4 Ways to Increase Senior Longevity

August 11, 2017

We want to spend as much time as possible with our loved ones, yet we know that life doesn’t last forever. According to new research completed by the World Health Organization and Imperial College London, global life expectancy is expected to increase by 2030. The U.S., however, won’t lead the pack, with women averaging 83.3 years and men averaging 79.5 by this time, similar to those predicted for Mexico and Croatia.

Despite these numbers, it’s important for family members to take certain steps to elongate the lives of those they hold so dear. Here are four ways to do just that:

1. Focus on Diet and Exercise

While each senior’s capabilities are different, every older loved one can pay attention to his or her daily diet. In addition to staying hydrated, seniors should focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods. Healthy meals often include lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, according to the National Council on Aging. Physical activity can be the more difficult part of this equation, although there are activities that aging loved ones can perform no matter their strength level. Swimming, water aerobics, and walking are low-impact exercises that enable seniors to socialize simultaneously.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

“Doctors perform important health screenings for conditions seniors may have been unaware of.”

2. See a Doctor Regularly

For some seniors, visits to medical professionals can seem scary or taxing on their mind and body. Yet frequent check-ups can bring to light illnesses older loved ones may have been unaware of. Undergoing regular screenings for things such as bone density, skin cancer, blood pressure and more can help seniors avoid detrimental conditions that will impact their health and well-being. Furthermore, doctors can advise them on how to lengthen their lives. Family members can provide emotional support for aging loved ones by attending these appointments with their parents or grandparents and making a day out of it by stopping for ice cream or a meal on the way home.

 

3. Stay Connected

It’s unhealthy for anyone to feel lonely or isolated, but it’s even more debilitating for older family members. To reduce the likelihood of these feelings, seniors should attempt to stay as connected as possible to those they love. Daily Caring recommended that the children of seniors arrange meals out with old friends, transport parents to assisted living communities, and encourage volunteering and making appearances at family parties.

 

4. Keep the Mind Sharp

While the body is a vessel that must be maintained through diet and exercise, the brain takes a little more work to keep it in working order. It’s important for seniors to keep their minds stimulated through certain activities. Although no real research links brain games and mental acuity, trying new things and entering into unfamiliar social situations can help quicken the mind, such as learning a different language and making lists to help with memory training, according to AARP.

Family members play a vital role in elongating their loved ones’ lives. Simply acting as a constant means of support is an effective step in achieving this goal and spending quality time with seniors in the second half of their lives. Helping older family members maintain their emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being benefits everyone involved.

Assisted living communities can help many loved ones live longer and more safely. These living situations offer additional health care aid as well as a group of peers to enhance social interaction.

Related Posts

View All News
Mr. Rogers

March 19, 2025

It’s a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood!

Embracing the Spirit of Mister Rogers  For decades, Mister Rogers inspired generations with his kindness, empathy, and community messages on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His legacy lives on in childhood memories and real-life communities like Edgewood Village in Bismarck. Recently, we received a touching story from a resident’s daughter about the profound impact our community has […]

Read More
Senior female with toes in the water

March 5, 2025

Come on in, the Water’s Fine: Assisted Living Brings Peace of Mind

Life’s transitions have a way of making us uneasy—especially during the later chapters. So, why not get some peace of mind?   We always say, “Check us out, stop in for a tour, or join one of our community events.” We encourage visitors to experience firsthand how different assisted living has become.       […]

Read More
black and white image of females holding boquets of flowers

February 24, 2025

Tell Me About the Good Old Days

      Have you ever experienced the smell of freshly baked cookies and been transported right back to your grandmother’s kitchen? Our senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—play a powerful role in triggering memories. These moments of déjà vu can feel random, but they’re rooted in our sensory experiences. For individuals with dementia, these […]

Read More
Senior ladies walking arm in arm as a group

February 13, 2025

A Little Help Keeps You Strong

We might all know that asking for help is a better, safer option for accomplishing certain things, but we might choose to struggle to maintain the appearance of being independent. Why does it feel like lending a hand to help others is easier than asking for help when we need it? Staying Independent Many of […]

Read More