Encourage your senior to be more mindful with practices such as meditation. Even if they aren’t aware that they are stressed, they’ll be able to notice a difference after being mindful.
4. Encourage Yoga
Yoga is another great way to reduce stress. Not only does it have great physical benefits, but it has many mental benefits which can help center a senior’s mind and promote endorphins.
5. Get Seniors Started on a New Hobby
No matter what your loved one is interested in, whether it be knitting, puzzles, or any other hobby, getting them started on something they enjoy can help them relax. Hobbies help relax the mind, which lowers stress—not to mention elders will also be happy when enjoying something they have an interest in.
6. Consider Getting Your Loved One a Pet
If you know a stressed elder who is still capable of caring and loving a pet, then you might consider getting them a cat, dog, or small animal companion. The support of a friendly animal has been shown to lower stress. But before you purchase a pet, be sure to consider everything the pet needs and if your loved one can meet their needs.
7. Encourage Socialization
Isolation is one of the leading causes of stress. If you know an elder that doesn’t get out much or talk to their friends or family often, help them start being around other people. Make sure they are in a comfortable environment for socialization, which will help activate a stress-reducing chemical in their brain.
8. Help Your Loved One with In-Home Senior Care
Seniors often get stressed due to the physical and mental limitations that come with age. If this is the case, they may benefit from receiving in-home care. In-home care services, such as Visiting Angels, will work with you to create a care plan for your loved one. Not only does this mean they can help to reduce stress daily, but it will also reduce any isolation.
Help your senior loved one reduce their stress levels so they can feel better and have a better outlook on life. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference a little stress relief can have on your senior family member. Contact Visiting Angels for help with home care today.