Know the ways to help our grandparents enjoy their Golden Years!
Our grandparents have showered us with love, guidance, and wisdom for as long as we can remember, now it’s our turn to care for them. This season, let’s show our appreciation by helping them stay healthy, strong, and full of life for many more years to come.
Living Healthy is the Key
As our beloved Lolos and Lolas enter their senior years, they face new health challenges. But with a little help and some healthy habits, they can enjoy this chapter of their lives to the fullest. Here are some simple yet effective ways to help them stay forever young at heart.
1. Prepare a Well-Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is the foundation of good health at any age. A balanced eating plan can help reduce the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Here’s how you can help:
a. Serve Them a Variety of Foods
Focus on meals with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. Include a mix of protein-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, nuts, and soy products. Protein is essential for repairing tissues, fighting infection, and providing energy.
b. Add More Fruits and Vegetables
Incorporate sliced or chopped fruits and vegetables into their meals and snacks. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
c. Make Sure They are Hydrated
Encourage them to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. Staying hydrated helps with digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
2. Encourage Physical Activities
You could say that exercise is the fountain of youth. For our grandparents, regular physical activity can help them stay healthy and feel young. The World Health Organization notes that physical inactivity often increases after the age of 60, so it's important to keep them moving.
They can aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, such as brisk walking, gardening, or dancing. If they're just starting, they can slowly work their way up to that goal. Regular movement can improve their balance, prevent falls, boost their mood, and enhance their cognitive function.
3. Help Keep Their Minds Sharp
Just like our bodies, our brains need regular exercise. Keeping their minds active can help support memory and cognitive function as they age. Encourage them to pursue hobbies, learn new skills, volunteer, or mentor others to keep their minds engaged.
4. Keep Them Socially Connected
Loneliness and isolation can negatively impact mental and physical health. Maintaining strong connections with family and friends is vital for their well-being. Encourage them to join clubs or groups where they can interact with peers and share common interests. Most importantly, show them your love and support to make them feel special and connected.
Give Them Extra Support
A balanced diet, gentle exercise, and support for mental well-being are foundational for our Lolos and Lolas. However, supplements can also help in filling specific nutritional needs. Here are some supplements you can discuss with your doctor for your loved ones:
1. For Bone Strength
Do you worry when Lolo winces as he stands up, or when Lola moves more carefully around the house? Forti-D Capsule contains Vitamin D, which helps with proper calcium absorption to strengthen their bones.
2. For Overall Health
Some days, our grandparents might seem more tired or matamlay than usual. This could mean they aren't getting all the essential nutrients they need. Centrum Silver Advance helps prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies to support their overall well-being.
3. For Nerve Health
Have you heard Lola complain about that familiar feeling of ngalay in her shoulders or the tusok-tusok sensation in her hands and feet? Neurogen E offers a combination of Vitamins B-Complex and E to help care for their nerves and address this discomfort.
4. For Healthy Circulation
Waking up to sudden leg cramps, or pamumulikat, can be a painful experience. Supplements like Vaneular can help treat deficiencies in vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and Nicotinic Acid, which may help relieve muscle pain and abnormal sensations.
But remember, always consult a doctor before your loved ones start taking any new supplements to ensure they are suitable for their specific health needs.
Ensure You Have a Reliable Partner in Health
Caring for our grandparents is one of the most meaningful ways we can show our love. At MyPharma, your Kapitbahay pharmacy, we are here to support you in keeping your entire family healthy. From vitamins and supplements to other essential medicines, we make healthcare simple for you.
Let’s give Lolo and Lola the best gift of all: the gift of health and our precious time. - (MyPharma)
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
https://www.healthline.com/health/everyday-fitness/senior-workouts#takeaway
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/6-simple-steps-to-keep-your-mind-sharp-at-any-age