Aging isn’t an easy thing. As we grow older, our age-related issues can start to weigh on us. Learning to work with your age, instead of fighting it, is crucial to staying happy and healthy. No matter how aging may affect you, there are several simple ways to make this journey easier on you, without having to completely change your lifestyle or routines.

The secret to building habits

Building small healthy habits can lead to an overall healthier lifestyle. However, many people will start too big and become unable to keep up these habits. For example—when was the last time you actually kept up with an ambitious New Year’s resolution? Grand plans can sound amazing on paper, but translating them into real life can be challenging. Using the following strategies can keep you from biting off more than you can chew, and keep you consistent.

1. Keep it small

The best habits are those that you can keep up with. This means starting small; probably smaller than you would expect. An easy way to do this is to identify a large goal, and then break it into smaller components until you reach something manageable. For instance, the general goal of “exercising more” could be broken down into individual exercises, like walking or swimming, which can then be worked into your routine.

The duration of these habits can also be cut down to suit your needs. If you have a busy schedule, shortening the length of time spent on that habit can make things a lot easier. Spending just 5 minutes on these habits to start can create a solid base for you to build off of in the future.

2. Build it into your routine

Carving out time for your new habits increases your chances of sticking with them. For seniors, your activities—such as routine meet-ups with friends, or exercise classes—are very important in maintaining your overall mental health. Ensuring that these activities are not hindered is vital. Try making a schedule, either physically or virtually, and write out your current commitments. Then, look at when you have the most free time and begin laying out time for self improvement. 

3. Use associated activities 

 When adding habits to your routine, you can also “habit stack”, or link a new habit with an existing one. This will create a consistent context for your new habit to be done in, which has been shown by the British Journal of General Practice to be important for habit formation. 

To start, try identifying triggers for the habits you would like to build. This could be a pair of walking shoes, a meditation area, or an inspiring quote or photograph. Then, place these objects in strategic locations to make these “trigger moments” happen at the right time. For example, brushing your teeth occurs twice a day; you might try putting a picture which reminds you of your new habit on the wall near your toothbrush, so that you are reminded to do it twice a day.

Step one: Setting goals 

As mentioned above, the easiest way to come up with small, achievable habits is to identify general goals first, and then break those down into manageable pieces. As such, the first step in aging joyfully is to set these initial goals, and then narrow them down until you reach something workable. 

This process doesn’t require any special equipment or planning. In fact, you can try this right now! With a pen and paper, try to write out some general goals for yourself, whether they be mental or physical, and then begin brainstorming specific ways to apply these goals to your life. If you are able to jot these down with no issues, you can move right on to step two. However, it can sometimes be difficult to come up with these on the spot—if that is the case, a few common broad goals for seniors, as well as some examples of how to begin breaking them down, are listed below.

Goals for the mind

As you age, your lifestyle naturally becomes more isolating. Retirement, reduced mobility, and the loss of friends and spouses can all lead to loneliness, worsened mental health, and cognitive decline. To combat this, you may have goals such as “make more friends!” or “improve your mental health.”

If a goal of yours is to improve your social life, the first step is to decide how you want to accomplish this. Do you want to invest more time into the friendships you already have? Or would you like to meet new people? Asking yourself these questions can help to make the path forward clearer. 

Spending less time alone will also naturally help to combat mental health issues like depression. According to the National Institute on Aging, studies have shown that “loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems (including) depression, and cognitive decline.” For those hoping to improve their mental health, taking steps towards becoming more connected with others can be a great help. Seeking out therapy services is also a good idea, especially if you are struggling significantly or are in crisis.

Goals for the body

As explained in this WHO article, aging is caused by “the accumulation of a wide variety of molecular and cellular damage over time” which can lead to a range of health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and others. As such, a broad goal of yours may simply be to “get healthier” in order to combat or prevent these issues.

There are several factors that influence your health. While some are outside of your control—like genetics, sex, or your childhood environment—others such as diet, frequency of exercise, and sleep quality can be improved through positive changes made to your lifestyle. Try examining each of these aspects in your life, and take note of where you could improve. This will give you a sense of which areas you should be focusing on when developing your healthy habits.

Step two: Creating habits

Once you have identified key areas in need of improvement, you can start to find and implement habits. Just as with your goal setting, you should look over your list of goals right now to see if any habits jump out at you. Your intuition can be your greatest asset when finding habits that will suit your lifestyle. However, just in case you are in need of some inspiration, some examples of healthy habits are listed below.

