Did you know that June is National Men’s Health Month? That’s right. Thirty days dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health challenges and promoting overall wellness. And while doing things like making prevention a priority, eating heart-healthy, and being physically active are important at all stages of life, the priorities shift as men age. For some, the basic things they take for granted—such as the ability to age healthily and happily in the comfort of home—can become jeopardized due to health conditions that require extra care. 

That’s why for those with aging loved ones, men’s health is not just a “man’s issue,” it’s a family issue. Men’s health can impact everyone around them: wives, mothers, sons, daughters, siblings, and other extended family members. If you’re one of those people, you should understand that one critical aspect of maintaining health as we age is the ability to stay at home, where familiar surroundings and a sense of independence contribute significantly to overall well-being. In fact, studies have shown that aging in place can add up to 5-7 years to an individual’s life expectancy compared to moving into a facility. This highlights the profound impact that homecare can have on longevity and quality of life.

At Consumer Directed Choices, it is our mission to help your loved ones remain in their homes by empowering you to provide them with the care they need at home—and even receive pay and benefits for your efforts. From there, health outcomes can improve dramatically.

Stay Home. Stay Healthier.

Aging healthily and happily at home involves a holistic approach to well-being. And having familiar surroundings and comforts makes implementing healthy habits easier than they would be at a care facility. Here, we’ll explore 10 ways to promote health and happiness at home, empowering seniors to enjoy their golden years with independence and vitality.

• Embrace Regular Physical Activity

Staying active is crucial for maintaining overall health and mobility as we age. It can improve cardiovascular health, enhance muscle strength, boost mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It also helps maintain flexibility and balance, which are vital for preventing falls and maintaining independence.

Simple Exercises and Activities Suitable for Seniors:

• Walking: A daily walk around the neighborhood or even within the house can significantly improve cardiovascular health.
• Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Strength Training: Using light weights or resistance bands can strengthen muscles and support joint health.
• Balance Exercises: Practicing standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe can enhance stability and prevent falls.
• Yoga and Tai Chi: These activities promote flexibility, balance, and mental relaxation.

At home, seniors have the freedom to choose exercises that suit their preferences and fitness levels without the constraints of a care facility’s schedule. They can exercise at their own pace, in their preferred space, and with the equipment they find most comfortable.

• Prioritize Nutritious Meals

A balanced diet is fundamental to maintaining health and vitality as we age. Proper nutrition supports overall well-being, boosts the immune system, enhances energy levels, and helps manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Meal Planning and Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors:

• Plan Balanced Meals: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Control Portions: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
• Limit Processed Foods: Reduce intake of processed and high-sugar foods, opting instead for whole, nutrient-dense options.
• Prepare Meals in Advance: Batch cooking and meal prepping can save time and make healthy meals readily available. (Home caregivers can really help with this!)

At home, people have full control over their dietary choices, which can be more challenging in a care facility where meals are often pre-planned and standardized. Home-cooked meals also allow for customization to meet specific dietary needs and preferences. All of this not only promotes better health but also enhances the enjoyment and satisfaction of meals, contributing to happier aging at home.

• Foster Social Connections

Social interaction is vital for mental and emotional well-being, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing overall happiness. Strong social ties can improve cognitive function, boost immune health, and even extend life expectancy.

Ways to Stay Connected from Home:

• Regular Phone or Video Calls: Schedule calls with friends and family to maintain relationships and share daily experiences.
• Join Online Communities: Participate in social media groups or online forums related to hobbies and interests.
• Attend Virtual Events: Engage in online classes, webinars, or community events to meet new people and learn new skills.
• Neighborhood Activities: If possible, interact with neighbors in activities or small gatherings.

Being at home provides the advantage of proximity to loved ones and a familiar community. Having a close-knit environment also makes it easier to stay connected.

• Promote Cognitive Stimulation

There’s no better way to maintain cognitive health and function than keeping the brain active. Engaging in stimulating activities can improve memory, problem-solving skills, and overall mental sharpness.

Activities to Promote Brain Health:

• Puzzles and Games: Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, and brainteasers are excellent for challenging the mind.
• Reading and Writing: Reading books, writing journals, or even composing letters can enhance cognitive abilities.
• Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies such as knitting, painting, or gardening can stimulate the brain and provide a sense of accomplishment.
• Learning New Skills: Taking up new activities like learning a musical instrument or a new language can boost brain function.

These activities can easily be done at home, allowing people to choose what they enjoy most and integrate cognitive exercises into their daily routines—promoting a fulfilling, engaged lifestyle.

• Ensure Adequate Sleep

It’s no secret that sleep plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being, affecting physical, mental, and emotional functioning. However, getting adequate sleep in care facilities can often be a challenge.

