Many seniors experience fatigue, but it isn’t an inevitable part of aging. With a few lifestyle changes, seniors who constantly feel tired can regain some of their lost energy. Here are a few ways seniors can reduce their risk of fatigue.
Drink More Water
Since fatigue is often caused by dehydration, seniors should strive to drink 64 ounces of water a day. This is the recommended daily water intake, and it’s equivalent to eight glasses of water a day. Seniors who have a difficult time drinking enough water should consider purchasing water bottles with measurement markers, which will allow them to monitor their intake.
Exercise
Regular exercise is a great way to boost energy levels. When people engage in cardiovascular exercise, it stimulates the release of endorphins. These brain chemicals regulate sleep and boost overall mood. Beyond the chemical effect it has on the brain, exercise also has numerous physical health benefits. From enhanced flexibility to reduced inflammation, exercise can boost seniors’ health in a variety of ways.
Professional caregivers can help older adults exercise safely in the comfort of home. At-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
It’s easy for seniors to unintentionally develop poor sleeping habits. Maybe they drink their last cups of coffee too late in the day, or perhaps their post-dinner alcohol consumption is disrupting their sleep schedules. If seniors want to maintain good sleep hygiene, they should try to go to sleep at the same time every day. They should avoid stimulating substances for several hours before bedtime and power down all electronic devices before they get into bed. When seniors get a good night’s sleep, they’re unlikely to experience fatigue the next day.
Eat Healthy Meals
If a senior feels fatigued, it might be a sign he or she isn’t eating a nutritious diet. To boost energy levels, seniors should consider eating lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. They should eat healthy breakfasts every morning, as this early intake of nutrition is essential to maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
In Montgomery, senior home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Schedule Regular Examinations
If a senior lives a healthy lifestyle but still experiences fatigue, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor may identify underlying health conditions that cause the fatigue. For example, pain caused by arthritis can lower energy levels. If fatigue is caused by an existing medical condition, the doctor may be able to prescribe medications that alleviate the symptoms.
If the fatigue isn’t caused by a preexisting ailment, there are plenty of things the doctor may be able to do to ease the situation, such as prescribing a sleep aid to ensure eight hours of sleep per night. For seniors who are lacking essential vitamins and minerals, a daily multivitamin might be enough to fill in the nutritional gap. Seniors who can’t identify the source of their fatigue shouldn’t hesitate to get a professional opinion, as it could vastly enhance their quality of life.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Montgomery seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (334) 593-3988 today.