Habits for the mind

These habits may be helpful if your goals include things like improving cognitive health, forming deeper connections with current friends, or meeting new people.

1. Learning new things

In an experiment done by Scientific American, adults between 58 and 86 years old were encouraged to learn new skills over a 3-month period. The results showed that both memory and attention were dramatically improved, and that these results lasted; in fact, the one-year follow up showed that these elders had not only maintained their gains, but improved their scores to rival those of adults 50 years younger! If you are interested in reaping these benefits, you can try:

• Playing an instrument 
• Learning a language (a great option is Duolingo, an online learning tool)
• Singing
• Drawing (you could try drawing digitally too!)
• Photography
• Practicing to use technology
• And more!

These can be done for just 5 minutes per day to begin with. Remember, the trick is to start out small, and build consistency. Once you have established the habit, you can increase the length of time spent on it.

2. Schedule hangouts, or go to events

For those who want to deepen their relationships with their current friends, hanging out with them is an obvious answer. However, the hangout-scheduling process can become tiring and tedious. Instead of always deciding on a new time and place to meet up, try building a habit of seeing a particular friend/group of friends on a set day every week or month. Some ideas for activities include:

• Walks or hikes
• Baking together
• Playing board games
• Volunteering
• Common hobbies or interests, like birdwatching, knitting, or gardening

By repeating this process with multiple friends and/or family members, you will be able to create several days a month which are guaranteed to be filled with socializing, which can do wonders for loneliness. This can be done gradually too, with just one or two recurring plans each month to start. If this system works well for you, then you can implement it with more of your friends.

If your goal is to get out more to meet new people, or are looking for activities to do with current friends, try getting in the habit of looking for upcoming events each week. This can be done through community notice boards, or online using websites such as Facebook or Meetup; even just searching for “senior events in my area” can bring up a wealth of possibilities. You might try doing this at the start of each week, at a consistent time—remember, a consistent context is very important for habit creation.

Habits for the body

1. Limit substance use

Reducing bad habits is just as important as building healthy ones. This is especially true if you are older, as age-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver problems can be worsened by substance use. If you currently smoke or drink, the following habits can be used as tools to help you quit:

• Make a list of reasons to quit each time you get a craving (this can be done physically or mentally)
• Swap alcoholic drinks with water or soft-drinks
• Eat before drinking
• Identify triggers (contexts when you become tempted to drink/smoke) and list alternatives 

Older people are half as likely to try to quit smoking, says the National Library of Medicine. Because of this, it is also important to have a solid support circle who you can call upon to help you stay on track. Each time you get a craving, you can try calling or messaging someone you love. You don’t need to make it a conversation about quitting if you don’t want to. Even a simple “thinking about you” message can help to distract you, and can also make your connections with those people stronger.

2. Healthy eating

Eating healthy is a goal for many. How you approach it depends on your current situation. If you are usually eating home cooked meals, you may not need to do much; if you are eating fast food for every meal, it may take more time to gradually transition away from that. No matter where you are in your journey, there are several easy things you can try:

• Place a fruit bowl alongside your usual snacks
• Eat one healthy meal per day/week/month
• Meal prep (salads and healthy sauces are great options for this)
• Have one vegetable with dinner each night

Starting small improves your chances of sticking with a new diet, and can also provide a sense of accomplishment once you are able to move on to the next challenge!  

Habits for both mind and body

A lot of healthy habits have some benefits for both your mind and body. Eating well, for example, is not just about having a healthier body; it has been proven to also improve mood, mental health, and quality of sleep. In fact, all healthy habits can be visualized as existing on a spectrum; on one side are the habits which are most physically beneficial, while on the other side are those that are most helpful for the mind. The following habits are merely those which sit closer to the middle of that spectrum, with the mental and physical benefits being balanced.

1. Exercise

Consistently exercising is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. As you age, your mobility decreases, while chances of injury and chronic pain increase, which can make you avoid exercise. However, getting in the habit of doing lower impact exercises such as aquatic fitness and walking can improve digestion, heart health, lower stress, and much more. Some habits to promote exercise include:

• Daily walks in the morning, evening, or other free time
• Taking an exercise class
• Going to a gym 
• Going to a swimming facility

Senior-specific exercises like seated exercise and aquafit classes can provide an accessible way for you to grow your physical and mental strength, no matter your current physical ability.

