Self-care means doing things that help you maintain your physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Sometimes it too easy to forget to take care of ourselves, so we’ve collected a few tips to help.
Eating Right
We’ve talked about the importance of eating a healthy diet for seniors. We all need to focus on healthy eating habits as they are a key part of self-care.
A healthy diet gives you the nutrients you need to stay healthy. It’s no surprise that good nutrition is linked to physical health, but it’s also linked to emotional health.
Exercise is Important
Did you know that only one-quarter of people over 65 years old exercise regularly? Many seniors think they’re too old or out-of-shape to start, but exercise is good for everyone. Even light exercise can boost your mood, make you stronger, and improve your balance. AND exercise can even reduce your risk of falls. Walking is always a great place to start. Have a little fun finding an exercise that works for you.
Sleep Hygiene
Older adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, many don’t get it. Seniors may experience more trouble falling asleep or find they sleep less deeply, causing them to wake up more often during the night. That sure does makes it hard to get a good night’s sleep. But it’s important to know that when seniors don’t get enough sleep, they’re more likely to be depressed. They’re also more likely to suffer a fall at night. To improve your sleep, it’s important to practice good sleep hygiene. The first step is to follow a regular bedtime ritual. Next is to ensure that you are keeping a consistent sleep schedule —going to bed at the same time and waking at the same time each day.
Regular exercise can also help you sleep better at night.
More than Just a Hobby
Even we have little to do it’s often too easy to forget to make time for your favourite hobbies. When you don’t make time for fun and relaxation, it’s easy to become stressed, anxious and depressed.
There are many hobbies for seniors. Creating art or doing crafts, knitting, sewing, writing and scrapbooking are just a few ideas.
What are you interested in?
Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
COVID-19 has really taken its toll on all of us. It’s key to remember to regularly get in touch with loved ones. A few calls a week with loved ones can go a long way in fighting loneliness. COVID-19 makes it difficult for us to see our families in person as we would like to but phone calls and video chats (if you have the technology to do so) can really go a long way.
Reach out for a Little Help
Did you know CANES has Personal Care Service for seniors?
We provide seniors with a Caregiver that works specifically with them, to provide more personal forms of care such as bathing and hygiene care
Our trained Personal Support Workers will assist with tasks of daily living, including bathing and personal hygiene, hair care, mealtime assistance and social stimulation.
Personal Care allows clients to have their own worker to assist them with general hygiene and duties around the home. Giving clients the personal care that they need will allow them to live in their homes for as long as possible.
