How To Make Your Aging Loved One Feel Special For A Day

The aging population is at high risk of experiencing a host of negative emotions such as grief, depression, stress and anxiety. As people grow older, they often have to deal with the passing of family members, spouses and close friends. Many elderly people also spend an inordinate amount of time on their own. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to make an elderly relative feel good about his or herself.

Take your senior family member out for a walk. Moderate exercise can promote longevity and walking is a great, low-impact way to burn calories, promote the release of powerful, mood-boosting hormones and foster improvements in both balance and coordination. Time spent outdoors in a peaceful, natural environment can be incredibly uplifting.

Sign up for a class that the two of your can take together. This will ensure that the two of you are spending quality time together on a routine basis and it will give your family member something to look forward to. This could be a painting or photography class, instruction in water ballet or even a mild, yoga session. See what classes are available at local, senior recreation centres.

Spend time listening to your loved one and ask for advice. Elderly people have a lot of wisdom that they have gleaned throughout the years. Sadly, few people take the time to capitalise on the important info that they have to share. Seeking advice from a senior is a great way for making this individual feel both valued and appreciated.

Treat your family member to lunch and a movie. Outings like these provide the social interaction and engagement that all people need. They also give people with minor mobility challenges a chance to get out of the house and engage with the real world. Doing this just once or twice each month can have a considerable impact on your loved one’s overall life quality.

It is also a good idea to treat senior adults to makeovers from time to time. They may experience changes in fine motor coordination and dexterity that make it difficult to deal with buttons and other closures. A few new outfits that include garments that can be easily pulled up or over their bodies will allow them to maintain their independence in this important area for fair longer. A trip to the nail or hair salon can also result in aesthetic improvements that rebuild confidence and make aging adults feel good about their looks, despite any recent changes.