Well-being and Care for Older Adults: How Can We Help Them Feel Better? 10 Basic Tips.

By Epilef Zaíd | Vital Senior Blog

In Chile, according to the National Survey on Disability and Dependency, approximately 10% of the population is dependent on others due to both physical and cognitive disabilities. Of this percentage, an estimated 1.7 million people have severe disabilities, and 1.4 million adults are not fully independent.

One way to face these tremendous challenges that fate throws at us is to always better caregiving as a family, with friends, or relatives , where everyone is involved to some extent and creates a support network . Ideally, everyone can also take turns so they can get some mental rest . Likewise, older adults need to see different people to maintain proper socialization . The good news is that you don't need to make extreme changes to improve their well-being . With small daily habits, you can transform their quality of life and regain that energy and balance for your loved one, as well as for you and your family.

Today we want to share with you 10 simple but powerful tips that will help your loved one live with more vitality, joy, and a deeper connection with themselves. Take note and start today!

🥗 1. Eat to nourish yourself, not just out of habit

It's not about following strict diets, but rather choosing foods that truly nourish your body. Focus on homemade, colorful, and balanced meals. Your body will reward you with more energy and a better mood.

💧 2. Water is life and is your best ally

Don't underestimate the power of good hydration. Drinking water frequently helps with everything from digestion to the condition of your skin. If your child struggles to remember, set reminder alarms to remind them to drink regularly.

🏃‍♂️ 3. Let him move, even if it's just a little, let him move according to his possibilities

You don't need to run a marathon to be active. The important thing is to move every day: walking, dancing, yoga, gentle stretching, even sitting. Your body needs movement to stay young and functional.

😴 4. Make sleep a priority, not an option.   health depends on it.

Getting a good night's sleep isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, avoid screens before bed, and create a relaxing routine to improve the quality of your rest.

👥 5. Surround yourself with people who are good for you.

Connecting with others is vital to our emotional well-being. Call a friend or relative of your senior. If you can, involve them in a community or group activity. Feeling supported makes life richer and happier.

🧩 6. Train your mind , keep it awake and active

Just as you need to keep your body active, your mind also needs exercise. Reading, playing, learning something new, or even writing can help you stay mentally sharp.

👩‍⚕️7. Listen to your doctor and follow your treatments

Taking care of yourself and self-care also means respecting your health. Remind your child about their medications correctly. There are pillboxes with alarms, smart watches, and many other tools to help you remember them. Support them and get them tested as directed, and don't ignore their body's signals.

🚭 8. Eliminate what harms you.

It may seem extremely difficult to point out and emphasize to an older adult that smoking, excessive drinking, or engaging in harmful habits weakens their body, and the consequences are often catastrophic once they reach a certain age. Reducing or eliminating these behaviors can be one of the best decisions for their health.

🩺 9. Get him checked even if he feels well

Don't wait until you get sick to see a doctor. Preventive checkups can detect any problems early and give you greater peace of mind about your health.

🎨 10. Make him do more of what he likes

Whether it's painting, walking in the park, listening to music, cooking, going to the movies, or simply reading a good book, make sure he does things that fill his soul. Emotional well-being is just as important as physical well-being.

Conclusion

Caring for an elderly person can be complicated and require sacrifices. But if we all work together, we can incorporate simple habits that will make them feel better in every way. The important thing is the consistency, time, and love with which you treat your senior every day.

To reflect on

You and your family deserve to feel good. Don't wait for something to go wrong to start taking care of them. Every small step you take today is an investment in your family's well-being.

Remember: Caring for and giving your time to an older adult is an act of love.

Did you enjoy this content? Subscribe to our Vital Senior newsletter and receive practical tips, safe routines, and motivation to live with senior vitality every week!

👉 [ Subscribe to the Senior Newsletter ]

Because it's never too late to start helping, start little by little, but start now!!