Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Getting older is a fact of life and one that should be celebrated. It is proof of a life well-lived, though it can often be hard to watch our parents get on in years.
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to help your parents grow old gracefully (or disgracefully if that’s what they’d prefer!)
Here are a few of the best ways to empower your parents to enjoy their golden years.
Keep Them Involved With Their Grandchildren
This one might be tricky if you live far from your parents, but it is essential regardless to keep them up to date and involved in your kids’ lives. If you do live out of State, then you could consider having regular family video calls so that they can still see and talk to their grandkids.
If you live closer to your parents, you could consider sending the kids to their home after school once or twice a week, provided your parents are fit and healthy enough to care for them. Taking the kids to stay with their grandparents can have a double benefit of giving you and your spouse some time to yourselves!
Hosting family get-togethers can be another great way to ensure that your parents stay involved in their grandkids’ lives, as well as being a great way to get them out of the house.
Get Social
Many people struggle with making new friends as they get older. It could be helpful for you to ensure that your parents know the kinds of social events out there that might interest them. There are plenty of social events aimed at the older generation from bingo to cards to line dancing.
You could set them up with a few social event ideas and see which they enjoy. This can help to get them out and about, meeting new people and making new friends at a time in their lives when they have the time and resources to get out and enjoy themselves.
Consider Retirement Home Options
There may come a day when your parents will be unable to live at home without care. There are a few options if this happens and one of the best is to ensure that you find an excellent care home. Care homes aren’t the clinical places they used to be – nowadays there are care homes that provide a living experience similar to living at home, or private living areas with access to help should they need it.
St Anne’s Retirement Community is one excellent community built to allow residents as much independence as possible. With options ranging from private cottages to specialized care, they are perfect for older adults of any age and ability. If you’d like to know more, have a look at stannesrc.org.
Help Them Keep Active
While it’s understandable to slow down as we get older, stopping completely can have serious adverse health effects. You could encourage your parents to come out on walks with you and the kids, or start a dance class together. Things like yoga are great low impact exercises that can help your parents stay fit and healthy for longer.
Exercise is another excellent way to help your parents get out of the house and socialize. There are plenty of exercise classes aimed at seniors, so all you need to do is find one they’ll enjoy. Particularly if your parents struggle with loneliness, engaging in a group activity can help no end.
Exercise The Mind
Keeping your mind active is just as important as you get older as keeping your body moving. You could consider showing your parents some of your favorite brain games like Sudoku or Solitaire. If they enjoy crossword puzzles, then a book of crosswords could make the perfect gift for a birthday.
There are also memory games that can help to stave off the effects of dementia or age-related memory loss. You could also consider challenging them to a game of chess or checkers and have a family competition. All of these options will help to keep their minds sharp and active, allowing them to live out their golden years happily and healthily.
Help Them Out
Many people are too proud to ask for help when they need it. That means that you need to notice when your parents might need your help with things. You could consider picking up some things for them along with your grocery shopping, or offering them lifts when they need to get places.
Little actions can help to ensure that your parents keep their independence for as long as possible. You could also organize outings so that you can ensure that your parents get the most out of their more senior years. Trips to the beach, family vacations and meals out are all great ways to spend quality time with your parents.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