2. Meditation

Meditating has been proven to lessen loneliness, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, along with improving cellular aging, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels—which reduces risks of heart attacks and strokes, which are both exacerbated by age. Meditating regularly is therefore highly beneficial, and can be done after waking up, before bed, or anytime you have a free moment. There are also many guided meditations online, starting at just a few minutes long, which can be helpful for first-time meditators. 

3. Consistent sleep

Getting a consistent amount of sleep each night can improve alertness, memory, cardiovascular health, appetite, and much more. If you have trouble getting to bed at a good, consistent time, try to figure out probable causes. Some general habits you can try to improve your sleep include:

• Having a consistent routine
• Reading or doing other soothing activities to wind down
• Putting away technology an hour before bed
• Dimming the lights while getting ready for bed

According to the Good Care Group, common causes include stress, medication, and illnesses. If you are worried that it may be something serious, such as an underlying health condition or side effect from medication, consider talking to your doctor. 

Step three: Reward yourself

This final step can make the difference between a short-term habit and a long term one. In an NCBI study, it was found that “older adults are motivated more by the habitual tendency to obtain reward” than their younger counterparts, who are more “motivated by the goal-directed tendency to improve their state”. Therefore, as a senior, you are more likely to stick with a habit if you have a clear, recurring reward than if you only have the final reward of being an improved version of yourself. 

Just as you came up with goals earlier, you should now try to think of rewards to give yourself at set intervals. This could be something like a pastry from your favourite cafe, a spa-day with a massage, or an outing to your favourite restaurant. The trick is to keep these rewards small enough that you can reward yourself on a consistent basis. You deserve it!

Above all, remember to be patient with yourself. Change takes time, and cannot be forced—reward yourself when you have been consistent, and be gentle with yourself when you haven’t. By sticking with your goals, you will be able to achieve the ultimate goal: aging joyfully.

It’s natural for seniors to require a bit of help as they age. Bodies start to slow down, and it can become more and more difficult to recall memories, even for someone who stays healthy and active. 

Sometimes disease rears its ugly head and speeds up the aging process, making it difficult to think clearly, or rapidly restricting mobility. For those individuals, it’s likely they’ll need help even sooner than others. 

But for those who are otherwise healthy, there are several habits one can adopt to potentially extend the ability to be independent. Even if struggling with another condition, these are all practical tips that can benefit anyone of any age. 

If you’re an adult child who is concerned about the wellbeing of your parent, and want to help them live as independent a life as possible, then here are ways you can support them. And hey, this is good advice for yourself as well. That, or give this article to your kids for them to read when the time comes. 

Puzzles

If you don’t like puzzles…too bad, because you’re about to! Puzzles have been shown by experts via Reader’s Digest to improve memory recall, increase discipline, and just generally get our brains going. Our brains enjoy being active and learning, and challenging them with something complex like a puzzle is like giving food to our minds. Puzzles are a great activity to introduce to your parent because there are so many different kinds, and it’s something that you can do together or they can do on their own. 

If the idea of puzzles truly isn’t appealing to you or them, don’t worry – there are so many different kinds of puzzles that there is sure to be something that’s a great fit. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Jigsaw puzzles – this is the traditional kind of puzzle you might think of when you say the word, ‘puzzle.’ You spend time putting together pieces to make a picture, and then celebrate because that was hard! You can also get 3D puzzles, which can make fun decorations around the house and are also good for bragging rights. Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of sizes so start small, maybe with a 100 piece one, to see if you enjoy it. 

• Word puzzles – this can cover a wide variety of puzzles. They might include word finds, crosswords, or games where you’re given a combination of letters and have to come up with as many different words as possible within a certain time limit.
• Rubik’s cube – a classic 3D puzzle where you have to organize a colored cube until all sides have the same color. A delightful challenge. 
• Memory games – this might take the form of cards in pairs that you have to remember, or trying to memorize a series of objects in front of you after only a few seconds of looking at them. 

There are so many other puzzle options to choose from. Try checking out your local thrift store, or going onto neighborhood community groups to see if anyone has some they’re getting rid of. There are also lots of free word games online, and most grocery and book stores carry books that have crosswords and sudoku. Before long it will likely be something that both of you look forward to doing each day. 

