Seniors have more free time in the golden years, and they can use it to work on goals, take vacations with family and friends, join clubs, enroll in school, catch up on rest, and take up new hobbies. However, there are some errors many older adults make, including financial mistakes and mishaps that can affect their physical and mental wellbeing. Below are some things seniors shouldn’t do when they retire and positive alternatives to each issue.
Spending Their Entire Savings
Seniors have worked hard to establish savings for their retirement, and they should be cautious when spending those funds. If your elderly parent needs money, he or she should consider working part-time or reduce monthly expenses, such as insurance and utilities. Both options can increase your loved one’s finances and reduce stress. When it comes to shopping, help your parent develop a budget, and encourage him or her to stay within those limits. Spending his or her entire savings after retirement could impact the ability to pay for future medical expenses, home improvements, and other necessities that boost quality of life.
Your loved one may also need to hire an in-home caregiver as he or she ages. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care Lincoln families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Being Inactive
Relaxing is one of the things older adults look forward to during retirement, but too much relaxation could be detrimental to their health. Your loved one should try to work out as much as possible and take up fun physical activities that boost balance and flexibility and lower the odds of falls and serious accidents. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle in the retirement years could prevent osteoporosis, keep the mind engaged, and alleviate boredom. Staying physically active can also lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and poor immune functioning.
A professional caregiver can help your parent exercise safely at home. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Staying in a Large Home
Many seniors live alone in their retirement years, and maintaining their homes can be stressful. Your parent should find ways to downsize, as opposed to remaining in a large home. With a smaller place, your loved one can avoid hoarding and remove unnecessary clutter, reduce monthly utility payments, and have an easier time cleaning the property. A larger home typically has more rooms and stairs, which can be stressful for seniors with health problems that impact their mobility. By downsizing to a smaller property, your loved one can reduce the need to make repairs and spend more time on purposeful hobbies.
Becoming Isolated
Sitting inside the house and watching television all day or taking up hobbies alone could increase the risk of depression for seniors. Your loved one should try to join local clubs, volunteer, or make it a point to visit with family and friends as much as possible during the week. Avoiding isolation during the retirement years could enhance your parent’s cognitive health, stave off memory loss, and boost his or her confidence. Promote social activities your loved one can take advantage of based on his or her skills and interests. Staying socially active in the golden years can increase independence and longevity.
For families living in Lincoln, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (916) 226-3737 today.