It is easy to start off on the right foot and then get sidetracked from making healthy choices. Set a pattern and use trackers to keep your self motivated throughout the day!
This blog is part 2 of a 3 part series celebrating over 100 senior care blog posts!
This blog is educational information. I am a physical therapist, however I am not your personal physical therapist, and you should be sure to follow any instructions from your personal health care team! See the medical disclaimer.
Lunch with a healthy intent.
35 Take time to eat a healthy lunch. 36 Eat your meals at a table as much as you can. 37 Include vegetables with your lunch or as an afternoon snack. 38 If you struggle with getting enough protein, drink a meal replacement for a snack (or drink half with one meal and half with another.) 39 If meal replacement drinks seem too rich, add some milk to dilute it. 40 Have a reminder and mark it off if you need to take lunchtime meds. 41 Practice getting up and down from the kitchen chair at lunch 10 times. 42 Set out a healthy afternoon snack to reduce the temptation to eat junk food later. 43 Keep a clear pathway from the living area to/ from kitchen.
Develop an afternoon schedule that promotes safety and mobility.
44 If you need to rest midday, elevate your legs in a supportive recliner to help reduce swelling. 45 If you nap, set an alarm to limit the time so you can still sleep well at night. 46 If you use a blanket, make sure it doesn’t hang by your feet, where you could trip on it. 47 Read a couple chapters of a good book for cognitive stimulation. 48 Take part in a relaxing hobby. 49 Have a supportive chair that encourages good posture. 50 Use a back or neck pillow for support if needed. 51 Keep a sturdy, adjustable tray table at your side for easy access to necessary items (phone, water, tissues, etc.) (affiliate link). 52 Keep a glass of water close by to continue hydration. 53 Do arm and leg exercises in your chair during commercials every afternoon. 54 Do your exercises slowly and lower with control for greatest impact. 55 Add a small weight or a soup can for resistance. (affiliate link) 56 Do standing push ups at the wall every day for good posture. 57 Have a clear path from the living area to your bathroom. 58 Take an extended walk to get your mail. 59 If it is safe for your ability, add some hills or steps to your walk for greater bone stimulation. 60 After your walk, do stretches for shoulders and chest that promote upright posture. 61 After your walk, do stretches for hips and calves that promote upright posture. 62 Do deep breathing exercises every day.
Use the downloads from this balance exercise packet or something similar to encourage exercise and followthrough!
Schedule afternoon routines to support healthy living.
63 Review your dinner after lunch, to limit last minute unhealthy choices. 64 If you struggle with urination issues, make sure you use the bathroom on a regular basis, setting a timer/ alarm if needed. 65 Make showering/ bathing part of your regular routine. 66 Make sure your bathroom is set up for maximum safety. 67 Set up your laundry supplies for ease and safety. 68 Use laundry tabs or sheets to avoid pouring from a heavy liquid container. 69 Use reachers and baskets as needed for good body mechanics. (affiliate link) 70 Challenge yourself with a changing routine of word search. sodoku or crossword puzzles. 71 Journal your activities from the day in the late afternoon. Celebrate all the healthy choices you made!
All things are difficult, before they are easy.
Thomas fuller
Get health organized easily with the senior care health organization packets on Etsy or Senior Care Printable Packets at the Creative Home Therapy blog.
Clinicians, check out this Geriatric Certification Course from PESI: The Ultimate Multidisciplinary Guide to Care for Older Patients A self-study course from Geriatric Healthcare Summit with a multi-disciplinary panel of 16 preeminent experts. Includes FREE certification! (affiliate link)
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