Factors Influencing Sleep in Care Facilities:

• Structured Care Schedule: Fixed sleep schedules (dictated by staff) are common. Yet those schedules may not align with one’s natural sleep patterns.
• Nightly Disruptions: Environmental factors such as lights, noises, and frequent check-ins from staff can disrupt sleep continuity.
• Disturbing Elements: The presence of medical equipment, roommates, and unfamiliar surroundings can contribute to sleep disturbances.

While the conditions for a good night’s sleep in care facilities are often compromised, being at home provides the opportunity to create a sleep-friendly environment tailored to personal preferences and needs.

• Create a Safe Living Environment

This is critical for maintaining independence and preventing accidents or injuries at home. Here’s how you can help promote overall well-being.

Home Safety Concerns for Seniors:

• Fall Prevention: Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter, install bathroom grab bars, and establish adequate lighting throughout the home.
• Fire Safety: Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and have an escape plan for emergencies.
• Medication Management: Organize medications in easy-to-access containers, and consider using pill organizers or medication reminder systems.

Making modifications and using assistive devices can further enhance safety:

• Bathroom Safety: Install non-slip mats in the shower, raised toilet seats, and shower benches for added stability.
• Mobility Aids: Use walking aids such as canes, walkers, or mobility scooters to prevent falls and assist with mobility.
• Medical Alert Systems: Consider subscribing to a medical alert system for immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
• Stay Proactive with Preventative Healthcare

Homecare providers can help seniors stay ahead of potential health concerns to maintain their well-being. Here are a few tips.

Get Regular Check-ups and Screenings:

• Schedule routine appointments with healthcare providers for comprehensive health assessments, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and vaccinations.
• Screenings for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis can detect problems in their early stages when they are more treatable.
• Regular dental and vision exams are also important for overall health and quality of life.

Use Telemedicine and Homecare Services:

• Telemedicine allows seniors to consult with healthcare professionals remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and making healthcare more accessible.
• Homecare services like Consumer Directed Choices allow loved ones to provide medical care and assistance in the comfort of one’s home, eliminating the inconvenience of travel.

By staying proactive with preventive healthcare measures, seniors can take control of their health and well-being, leading to a higher quality of life and increased longevity.

• Manage Chronic Conditions Effectively

One of the best ways for people to take control of their well-being is by having a plan for managing chronic health conditions—and doing this from home requires proactive strategies. Here are a few ways to navigate common health issues while maximizing quality of life.

• Symptom Management: Understanding and managing common symptoms is crucial for comfort and stability at home. Work with your doctor and homecare provider to create personalized plans for pain, fatigue, and symptom relief.
• Regular Monitoring and Self-Care: Track health indicators like blood pressure and symptoms regularly. Practice self-care techniques such as wound care and medication management to stay proactive in your health.
• Strict Medication Adherence: Following medication schedules as prescribed ensures optimal therapeutic benefits.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating healthy habits like exercise, nutritious eating, stress management, and adequate sleep is vital for managing conditions and enhancing quality of life at home.
• Seek Out Emotional Support

Maintaining a healthy mental state while aging is critical—that’s why the power of having a strong emotional support system cannot be understated. Here are a few ways to stay connected and mentally healthy.

• Acknowledge Emotional Challenges: If you’re struggling, say something. It’s important to recognize feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or depression. Openly discussing these emotions with family, friends, or your home caregiver can help you feel understood and supported.
• Seek Out Counseling or Support Groups: For those aging at home, local counseling services, online support groups, or community organizations offer opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges and also provide access to trained professionals who can offer guidance.
• Plan for Future Needs

The fact of the matter is we are all getting older. On the bright side that means we can think ahead to help create the best future outcome—one that includes the ability to age more healthily at home. Here are a few ways to get ahead of the game while increasing comfort and control:

• Embrace Advanced Planning: If you haven’t already, now’s the time to learn about long-term care including options like the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Advanced planning allows you to outline your care preferences, ensuring that your wishes are respected and reducing stress for yourself and your family.
• Discuss Aging in Place vs. Institutional Care: We highly encourage having conversations with your loved ones about the benefits of homecare versus moving to a care facility.
  • Highlight the comfort, familiarity, and independence that aging at home can offer. 
  • Discuss how personalized homecare can cater to your individual needs, promoting a higher quality of life compared to the more regimented environment of institutional settings.

This Men’s Health Month, Learn More About Homecare

The data doesn’t lie: aging at home can significantly enhance longevity and quality of life compared to institutional care settings. At Consumer Directed Choices, we believe that all people deserve the choice and support necessary to live independently in the environment they prefer—and we are uniquely set up to help that happen. Empowering people with the resources they need to thrive at home is at the core of our mission, ensuring that everyone can live with dignity and independence.