1. Spend time doing things that you love.

Being older does not mean you cannot be active. Find things that you truly enjoy and do them as often as you can. Many senior citizens like to garden and work in their yards. Learn a new activity. Community colleges offer free education to seniors.

2. Spend time with your grand kids.

Grandchildren are a wonderful gift that brings joy and happiness to senior citizens. If your grandchildren do not live nearby, write them letters and talk to them on the telephone. Create a family memory book for your grandchildren that tells of your life. Show your grand kids the special love that only grandparents can give.

3. Become a mentor.

Senior citizens have a wealth of knowledge and experience that young people can benefit from. Mentor a young child who does not have a stable home environment. Young professionals can be mentored in the work environment. A listening ear can help young people overcome the obstacles of life that senior citizens have already conquered.

4. Exercise.

Senior citizens who exercise are happier and healthier. Exercise helps reduce the risk of falls and serious medical diseases by strengthening the body, increasing cardiac health and keeping excess weight off. Moderate exercise several times a week, such as walking, also helps fight depression.

5. Form a strong social network.

Friends play an important role in a senior citizen’s health and independence. Friends can call and check on each other, offer advice, remind one another of appointments and keep one another company.

6. Get involved in church.

In addition to meeting the spiritual needs of an individual, churches play an important role in meeting the physical and mental needs of the community. Many senior citizens find comfort in God’s Word as they face the challenges of aging. The church can also help by providing a strong “family” that will help meet the day to day needs of the senior citizen.

7. Visit your doctor.

Visiting your doctor on a regular basis can help manage current health problems as well as prevent future health problems. You can also discuss any medical or health concerns with your doctor and learn about ways to prevent and identify health issues.

8. Keep your brain active.

Reading books and doing crossword puzzles are good activities that make your brain work.

9. Know your limitations.

If you are unable to live by yourself at home, look into an assisted living community. Assisted living communities give seniors the support to live independently in a monitored environment.

10. Make a plan.

Planning for the time when you must rely on others helps you maintain control. Writing down your wishes and talking to your family when you are healthy and independent ensures that your desires are known and can be accommodated.



First, you must assess what care is needed. Some elders may require minimal help with shopping or housekeeping. Others may have mobility issues. Still others may need assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, or eating. Some may require assistance with bill paying; others may need more extensive financial or legal help. Can the needs of your loved ones be covered by intermittent or part-time help, or does the situation require 24 hour care? Is the care likely to be needed temporarily or permanently? Care assessments should be on-going, as situations and needs change over time.

When the level of care is determined, decide if it can be provided at home. Many seniors will prefer to remain in their own homes. That may be most feasible if the need for care is minimal or will be temporary. Certain home adaptations may, in fact, eliminate or reduce the need for outside care. If more extensive care is required, a care team should be assembled. Speak with the doctors involved; arrange for nursing care if necessary; plan for therapists, aides, even attorneys or accountants. Check qualifications and certifications of these professionals. A home health care agency or a geriatric care manager can help you put together most of the group.

If at-home care is not possible, a move may be required. Choices include living with family, senior independent living, assisted living, or a nursing home. All offer socialization possibilities while offering varied levels of care. Though a senior independent living development will offer barrier-free construction, bathroom grab bars, and other safety features, it will normally offer little or no actual care. Meal plans and/or housekeeping services can sometimes be arranged, however. Assisted living facilities would have the same physical safety features, but also provide help with daily functions such as dressing, bathing, caring for personal hygiene, and monitoring medications. Meals are generally included. A nursing home is appropriate for someone who requires skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, or more extensive medical monitoring.

With proper information, careful planning and personal involvement, you can be assured that your elderly loved one will be properly cared for in an appropriate setting.