Source: Pexels The journey of adulthood can become challenging for you as an adult child and your elderly parents. As your parents age, they may r
The journey of adulthood can become challenging for you as an adult child and your elderly parents. As your parents age, they may require more assistance and other specific needs to ensure they live a healthy and fulfilling life.
However, this often means that they have to let go of their independence. This can lead to frustration, depression, and other negative effects for you and your parents. Fortunately, there are several effective ways you can help your elderly parents maintain their independence in their old age. Below are a few.
Encourage exercise
According to statistics from the CDC, about 36 million falls of older adults are reported each year. A major problem faced by several elderly parents is mobility, causing them to be more dependent on others to move around. As your parents grow older, moving about becomes more challenging, which means they may need your help getting from one place to another.
An effective way of helping your parents regain independence in their mobility is to encourage exercise. Through regular exercise, your parents can improve and maintain their balance, preventing the issues of falling and tripping. Additionally, exercise improves joint health, strengthens your body, and provides flexibility. Although you can search online for elderly-safe exercises, it is recommended that you consult an expert to help create an exercise routine your parents can carry out with ease and without future complications or injury.
Incorporate technology into their daily activities
The advantages of technology in everyday activities are numerous! Therefore, it should be of little surprise that there are technological solutions that can assist your elderly parents in maintaining their independence. You can use technology to improve their communication.
Cellphones and tablets provide your parents with an easy and more convenient way to reach out to others and explore the world around them. In cases where your elderly loved one may be experiencing a health condition, technology can help them (and you) manage and live with it better. For example, the use of hearing aids makes communicating with hearing impaired parents seamless and less frustrating. You can also take advantage of mobile apps to help your parents plan their day, set reminders to take their medication or keep them entertained.
Include them in the decision processes
A common mistake adult children do that robs their elderly parents of their independence is excluding them from the decision-making process. Although your parents may be going through physical and mental changes as they age, it is vital to still include them in the decision processes– especially when it affects them.
For example, if you are contemplating taking your parents to a retirement or assistive home, or hiring a caregiver for them, be sure to include their opinions on the matter. Doing this makes them a part of the process, increasing their independence.
Additionally, they feel respected and appreciated by such actions. It is important to remember that despite the changes they may be enduring, they are still adults and should be treated as such.
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