Lifestyle tips

Focus on physical activity, a balanced diet, mental stimulation and social connections to improve or maintain quality of life as you get older. Emotional support is important, as well as regular health check-ups. Many people recommend staying curious and informed about the world. Pursue hobbies you enjoy and get in involved in volunteering to create a sense of purpose. Plan for the future, remaining positive and seeking new experiences. Remember to focus on what brings you joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose.

As people age, they may need a little support to meet their basic needs. These needs include physical, emotional, intellectual, financial, and safety and security.

• Physical needs involve providing nutritious food, regular exercise, medical care, and a safe living environment to maintain health and wellbeing.
• Emotional needs include providing emotional support, companionship, and social interaction to combat loneliness and promote mental wellbeing.
• Intellectual inspiration is essential through mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, learning new skills, and pursuing hobbies to promote cognitive health.
• Financial security is necessary to ensure access to financial resources and support to cover essential expenses and maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
• Finally, safety and security are crucial to creating a safe living environment by removing hazards, implementing home modifications if needed, and having access to emergency assistance.

Meeting these basic needs can help elderly individuals maintain a higher quality of life, promote independence, and enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful later life.

As individuals grow older, they encounter a range of obstacles, including limited mobility, the loss of loved ones, children becoming independent and health ailments. It is important that as we age, we still feel valued and important - ageism devalues older adults and affects our sense of self-worth. Less social and professional involvement can affect our value and purpose and are among the most pressing social concerns that affect older adults.

If you're finding yourself in a situation where your ageing parents need help, it can be overwhelming and stressful to figure out what to do. However, breaking down the problem into manageable steps can help you create a realistic plan to ensure your parents are healthy and happy.

Start by assessing your parent's needs in areas such as family support, home safety, medical conditions, cognitive health, mobility, personal hygiene, meal preparation, and social interaction. Don't forget to consider your needs and abilities, and involve your parent as much as possible.

Understanding the financial situation is also essential, as caring for an older adult can be costly. Remember, by planning and preparing, you'll be able to provide the best possible care for your ageing parents.