With the approaching arrival of spring, you may be excited about warm weather and more sunlight. During this season, many people make a renewed commitment to staying healthy and exercising. If you have a loved one that needs a home health aide to handle daily tasks, you can work with them to improve their health. Below are several strategies to consider doing with your elderly family member. 

How Can You Help a Loved One Get Healthy This Spring?

1. Eat a Nutritious Diet

Wholesome, healthy foods provide energy and support numerous bodily functions. While your loved one may need to follow a special diet for medical reasons, you can help incorporate other healthy foods into their lifestyle. The best diets consist of lean meats, such as salmon and chicken, as well as leafy vegetables, like kale and spinach. These items provide many essential vitamins and nutrients that benefit everything from the muscles to the brain and blood circulation. Also, include some whole grains, fruits, and low-fat dairy products. Help them avoid eating fried and processed foods more than once each week, as these can contribute to high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

2. Exercise Daily

Along with a healthy diet, moderate exercise each day is crucial to improve overall wellness. Adults need at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity every week. For elderly individuals, the latter is often easier, as strength training can be difficult. Instead, walk with them around their property or neighborhood a few times each week. As they get used to the exercise, increase the distance of the walk. This helps improve blood flow and strengthen their muscles, giving them more mobility and balance.

3. Spend Time Outdoors

Now that the weather is warming up, encourage your loved one to spend more time outside each day. If they have a home health aide, this is easy, as they can relax in a patio chair and enjoy the fresh air and spring breeze while watching animals and people pass by. Sunshine is the best source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth. Optimum calcium absorption is especially important for older adults, who typically face a higher risk of osteoporosis. Sunlight and fresh air also reduce stress and boost their mood.

If your loved one needs a skilled, caring home health aide, contact Priority One Healthcare Services in St. Louis, MO. Since 2011, these caregivers have been providing a variety of in-home assistance services, including medication reminders, cleaning, cooking, and bathing. Along with assisting older adults, they also care for people of other ages with significant medical needs. Call (314) 776-9066 to speak with a team member, and visit the website to learn more about their services.