The beauty of the outdoors is something people can enjoy at any age. Many seniors eventually discover they have to make more of an effort to get outside. Your senior loved one might need assistance to maneuver around curbs and other obstacles, but it’s worth figuring out ways to help. Whether you take your loved one for a walk in the park or ask a caregiver to assist with making sure he or she goes outside each day, your loved one receives these benefits from stepping out into the fresh air and sunshine.
1. Elevates Happiness
Spending too much time indoors is associated with a higher risk of depression. Going outside exposes your loved one to sunlight, which can help the body maintain its circadian rhythms. This promotes better sleep and more regulated hormone production that impacts how your loved one feels each day. Seniors who go outside are also likely to enjoy seeing new things, which counteracts the feelings of boredom that develop when they’re inside too much.
Boredom and other mental and emotional challenges are common for many aging adults, but seniors don’t have to handle them alone. Home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Maintains Bone Strength
Regular doses of sunlight also help the body maintain its bone strength. Without enough sunshine, the body cannot produce enough vitamin D to keep the bones healthy. Try to make sure your loved one goes outside to a place where he or she can enjoy at least 15 minutes of sunshine a day. While you can still take precautions against your parent getting sunburned or overheated, it’s best for him or her to enjoy some direct sunlight to prevent osteoporosis.
3. Reduces Germ Exposure
The past few years have shown how important it is to spend time in places that have good air circulation, and there’s no better place to take in some fresh air than outdoors. Seniors who want to socialize will find choosing outdoor activities lowers their risk of catching common illnesses.
If you usually help your loved one get out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air but you need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. For families living in Oklahoma City, Respite Care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Lifestar Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
4. Increases Energy Levels
Outdoor activities usually include some form of exercise. Even taking a walk is bound to get the blood flowing through the body, and this delivers oxygen to every one of the body’s systems. With more oxygen flowing through the veins, your loved one is likely to feel a renewed sense of vitality. This energy impacts mood, and your loved one may feel like doing more at home.
5. Builds Stronger Relationships
Outdoor areas provide open spaces where seniors can engage in more social interactions. Your loved one might enjoy playing a game of catch with a grandchild at the park, or he or she might like to get together with other seniors at the dog park. Seniors are likely to encounter more people when they venture outside, which can lead to them making new friends along the way. Strong relationships help seniors develop good support networks that can help them through the changes that accompany aging.
Seniors with mobility issues or health conditions who need assistance getting outdoors can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Home Care Oklahoma City experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Reach out to us at Lifestar Home Care if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (405) 288-9275 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.