Five Lifestyle Changes That Help Your Mom’s Attitude

Caregivers in Belgrade MN: Five Lifestyle Changes That Help Your Mom’s Attitude

Seniors are at risk of feeling isolated and lonely. Both play a role in attitude, including feeling depressed. Isolation and loneliness also impact physical health. Studies find that seniors who are lonely and isolated tend to have higher blood pressure readings, have higher cholesterol levels, and take up bad habits like smoking. If your mom talks negatively about herself, never wants to get off the sofa, or isn’t eating right, there are ways to help improve her attitude.

Join Others for Social Events

Get your mom out of the house and to a local senior center. She may be reluctant, but you can join her for a dinner or lunch while she gets to know others her age. Get her excited about going to the center for dances, games, art classes, and group field trips to museums and other area attractions. As she makes friends, she’ll be eager to join in on the various events and activities offered at the senior center.

Eat a Healthier Diet

The American Society for Nutrition released a report in 2013 that found diets high in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains reduce the risk of depression. While additional studies are on going, it’s worth having your mom change her diet to avoid fatty foods, lots of sugar, and carbs that lack nutritional benefits.

Get Fresh Air Every Day

Make sure your mom gets outside for fresh air every day. She can talk a walk around the yard or neighborhood. If she doesn’t have a dog, a dog is often a handy way to get a senior to go outside every day. You’ll know best if she’s able to properly care for a dog. If not, walking a neighbor’s dog or joining a neighbor or caregiver on a walk is another way to get her out of the house.

Take Frequent Trips

Make sure your mom is not cooped up in the house for days. Visit her on your day off or arrange to have friends or other family members see her. During that visit, get her out of the house. Do this by going shopping, having a picnic lunch somewhere, or going on a scenic drive.

Volunteer for a Local Organization

Get your mom to volunteer locally. Some of the possibilities include going to a school to read to children each day, helping at a local food bank, or signing up for a foster grandparent program and working with a child who needs a strong role model.

Not sure you can make sure your mom makes these changes on her own? Hire a caregiver. Caregivers can help get your mom excited to leave the house and have fun. A caregiver can walk with your mom, help her prepare and shop for healthy food options, and ensure she has safe transportation to social events. Call a senior care agency to learn more about the services caregivers offer.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21534675?dopt=Abstract
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/99/1/181.long

If you or an aging loved-one are considering caregivers in Belgrade, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.