Seniors are the happiest people in Canada by age group, according to results from a survey mentioned on Canada.com. This is certainly good news, but some older adults need reminders when it comes to what can be done to stay positive and happy later in life. Continue reading to discover seven secrets to happiness in the senior years you can pass along to an older loved one or keep in mind for yourself.
1. Not Sweating the Small Stuff
Happy seniors know how to let go, at least when it comes to worrying about the little things in life. By not sweating the small stuff, older adults can stay focused on what matters most without having to experience added stress and anxiety—which is also good for both mental and physical wellbeing.
2. Spending Time with Family & Friends
Family members and friends can be a great source of happiness for seniors. Older adults tend to be especially happy when spending quality time with their grandchildren. Similar happiness can be found when seniors and family caregivers develop meaningful adult relationships.
Seniors who live alone can also benefit from the companionship of compassionate professional caregivers. Home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
3. Exercising the Mind
Reading, using senior-friendly apps, playing traditional or online word games, and learning new things are just some of the ways older adults can exercise their minds. Doing so boosts happiness by keeping aging brains engaged and stimulated in a way that reduces boredom and, to some extent, age-related cognitive decline.
4. Finding Purpose
Finding a sense of purpose can contribute to happiness during the senior years, since this is often a time when older adults have more time to fill. Making an effort to find purpose also reduces the risk of depression and even creates a healthy outlet for stress and frustration. Fortunately, there are many ways seniors can find purpose that contributes to happiness later in life. Possibilities include:
• Volunteering locally
• Getting back into lapsed hobbies or interests
• Making crafts to sell to earn some extra money
• Working with other seniors or community members for worthwhile causes
5. Eating Healthy, Enjoyable Foods
Whether your loved one is a lifelong foodie or someone who enjoys cooking and baking, happiness can be found with edible delights in the senior years. If attention is paid to healthy options, food can even provide an added mood boost with meals that include fatty fish, dark chocolate in moderation, nuts, seeds, berries, and brain-beneficial spices like cinnamon and ginger.
6. Staying Physically Active
Exercise contributes to happiness by increasing levels of “feel-good” hormones called endorphins. Regular physical activity can also lead to happiness by keeping weight in check, which lowers the risk of developing an assortment of age-related conditions, and keeping aging joints and muscles stimulated enough to maintain balance, endurance, and mobility and keep aches and pains to a minimum.
If your loved one sustains an injury or develops a health condition, help is only a phone call away. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Surrey, BC, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
7. Being Well Rested
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research cites a study suggesting high-quality sleep is linked to happiness. Being well rested also means older adults are more likely to be alert and active during the day, which allows for more time for enjoyable activities and positive interactions with family members and friends.
These tips can help your loved one enjoy a happy life throughout the golden years, and assistance is available so he or she can age in place safely. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elder care. Surrey Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (778) 279-3634.