David Bowie famously called aging, “an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been.” More and more, we’re seeing a shift in thinking around what it means to grow older. Healthy aging for seniors means not just maintaining physical health, but finding the activities, interests and support to help them truly thrive.
A whole host of factors contribute to healthy aging, including physical activity, social engagement, a sense of purpose, a balanced diet and more. It’s a long list—but there are plenty of resources in South Fort Lauderdale to help you with every one of them.
The Top 3 Resources for Healthy Aging for Seniors in South Fort Lauderdale
Aging well is easier with the right support, and South Fort Lauderdale has it in spades. From activities that support their body and mind to specialists who can make your loved one’s home fit their needs, here are a few we recommend:
- Bring Balance to Their Life
Improving strength, balance and coordination is a worthwhile pursuit for people of any age, but it’s particularly helpful for seniors. In addition to helping them maintain their mobility and energy, the right kinds of exercise can also reduce their fall risk.
Because it focuses on slow, controlled movements and body awareness, Tai Chi is one of the best ways to help older adults improve their balance—and the Tai Chi for Fall Prevention class at Tai Chi With Lori is a great place to start. On top of improving stability, Tai Chi can also help seniors feel calm and centered, providing a mood boost.
If a senior in your life tries it out and likes it, it’s definitely worth getting them a subscription. Attending the same class from week to week is a fantastic way for them to make friends—and once they’ve done that, their class will become a social occasion they can look forward to each week.
- Make Their Home Work for Them
Even the most active seniors spend most of their time at home, so it’s crucial to make sure their house actually meets their needs. Their limited energy reserves and mobility issues can turn what were once minor annoyances into genuine barriers. Low cabinets are often uncomfortable for them to use, while high cabinets are nearly unreachable. That’s why anything you can do to account for their needs and make their life easier is worth the effort.
To figure out what your loved one needs from their home, think of where they tend to struggle and work through (or ask them) what could be better. Are they struggling with the stairs? Add high-traction strips and consider putting in a chair lift. Are they having trouble getting pans out of a low kitchen cabinet? Add a built-in shelving solution so they don’t have to reach down as much. Do they tend to stumble at night? Add night lights in the bedroom and hallways for better visibility.
Some accessibility upgrades like night lights and traction strips are easy to install on your own, but when you need a little help, it’s best to call in professional contractors like Senior Proof who specialize in making seniors’ homes better meet their needs. That way, you can trust that everything was installed properly and get advice about other ways you could make your loved one’s house work for them.
- Get Them Support
We all need someone to lean on when we’re feeling sad or stressed, but that can be hard for seniors, many of whom live far away from their closest friends. While family is often the most important source of emotional support for older adults, it shouldn’t be the only one.
If a senior in your life doesn’t have many close friends to talk to in the area, it’s a good idea to connect them with a senior support group like ADRC Broward. These groups connect your loved one with other seniors who understand what they’re going through. They may find that talking it over lifts their spirits and gives them a new perspective—and that when they’re in a good place, they may find a great deal of meaning in helping their peers.
While most senior support groups begin and end with emotional support, our local ADRC also offers practical assistance. They can connect older adults with meal support, classes and more, empowering them to improve their lives, exercising their independence and boosting their confidence.
Get Help With Healthy Aging for Seniors in South Fort Lauderdale, FL
Older adults in South Fort Lauderdale are in luck: There are plenty of resources in the area to help them with healthy and happy aging, from emotional support and workout classes to home accessibility improvements.
If a senior in your life needs a little more direct support to help them live well, FirstLight Home Care of South Fort Lauderdale is here to help. Our compassionate caregivers can offer practical assistance with everything from bathing and dressing to getting around town so your loved one can keep thriving as they age.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today.
