Keeping Aging Parents Happy and Healthy: Tips for Staying Active and Engaged

From young parents raising a child to the child taking care of old parents, life comes a full circle. And as daunting a task it is to raise a child right, equally challenging is the task of keeping your ageing parents engaged, active, healthy and happy.

There is nothing harder than seeing your parents grow old!

As the calendar turns the years, the once busy and lively parents retreat into a lonely shell. There is a change so evident in their activities and recreational pursuits. While some break down mentally, others are chained by physical disabilities.  

Such drastic changes in their life after retirement is often the cause of the old-age phenomenon. Empty nesting, loss of a spouse, death of friends or close ones are some of the common reasons for anxiety in old-age!

That’s why it’s very important to make sure that your parents are engaged and active. Check out these simple ways to keep your ageing parents engaged, active, healthy and happy. 

Also Read:why ageing gracefully is important for longevity. 

7 Ways to keep your ageing parents engaged, active, healthy and happy

Always stay close and connected

The biggest heartbreak for ageing parents is parting with their children. Raising the children takes up a huge chunk of a parent’s life. That’s why when children move out, they feel empty and lonely.

So, make sure to stay connected with your parents. If you live nearby then visit them on the weekends. And if you are far off then don’t forget to call them every day. Don’t miss the festival seasons at home. And you can always ask them to spend a few days at your place!

Make this a priority!

The more you will be connected to your parents, the happier they will be!

Introduce them to the world of books

Research says reading books can make one healthier.

It not just keeps them engaged or increases their wisdom, but books are the best companion. They give hope and happiness, beats stress and depression. Get a monthly subscription for delivering a new book every month.

Reading books also help in fighting many of the age-related troubles. It helps to fight insomnia, which is a very common problem in old age. Reading a book enhances relaxation and improves sleep quality.

Research also says people who read regularly are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is one of the best brain exercises!

Help them embrace the love of a pet

The main concern with ageing parents is their loneliness. And we all know that pets can be a great companion. Bring home a dog and soon it will become an inseparable part of your parent’s life.

A pet not just keeps your parents engaged, but also active. Be it taking the dog for a walk or playing with a ball. Research also says that petting a dog can reduce stress and cuddling them can enhance mood.

In addition, dogs are the best guards to protect your parents from thieves and robbers!

Ask them to take a yoga class

Yoga is one of the most beneficial physical activities your parents can engage in. There are simple yoga poses that can refresh their mind and body. Yoga empowers them. Practising yoga regularly further tones their body and keeps their internal organs healthy. 

Yoga also helps in balancing the hormonal system and enhancing mood. There are many communities in every neighbourhood that practices yoga today. Ask your parents to join one such community in the neighbourhood. 

This will not just help them stay healthy but being a part of a new community will also make them happy. 

Also Read: Coping with Boredom

Teach them the use of modern technology

Technology has become a very important part of our lives. It’s fun, engaging and makes our life convenient. So, teach your parents how to make video calls and use social media on their phones. This will help them connect with old friends and family. 

Show them how to do online shopping and place online orders. But most importantly tell about them the safety rules of the internet. Frauds often target old people to loot money.

Maybe this Diwali when you visit the home you can gift your parents a new phone and take them to the virtual world.

Give wings to their dreams

We all need a little sparkle of magic to believe in our dreams. Parents often forget and forgo all their dreams and desires to make ends meet. So, once the chaos settles down, they can turn towards their passion. 

Be it dancing or painting, adventurous trips or mountain climbing. Give them the mental boost to chase their dreams. This will make their gloomy sixties into the most fun ride of their life. 

Read this: 99-year-old man trekked in the Himalayas for the 29th time

Give them a post-retirement plan

Not everyone is interested in reading or writing, dancing or singing. Many people in their old age fight boredom which breeds negativity. As such a new profession at sixty might not be a bad idea.

Many people open up a franchise post-retirement. You can suggest a local shop or a global franchise for your parents. This one is a costly option, but there are so many financers available today. Also, the returns turn out to be great when business is done in an old-school way with a human touch!

Things that ageing people can do to live happy and healthy

Rekindle your romance with romantic dates.

Romance is the spark between the heart and that can happen right under the roof you lived your whole life. Talk about the old days, the memories of raising your children and all the bitter-sweet moments!

Visit relatives and friends more often.

Reconnecting with old friends has a different joy. It reminds you of the person you were once and brings the zeal back to your life. So, with all the time in hand make sure you meet your close ones.

Fill your house with laughter

One of the best things you can do to avoid loneliness is to host the best parties in town. You can host reunions with school friends or get-togethers with distant relatives. In this way, you can still have real connections in this virtual world.

Join a community or a local trust

Your experience of life makes you a very valuable asset to society. You can extend your help to a local community or an NGO. This will keep you engaged and busy while bringing the pleasure of giving back to society.

You are never too old to make new friends

Always keep yourself updated with the latest trends and talks. This will help you connect with people of every age. And having friends of different age groups is life seeing life in different colours.

Keeping your ageing parents engaged, active, healthy and happy

Research says happiness is the key to a healthy life. 

And happiness stems from a balanced life.

It means a balance of social interaction and physical activity. 

So, help your parents see those little pockets of happiness that they can still redeem. Be it reconnecting with the world or finding themselves once again. All you need to do is just be there, as they were for you!

Talk to them, share your joys, give them positivity and encourage them to do things that bring happiness.