The saying is that you are only as old as you feel. There’s certainly plenty of evidence – scientific and anecdotal – to suggest that keeping fit and having fun can improve both health and well-being in senior years.
There could be a wide range of excuses not to try something new or keep active, particularly the physical limitations that can come with ageing. However, with the right support and encouragement, it's possible for anyone to live well with their current health status and age.
And if that can-do attitude is not there, then getting the right level of domestic care in place can often be the key. Making the most of home care service UK means handing over some of the tasks of daily living to someone else, so you can enjoy the lighter side of life!
What else can help get you more active and engaged as you get older?
Purpose And Value
One of the best ways to keep a positive attitude is to find ways to feel useful. You may no longer have a job title or the care of your children to give you a purpose, but you can be valuable in many other ways.
This could include volunteering with a church or community project. If you have mobility issues, why not hand-make items for charity sales, or write to people who are lonely or in crisis?
You could approach a school, hobby group or even a business to offer your lifetime of learning about a particular subject. You could even record it or write it all down.
Stimulation And Interest
It's all too easy to get hung up on what you can't do. The trick is to find new ways to keep physically and mentally agile.
You are never too old to learn something new!
This could be an armchair fitness regime, a new passion for exploring the history and landmarks of your local area, or projects to keep your mind busy such as puzzle books. Why not learn more about the internet and expand your mind and horizons on a computer tablet?
Stay Connected
Loneliness can be one of the worst aspects of growing older, and it can become self-perpetuating. It can lead to depression, which further isolates the individual.
The best way to fight it is to find new connections and social experiences or work hard to keep in touch with loved ones.
This could include, for example, setting up regular visits to a neighbour, daycare centre or even a local respite provider for mini-breaks in the company of others.
Going out to get a newspaper or have your hair done regularly is as much about social connection, as need.
Remember, home care services like The Great Care Company are not just about practical tasks that you may struggle with. They help the elderly by providing friendly, empathetic visitors, and new opportunities to explore hobbies and interests.