According to the UK Government’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities data, by the age of 60, 66% of the population have at least one long-term health condition. This statistic rises to 90% once people reach 80 years old.
Health UK believe that conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, depression and even falls, can all be significantly reduced by staying physically and mentally active in later years. There are strong links between doing exercise and having a healthy heart and lungs. Physical activity can also reduce the chances of getting cancer and arthritis, whilst mental engagement and stimulating the brain are associated with reducing cognitive decline and the risk of developing dementia.
The NHSÂ recommends that people over 65 should do some type of physical activity every day, up to at least two and a half hours of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week.
At Bright Care, we believe that these are very compelling reasons to stay physically and mentally active in later years. However, for some elderly people, it can be hard to stay motivated to remain active. Our carers provide in-home help for elderly people and encourage them to keep active. There are many ways our carers support their clients to remain active, for example by taking them for walks and playing games together.
How to stay active in later years
Physical activity does not always have to be lifting weights or going for a run. As we get older, we naturally slow down, and often we cannot keep up the pace of life we used to enjoy. Simple household tasks count towards light activity, including housework, making the bed or moving around the home.
For moderate physical activity that raises your heart rate, walking for health can be a great option, dancing for fitness, water aerobics or swimming, riding a bicycle outdoors or an indoor static bike, yoga, pilates, a daily stretching routine or even mowing the lawn. Visit the We Are Undefeatable website for more inspirational ideas to get moving or visit the Relish Life website to read about different physical and mentally stimulating activities for the elderly.
Keeping the brain active is just as important for health and wellbeing. Brain training games and puzzles, doing the newspaper crossword or a book of sudoku puzzles can all help brain function. Learning new skills or taking up a hobby, such as knitting, digital photography, or speaking a new language can also be effective in keeping the brain active. Combining a hobby with social interactions by joining a group or club, brings the added benefit of company and friendship.
In-home help for elderly people
Another positive step towards improving mental health and physical wellbeing could be to engage one of our exceptional carers. Our care packages are bespoke and individually focused, so our carers enable clients to continue doing the activities and hobbies they enjoy. Our carers can also assist with preparing nutritious meals, going for a walk, playing a game or doing a puzzle, perhaps facilitate meeting up with friends or even to take part in a hobby. All of these activities will help you to stay more active and healthier in your later years.
Our video shows how our carer Naomi, helps Margaret to stay active and make the most out of her later years.
We can also help with socialising, which keeps the mind active and brings fun and joy to life. Earlier this year, at a Jubilee tea party, two Bright Care clients met and got on really well. Following the tea party, their carers arranged for them to meet up again and go out together. They have formed a lovely friendship and have plans to meet up again.
Our team would be delighted to help explore in-home help for elderly requirements for you or your loved ones. Please get in touch with our team today.