Get Active

A great way to encourage independence is by helping your parent’s mobility. There’s a ton of evidence that supports how beneficial exercise is to everyone, but especially to seniors who start losing muscle mass as they age. Encourage your parent to do some strength training, either through at-home videos, their local community center, or with a private trainer. Strength training will help them retain muscle, which can make them more mobile and can increase the chances of a faster recovery if they get injured. 

Along with strength training, any increase in exercise is good. Go for a walk together, or make a date to go for a weekly swim. Sometimes someone just needs a good goal to work towards, so maybe you challenge each other to walk a certain number of steps each day, or to try as many different classes at the gym as possible. You could even make bingo style cards for your activities.

Of course, if you are encouraging activity in your parent then you quite literally should be walking the walk. Nobody wants to be preached to by somebody who doesn’t follow their own advice, so get out there. Exercise is not only great for your physical health but also your mental wellness, so it’s a win win for everybody. 

Learning

As we learned from puzzles, our brains love learning, but it’s not just puzzles that benefit us. Any type of learning is good for our brains, so find out what your parent is interested in learning and help facilitate that. Maybe they want to try out a woodworking class, or have always dreamed of learning Italian. Although nothing can stop Alzheimer’s disease, it is thought that learning is one of the best ways of slowing symptoms down, as evidenced by the story of this gentleman, on CBC News, who decided to enroll at university after receiving his diagnosis. 

If you’ve ever worked out a lot and then stopped for a period of time you might notice how stiff you are when you go back to the gym for the first time. Suddenly you’re not able to reach your toes like you used to, and you can’t press the same weight as before. A similar thing happens to our brains if we’re not learning new things and providing stimulation. Of course, this doesn’t mean your parent needs to enroll in a degree (although if they want to and they have the means then that’s great!), but going to a class, watching documentaries, or even taking up something like crocheting is a great way to get their brain going and hold on to that longevity. 

Medical Appointments

A great way to increase your parent’s chance of remaining independent is by ensuring they stay up to date with their medical needs. This means going to regular doctor check ups, staying on top of medications, and making sure they follow up with a doctor or specialist if they have any concerns or need further clarification on a diagnosis. 

It’s also a good idea to talk to them about their mental health. Many seniors are fairly private about mental issues, and might keep symptoms of depression or anxiety a secret. Encouraging them to speak to a mental health therapist or counselor is a great way to keep their stress levels down and better able to focus on the more enjoyable parts of life. Often cost or finding the transportation to a mental health appointment can be a barrier to treatment, so taking them to Total Life’s website, where they can find out more about therapy over the phone, and Medicare coverage, might be helpful in terms of getting them to take the first step towards better health. 

Find Out What They Need

Stress can be very detrimental to one’s health, and sometimes seniors may hide struggles they are having from their family due to shame and embarrassment. This leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety and can eventually lead to much more serious health conditions that could have been avoided if the initial struggle had been attended too much sooner.

To avoid this, try sitting down to chat with your parent to find out if there is anything they are struggling with. This might be something like keeping up with the maintenance of their home, or keeping track of online payments. When broaching this topic, make sure you do so in a comfortable and private place so they feel safe, and make sure to keep any judgement out of your responses. You’re only asking these questions out of a genuine desire to support them and their needs. 

Then, once you find out what the issue is, you can take steps together to address them. Maybe you need to set up automatic payments for them, or help them find a handyman or gardener to take care of some of their needs. Some of the things might even be easy for you to take care of, if it’s something you feel capable and willing to take on. 

We all need help from time to time, and asking for it doesn’t take away from our independence. By finding out what your parent needs now, it might mean they need less help overall in the future. 

Good Food

Just like with exercise, it’s always great to lead by example. If your parent doesn’t have the best diet, it might be time to encourage them to start leaning into healthier habits. Many people don’t want to change their lifestyle, so if you believe their diet is truly one to be concerned about then a good place to start might be with a doctor or nutritionist who can talk through the very real concerns associated with a poor diet, such as type 2 diabetes and heart attacks. 

Again, this might be something that you tackle together. Challenge each other to add one vegetable to every meal, or to skip the sugar in your morning coffee. Little good habits can help feed into bigger ones. 

One of the biggest setbacks people face when trying to eat healthier is to attempt to cut out all junk from their diet, which often means removing everything they enjoy. Instead, try focusing on overall healthier habits, while still making time for an occasional hamburger or drive-thru ice cream. This way you can both meet your goals, while not getting hangry I the process!

