Happiness tips for the elderly
For the elderly living at home alone, our home care service can offer invaluable support but they can also have periods of loneliness. We have spoken previously about how to stay living independently at home for longer, but one key area is keeping happy! So here are some tips for the elderly to stay happy!
Stay active
This is incredibly important. Previous blogs have gone into much more detail about keeping fit in older agebut it really is important to keep moving as you age as when you exercise those important positive endorphins are released.
Staying active also prevents many illnesses that the elderly can be susceptible to, with maintaining a healthy weight being critical in preventing illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. You don’t want these conditions when you’re young, but they’re even worse in the elderly.
Get fresh air
This can be linked to staying active, but being exposed to the fresh air and outdoors can have a significant impact on your mood, and is therefore a great way to promote happiness in the elderly!
This has become even clearer during the current Coronavirus lockdown with the Government stressing the importance of fresh air and exercise, which ensures you receive the essential Vitamin D.
Stay connected
The best way to prevent feelings of loneliness is to stay as connected as you can with the outside world. Whether this is through regular visits from friends and relatives (again this is trickier during the current Coronavirus lockdown) or keeping in contact via phone or video call, that contact with loved ones can make all the difference to one’s mood and give them a real lift.
Eat well
As our friends at Birchwood House describe, we all know the value of good nutrition for the elderly but eating well can also have a significant impact on your mood, especially if you do the following:
- Eat with friends and family. This may not always be possible when living alone but is a great way to make mealtimes enjoyable!
- Eat quality food which can trigger positive senses, improve your appetite and it sounds obvious but eating good food is more fun!
- Eat a high fibre diet with plenty of water.
- Think about what meals you’re going to have during the week in advance if you can.
Have fun and laugh!
Not only do we all like to have fun and laugh, but a 2014 study found that watching funny videos for 20 minutes can improve the memory in the elderly so not only is laughing fun and good for our happiness, it can help remember forgotten memories. So make sure you watch those funny videos, or revisit your favourite comedy as there are many positive benefits!
Our friendly team are always available to chat and if you or your loved one feel like you need extra support then do pick up the phone and give us a call on 01892 863 710 – we would love to hear from you!
Other articles you may like
- Does home care mean losing independence?
Growing older often brings new challenges. For many people, one of the biggest worries is the fear of losing independence. - Handling heatwaves: how can we protect our residents in the sun?
Every July, Samaritans run the ‘Talk to Us’ campaign. And every year, this initiative aims to encourage people to share their feelings. Talking through emotions, no matter how big or small, is so important for our wellbeing. For the people in our care, we know how meaningful this movement is. - Talk to Us campaign: how can we support each other?
Every July, Samaritans run the ‘Talk to Us’ campaign. And every year, this initiative aims to encourage people to share their feelings. Talking through emotions, no matter how big or small, is so important for our wellbeing. For the people in our care, we know how meaningful this movement is. - Finding joy in the little things
Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most. And these small bursts of happiness have a real impact on our wellbeing. Research has shown that mindfulness and recognising the little things can help to reduce anxiety and stress, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of supporting mental health. This gratitude can also help create familiarity by introducing daily rituals and offering small moments of connection. If you’re wanting to find more joy in the little things, where should you start? We like to think about it in terms of routines and rituals: - Functional health exercises to try at home
As our loved ones grow older, maintaining their independence and quality of life becomes increasingly important. One of the ways to support this is with functional health and the ability to perform daily tasks safely and effectively. - National Pet Month: how can we support your pets?
Happy Pet Month! This is a time for celebrating our furry friends, especially the joy and companionship they can bring to our lives. It’s also a month for raising awareness of responsible pet ownership, and how we can care for pets whilst caring for ourselves. Sometimes, looking after a pet can be more challenging, and it might be that you need some extra support. So for this month, and every month, we want to highlight the benefits of pets for people who may need care, and how we can help both you and your pet make the most out of each other’s company. - Spring cooking: meals for the warmer seasons
Spring is officially here, and we couldn’t be happier to see the sun coming out! These brighter days often signify fresh starts and new beginnings. For example, many people see spring as a chance to refresh the home and get started with spring cleaning. But what about spring cooking? This is a style of cooking that celebrates the amazing fruits and vegetables coming into season. It’s also a way of adjusting your eating habits, moving away from winter warmers and preparing lighter meals. So, what should you start preparing? Here’s our top tips for eating with the season in mind. - Rainy day activities: bringing the fun indoors!
2026 has got off to quite a rainy start! It’s been reported for being particularly wet and gloomy, and there’s a long history behind the UK’s (rainy) weather. Sometimes, when it rains this hard, we have a ‘lazy day’. We choose to stay inside, have more lie ins, and wrap up under a blanket. This can be a great way to recharge your batteries and get some much-needed rest. But what if it’s always raining? Long stretches of wet weather can cause low mood, reduced motivation, and a sense of isolation, especially when social gatherings start to get cancelled. To combat this, here’s some rainy-day activities designed to lift the mood and help make our days more fun: - Music for dementia care
Music is universally loved, and for good reason. It brings people together across cultures, languages, generations, and identities. For those with dementia, music can be particularly important. Music for dementia care offers support and an alternative form of communication. It can redirect moods, help set a routine, and evoke familiar memories. But why is it that music is so beneficial? And how can it help us connect with our loved ones?
