Care At Home

from Sussex Living February 2022

Scallops For Starters

Sara Whatley looks at some tips to help older generations stay safe, happy and healthy at home. Read on for some inspiration

Taking care of yourself at home is important for everyone of every age. However, in later life it is especially important to maintain good physical and mental health, look after your basic needs and stay connected with family and friends.

Below are some tips which may inspire you to try something new or reignite an old practice which has fallen by the wayside. MENTAL STIMULATION

PHYSICAL HEALTH We should all aim to be physically active every day, even if it is light activity such as making tea, dusting, making the bed or simply moving around your home. Use these activities to break up periods of sitting or lying down.

If mobility is no problem then you may want to engage is some moderate activity such as dancing, light gardening or even riding a bike.

An important part of staying physically healthy is to maintain muscle strength and balance. Things like yoga, Pilates and tai chi all help with this, and can even be done from a chair. There are a wealth of tutorial videos available online. Alternatively, ask a local instructor to show you some postures to practice at home.

It’s not just our bodies we need to keep exercised; it’s our minds too. Brain training maths and word games are great for this as well as activities like puzzles, board and card games. Finding an activity you love where you produce something tangible at the end can give you a great sense of satisfaction and renewed confidence too. This might be drawing or painting, a knitting project or perhaps Start bird watching, cooking a meal. Later life affords one master tree identification a little more time to or even photography indulge in passions, so how about learning a new language or instrument? Start bird watching, master tree identification or even photography. BASIC NEEDS Making sure all your basic needs are covered will generally keep you healthy in both mind and body. Try to ensure you get a daily hot meal, plenty of fluids

An important part of staying physically healthy is to maintain muscle strength and balance

– both hot and cold – and get out of bed with a purpose to have a wash and get dressed.

In cold winter months it’s vital to stay warm. Hot food and drinks will help, as well as a hot water bottle, heater, blanket, shawl and keeping active. Likewise, in hot summer months it’s equally vital to stay cool. Create a breeze with open windows and doors, drink plenty of fluids and wear light clothing.

KEEP CONNECTED From chatterboxes to the quieter types, everyone needs to stay connected. Meaningful conversation is not only mentally stimulating but it keeps you happy, connected and safe.

Make sure you plan visits and calls from family and friends, organise coffee mornings and evening drinks, or enlist the help of one of the many charities who offer befriending services.

Even turning to your computer can keep you connected with emails and online chats. And finally, think video games are just for youngsters? Think again! There are lots of games suitable for all ages and also ones specifically for older people. Stimulating, interesting and also giving you the chance to connect with younger generations and others digitally, this might just be your new favourite hobby! l