Retirement can be a difficult time of life for many older adults. This transition isn’t always smooth, especially if there are financial concerns or a lack of social support. The following tips can help your senior loved one adjust to the lifestyle changes retirement brings and find new ways to feel fulfilled.
Develop Friendships
Most people tend to have fewer friends as they get older, in large part because their social networks are reduced by losing touch with work friends. Seniors can avoid the loneliness and isolation that sometimes accompanies retirement by meeting with old friends weekly and making new friendships by attending crafting classes, volunteering, and staying active in their communities.
A home caregiver can be a wonderful source of companionship and socialization for an aging adult. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Carmichael, CA, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Address Feelings of Guilt
It’s very common for aging adults to feel guilty about no longer being productive. Family members can help their older loved ones combat these feelings by letting them know it’s okay to simply enjoy their days doing whatever they want without having to do anything productive.
Plan Finances
Many retirees aren’t financially prepared for retirement, and some seniors who thought they were prepared find themselves running out of money. Family caregivers and adult children can make retirement less stressful by helping their senior loved ones prepare financial plans, meet with financial planners, or even find part-time jobs if their loved ones are still able to work.
Start a Business
Starting a business can be a great way for a senior to find fulfillment during retirement. This doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming, as many older adults earn extra spending money during retirement by starting home businesses doing things they enjoy, such as preparing floral arrangements or crafting.
Stay Active
It can be easy to fall into a rut during retirement, especially for seniors who live alone. Staying active and involved in the community is important, not only for mental health but also for physical wellbeing. There are many ways for an older adult to stay active during retirement, such as purchasing a senior membership at a gym, taking swimming classes, joining a walking club, and signing up for classes at a local senior center.
Keep Learning
By the time they hit retirement age, most people have hobbies they’ve put on the back burner or skills they’ve never had time to hone. The retirement years provide the perfect opportunity to engage in old interests that may have fallen by the wayside because of the demands of a 40-hour workweek. Seniors can learn new skills, such as playing the piano or speaking Mandarin, or they could pick up new hobbies, such as birdwatching or golfing. Having a thirst for knowledge can keep the mind in top shape.
An at-home caregiver can also provide regular cognitive stimulation that optimizes brain health. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Socialize
Seniors who truly enjoy their retirement years almost always have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Retirees who have seen their social circles get smaller in recent years shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to old friends and connect with new ones. Seniors can use technology like FaceTime to stay in touch with friends and family members who live far away, and they can attend local events to meet new people. Older adults may also enjoy joining hobby-based groups, whether it’s a local bowling team or a monthly book club.
If your loved one needs companionship and help with transportation to activities in the community, a home caregiver can be a wonderful resource. Carmichael home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Call Home Care Assistance at (916) 485-4663 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.