Healthy aging requires more than just eating well and staying physically active. It looks different for everyone and can include social connection, caring for mental health, chronic disease management and more.
With such a long list of factors, it’s no wonder fewer than 1 in 4 adults meet the criteria for healthy aging.
However, a growing number of healthy aging resources have cropped up to help turn the tide. Here are a few of our favorites right here in South Hills.
The Top 3 Healthy Aging Resources for Seniors in South Hills
South Hills is full of healthy aging resources to help care for seniors’ body, mind and home. From specialty handyman services to experts who can help older adults find meaning and fulfillment, these are three of the best:
- Stay Active at Any Age
Physical activity is key to healthy aging. It can improve the symptoms of or stave off a wide variety of diseases, improve mental and emotional health and, when that exercise includes mobility-focused training, it even reduces fall risk.
Plenty of community centers offer exercise classes, but our local Y takes it a step further with their Active at Any Age program. They offer a wide variety of exercise classes to help seniors meet their healthy aging goals through workouts they’ll actually enjoy. They have a classic Silver Sneakers program as well as Low-Impact Aerobics.
If fear of falling stops your loved one from exercising, Active at Any Age can help. With Chair Yoga and Water Fitness, they can build strength and stability in an environment that feels safer.
- Get a Helping Hand
Most seniors would prefer to age in place, but they face practical barriers to doing so. For one, keeping up with house chores can feel overwhelming at the best of times; for seniors, it can become impossible (or introduce a significant fall risk).
Additionally, what we need from our homes changes as we get older. That doesn’t mean a major remodel is in store; often, just a few adjustments can be all that’s needed. Grab bars, walk-in showers and handrails can make a world of difference.
That’s why a reliable handyman is so important for a senior planning to age in place. We particularly like Brian Trossman. In addition to a wide variety of skills, he has plenty of experience helping to maintain older adults’ homes—he already does it for his parents and in-laws. You can even handle scheduling for your loved one; he recommends texting him a few pictures of what needs to be done, and he’ll reply within a few days.
- Find a Shoulder to Lean On
We’re often so focused on the practicalities of aging that it’s easy to overlook the emotional impact. That doesn’t mean your loved one isn’t feeling it. Aging can come with loss of identity, changes to relationships and daily routines and a general loss of purpose that has far-reaching impacts on seniors’ wellbeing.
Often, what seniors need is a space to talk about their experience with someone who truly understands what they’re going through. Many organizations offer online and in-person peer groups where seniors can connect and find support.
However, sometimes a peer group isn’t enough, and they may want to speak with a professional who’s trained to help them through major life transitions. That’s where South Hills Counseling can help. They help older adults in the Pittsburgh area find new routines and fulfillment so they can truly thrive in retirement.
How Home Care Helps with Healthy Aging
For older adults focused on healthy aging, compassionate, knowledgeable support from a trained professional caregiver can make all the difference. At FirstLight Home Care of South Hills, we help seniors enjoy the activities that both improve their health and make life more meaningful.
Whether your loved one needs an encouraging workout partner, transportation to social events, help with mobility or just a trusted shoulder to lean on, we’re here for them. Reach out today to learn how we can help.
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