Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Seniors

As our parents, grandparents, and other loved ones age, we may start to question how we can help them improve their quality of life. This is a multifaceted task with many good answers, and it begins with asking what best determines the quality of life of an elderly person. Like their younger counterparts, their factors of quality of life include physical and emotional wellness, a sense of purpose, and personal safety.

Seniors face certain challenges that require extra care and planning. The following tips to improve quality of life are offered specifically to those whose senior loved one is aging in place.

Tips for Physical Health

Much of quality of life in the elderly population is tied to physical health. Depending on the individual, there are a few factors to consider.

First, for seniors managing chronic conditions, a trusted doctor and medical office is integral. Geriatricians and gerontologists specialize in treating older patients, and so are able to provide experienced and patient-centered care to seniors. Your loved one may find these professionals to be more encouraging, compassionate, and knowledgeable about their stage of life. If your loved one is not managing a chronic condition, encourage them to get regular check-ups and ask lots of questions if they notice new developments in their health, however small.

Preventative health is also critically important to enhance life quality. In addition to helping increase immunity, boost sleep quality, and lower blood pressure, physical exercise provides mental health benefits that will be discussed further below. Regular exercise does not have to be strenuous, and it should be enjoyable to increase the chances your loved one will make it a habit. Stretching, yoga, tai chi, regular walks, and pool- or chair-based aerobics are popular choices. Be sure to speak to your loved one’s doctor before beginning a regimen, and you might also consider the help of a physical therapist; they aren’t just for recovery from injuries, but can help your senior develop a safe routine to increase their strength, balance, and flexibility—lessening aches and pains, and preventing falls and injuries.

Nutrition is another factor for increasing quality of life. Balanced meals (and, if recommended, supplements) can provide the nutrients needed for seniors to maintain muscle mass and bone density, as well as healthy cholesterol levels. Good nutrition is important for managing conditions like type two diabetes and for preventing strokes.

Additional elderly care tips include assistance with bathing, if needed, and regular grooming such as cutting nails, shaving, styling hair, and applying body lotion. Well fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes should be warm enough in winter and cool enough in summer. Ensure their bed is also comfortable and not contributing to back pain or sleeplessness.

Lastly, address hearing loss, vision loss, or reduced mobility with the appropriate assistive devices to reduce their impact on quality of life.

Tips for Home Safety

Aging in place is a popular choice among seniors because of their ability to maintain their agency, as well as their dignity, comfort, and familiar routines. For family members who worry about their loved one’s safety, there is much that can be done to make their home a safer place to be.

You may start by doing an audit of risks around your loved one’s home. Watch out for electronics cords that could be tied and taped against the wall, wobbly furniture, dimly lit hallways or stairs, slippery floors that could use a rug, and any potential fire hazards. You may add railings in the bathroom or bring kitchen items to lower cabinets and shelves. (Find more ideas of what to look for here.) An occupational therapist is a wonderful resource to consult, as they can help optimize everyday tasks for safety and give ideas for organization and signage.

Voice-activated technology such as SmartCompanion can provide an easy way to call for help without having to always wear a device, as well as to make social calls and get automated reminders (like taking medication or locking the back door). Doorbell cameras can show your loved one who is outside, right on a screen. To further improve quality of life at home, think comfort items for seniors, such as climate control, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, throw blankets, and light timers.

Consider your loved one’s home needs, such as pest control, landscaping, chimney sweeping, or gutter-clearing; make a plan for these to prevent them from getting into risky situations. Some seniors can be resistant to accepting help for tasks they have always done themselves (including personal tasks like bathing and cooking for themselves), so broach the subject ready to listen and learn, and let them collaborate on the solutions.

Tips for Mental Fitness and Social Belonging

A side of aging and quality of life that is getting more attention is the often diminished opportunity to just “be a part of things.” New physical limitations can result in the loss of driving abilities or decreased stamina in standing or walking. Ceasing to work means the loss of daily interactions with colleagues or customers. Days can get quieter and lonelier, increasing the risk of depression and a loss of personal purpose.

Social isolation presents a real threat to a senior’s mental health and cognitive abilities. It also negatively impacts physical health and chances of mortality. It is literally vital that seniors have opportunities to gather with others to share conversation, hobbies, meals, and activities.

Families can include their elderly loved ones in celebrations and find ways to make these occasions special for seniors. Dinners together can be a bright spot in quieter weeks, and families who live far from their aging parent can brighten their days with regular phone or video calls to make them feel remembered and valued.

Senior centers are also good resources for field trips, group dancing or exercise, and group activities like crafts. If your loved one is religious, their house of worship may also provide similar opportunities. These hubs often also coordinate volunteerism, which can provide a great sense of satisfaction.

Encourage your loved one to pursue the activities they love—gardening, reading, puzzles, board games, crochet, fishing, etc.—and help them find communities where they can choose to do these activities with others.

Regardless of their age, you can help your loved one enhance their quality of life. If they need home care, our VetAssist mission is to make home care easily and quickly accessible for those who qualify through the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit. Veterans Home Care can help you determine whether you or your loved one will be eligible to receive the benefit, which can cover some or all of the cost of home care, and we make it easy to apply. Chat with us via our website, or call us at (888) 314-6075.