Community Involvement

Some seniors struggle with a lack of purpose after they retire. That’s why volunteering can be a great way to get them engaged with their community and help them feel useful and invigorated again. Talk to your parent about what kind of causes they’re interested in, and what sort of time commitment they’d like to make, and together you can look into food options for them. 

If volunteering is not their thing, they might instead look into trying a class or going to an event at their local seniors center. That’s another great way to help them build up a support network around them, and gives them something to look forward to in their week. Even one outing a week can do wonders for someone’s mental health, and often that snowballs into other positive habits. 

Check Yourself

Sometimes adult children worry too much. They see their parents getting older, and struggling with activities that used to come easy to them. This can lead to children overburdening themselves and deciding that their parents are no longer capable of doing anything, but is that really true? Are you doing things for your parents that they don’t actually need help with? Have you let their complacency or anxiety about certain tasks get the better of you and is your helpfulness actually enabling them to become less capable?

This is never something that anybody would want to admit, but it can happen. Now most of the time this comes from a genuine desire to be helpful and supportive to someone you love, but taking away someone’s agency isn’t helping them in the long term. 

Of course, you never want to take away support that your parent genuinely needs, but take a look at what you’re already doing for them, and ask yourself if your parent really can’t take out their garbage, or pick out groceries from the store. If it’s an activity that is unsafe for them or they’re unable to do then of course keep supporting them, but if it’s something you could be a little more light handed with then it might be a good idea to take a step back. It might also be a great idea to have an honest conversation with them. Tell them you still want to help them, but you want to make sure that they stay vibrant and active, and so there might be some activities they need to push themselves to participate in. 

Remember, it’s always a good idea to practice what you preach. If your parent is struggling, and they see you doing well because you are taking care of yourself, engaging in your community and constantly learning new things, then it’s more likely that they will be inspired to do the same. It might sometimes feel difficult to incorporate all of these habits into your life, but if you start now then you’ll be better set up for your own independence when you get to your golden years.

Everyone wants to take care of the people they love. Many wedding vows have the line “in sickness and in health,” and most children would do anything to keep their parents around a little longer. Because of this, it’s common for children to become caregivers for their parents, or a senior becomes a caregiver for their spouse. Sadly, for some, the choice as to whether or not to become a caregiver is not given to them, as the cost for care can often be prohibitive. 

Regardless of the reasons why you have become a caregiver, the reality is that you are one, and being the person to provide full time support to a loved one can be a heavy and difficult task. While there are certainly rewards to caregiving, it can also be very easy to become burnt out, especially if you’re dealing with an already strained relationship. 

That’s why it is so important that you do what you can to care for yourself first. It might sound counterintuitive to prioritize yourself, but you’ll be a better caregiver to your loved one if you’re looking after yourself and making sure you are getting adequate rest and time to enjoy life. Many caregivers struggle with feelings of guilt if their entire lives don’t revolve around the loved one they’re caring for, so let’s start small, shall we? Here are some tips for taking care of yourself, from little things to do right now, to how to tackle the long term. 

Schedule a Bit of You-Time 

It’s likely you already have to keep a fairly predictable schedule in order to care for your loved one. They might need medications at a certain time, have daily appointments or physical therapy. Routine is also very useful, as Northwestern Medicine points out, for their health, so it’s likely you try to keep things predictable. If this is the case, then why not use the advantage that a set schedule gives you to carve out a few minutes to do something that’s just for you. This is not about getting in an hour long workout every day (although if that’s available to you go for it), but something like five minutes to do a guided meditation, a stretching routine, or even playing a word game on your phone while enjoying a cup of coffee can do the trick. Schedule five minutes of you-time every day when you know you can take it, maybe before your loved one gets up, while they’re at an appointment, or during a nap. Sometimes we need scheduled reminders to focus on ourselves, so start adding a little bit of you-time into your day. 

Movement 

We all know that exercise is good for us, but when you’re preoccupied with the care you have to provide for someone else, it can be easy to find yourself going weeks without any kind of movement. Sometimes you literally do not have time in the day. It’s completely understandable to find yourself struggling to fit a workout in, but the unfortunate reality is that exercise is vitally important to your health. It can help to prevent a host of serious health conditions such as cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Exercise has also been shown to have a very positive impact on the state of our mental health, as shown by Mayo Clinic – something that might be even more important as you navigate your role as a caregiver. 

