This document provides tips for helping older adults stay active and engaged. It recommends that older adults should engage in physical activities like walking, gardening, and hiking instead of just water aerobics. It also suggests adding mentally stimulating activities daily, like puzzles or reading, instead of excessive TV watching which can decline memory. Older adults should pursue hobbies and social activities through classes or clubs instead of staying home alone. The document advises sharing meals with others instead of eating alone, and that caregivers should listen to older adults instead of using condescending language.

1. Feeling Old?
Do This, Not That

2. Even if your mom can’t make it to
the senior center for water aerobics,
there are still things she can do to stay
active. Walking the golf course, lifting
and carrying as part of gardening, and
taking photographs on a nature hike are
all examples of physical activities for
older adults.
DO THIS

3. Many older adults fear that exercise puts
them at risk of falling or that they’re too
weak or have too many aches and pains
to exercise. Perhaps you or your loved
one fear that moving will harm your
joints and cause more pain. Actually,
research shows that exercise can improve
your joint pain and stiffness, and regular
exercise builds strength and stamina as
well as improves balance.
NOT THAT

4. Encourage your loved one to add one
mentally stimulating activity to their
nightly routine. Tackle a Sudoku puzzle,
knock out a few chapters of that book
club book, commit to learning a new
hobby. Anything that forces their brain to
work in a way that it normally wouldn’t.
DO THIS

5. A large new study of older adults found
that those who spent at least 3.5 hours
per day watching TV experienced a
greater decline in verbal memory.
NOT THAT

6. Work with your loved one to help
them find a calling for this chapter of
adulthood. Look for a hobby or pastime
that fits their interests and ability levels
and will keep them active, engaged, and
feeling fulfilled. Taking a class or joining
a club or sports team is a great way to
pursue a hobby and expand their social
network at the same time.
DO THIS

7. Some seniors wrongly believe that they’ve
already experienced the prime of their lives
and that the time after retirement is just
one long, steady decline. While staying
home may be the most comfortable
and safe thing to do, it leads to a lack
of purpose. This can cause energy loss,
depression, and even illness. Whatever your
loved one’s living situation, they shouldn’t
be alone day after day.
NOT THAT

8. To help your loved one exhibit resilience
when challenges arise, give them the
space they need to be sad without
attempting to cheer them up. Listen
to them and allow them to vent their
emotions and feelings as much as possible.
DO THIS

9. Using caregiving catchphrases like
taking away the car keys, parenting your
parents, and role reversal can come off
as condescending and breed resentment
and miscommunication. Although your
parents are getting older and they might
need a little more help than they once
did, they are still adults. Your parents are
your parents. Even if you have to become
their caregiver.
NOT THAT

10. Try to share meals — fruits, veggies, whole
grains, lean proteins — with your loved
one as often as you can. Look for local
“congregate meal events” hosted by places
such as senior centers, churches, and other
community organizations. Stop by a nearby
assisted living community for lunch. Eating
in the dining room and socializing with
peers can help create friendships.
DO THIS

11. Studies have shown that eating alone
is associated with a host of unhealthy
traits, including loneliness, social isolation,
unhealthy food choices, and inadequate
fruit and vegetable consumption.
NOT THAT

12. This slideshow is brought to you by Highgate Senior Living, an industry-leading assisted
living and memory care provider offering a holistic approach to care. Pioneering change
in the senior living industry, Highgate is committed to creating a unique and desirable
living option where each resident can live a life of purpose.
Visit our website at www.highgateseniorliving.com to learn more.
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