The good news is that any amount of exercise is better than no exercise at all, and you might be surprised at how even a little bit of movement can change your mood. Start small. If you are sitting for a large portion of your day, try to challenge yourself to stand up and simply walk a few steps every hour. If you normally take the escalator at the bus station, try going for the stairs instead. Once you’re comfortable with little additions like those, then you can progress to something bigger like going for a run or taking a class, but for now, focus on getting movement in small doses. 

Stay Hydrated

Staying appropriately hydrated is important to help us feel our best. When you’re busy it can be easy to forget to drink water, or rely exclusively on sugary or caffeinated beverages to keep you going. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying coffee or the occasional sweet drink, it’s important to focus on water or unsweetened herbal teas as your main sources of hydration. These drinks will keep you hydrated without the common jitters or sugar crashes that come from caffeine and sugar. 

In terms of exactly how much water to drink, there’s no hard and fast rule, as outlined by Harvard Health. Often, six to eight glasses a day are enough, but a good way to tell if you are getting enough water is by checking your pee! If it’s a faint yellow then that’s a good indication that you’re getting adequate hydration. If it’s completely clear then you’re probably overhydrated, which doesn’t offer any additional benefits, and will likely just make you run to the bathroom more often. Of course, if you are very active or live in a hot climate, then you might need to drink more than six to eight glasses to meet your daily hydration needs. Always drink when you’re thirsty, and, if you find that you are constantly thirsty even if you’re drinking enough then it might be a good time to visit your doctor, as that can be a sign of an underlying health condition. 

For some people, it can be struggle to drink enough water because they don‘t like the taste, or simply find it boring. If you can relate, then try these tips:

• Add fruit like strawberries, grapefruit, lime or lemon – you can even get a water bottle that has a fruit infuser built into its design
• Purchase some sugar-free water drops that come in flavors like watermelon and lemonade
• Switch out one of your glasses of water for a flavored soda water
• Prep a big jar of herbal tea to keep in your fridge to grab some whenever you want 
• Get a fun water bottle with inspirational quotes on it to keep you drinking throughout the day

Finally, if you can, try to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up every morning. It can be helpful to get you into a routine of hydration throughout the day, and what better way to set you up for success? Establish a Bedtime Routine

Getting a solid night’s rest is one of the best things we can do for our health. It keeps stress and weight levels in check, and can protect against serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke and depression. Unfortunately, it’s often people with jam packed schedules like caregivers, who have some of the worst sleeping habits. One of the reasons for this is something called revenge bedtime procrastination. 

Revenge bedtime procrastination, according to the Sleep Foundation, is when someone purposefully prolongs their waking hours so that they can have some time to themselves, usually to go out with friends or stay up watching TV. This is done despite knowing that these actions will negatively impact their sleep and lead to unpleasant consequences for doing so. However, people do it out of an anger at how full their days are, and out of a desire to gain back some time (even if it endangers their health and makes them exhausted in the process).

It’s incredibly frustrating and demoralizing to not be able to do the things you enjoy. Everyone should be able to watch an episode of tv or go out for a drink with friends when they want to, but risking your health just isn’t worth it, and it won’t help the situation in the long run. Instead, if you focus on building up healthy habits like a good sleep routine, you might find yourself better able to tackle and organize your schedule so that you do end up with time to do the things you love. 

When thinking about how to build a good sleep routine, here are some things to consider:

• Clean, comfortable bedding can help you sleep more soundly. If cost is an option check out sales at places like TJ Maxx. If eating in bed make sure to wipe away any crumbs. 
• Check the temperature – while it might be tempting to turn up the heat in the winter, it’s been shown that cold temperatures actually help you sleep better! The perfect temp will vary from person to person, so experiment with what works for you. If you feel a little cool try adding on a cozy blanket instead of automatically jacking up the heat. Your sleep and your utilities will thank you! Of course, in a cold climate never turn your heat off, as that could be dangerous to you and your home, but see if you can sleep with the temperature between 65 to 68 degrees. 
• No screens – instead, try to do something relaxing before bed, like reading, stretching, sketching or journaling. 
• Have a warm shower or bath – for many people this is a great way to relax in the evening.
• Lights out – lights can be distracting and keep our minds from settling. If you find this to be a distraction, it might be worth trying an eye mask to help you get some shut eye. 
• Noise? Yes? No? For some people, it’s hard to fall asleep in silence, so a white noise machine, gentle music, or a guided meditation might be helpful. For others, earplugs might be the key to getting a good night’s sleep. 

Community

There’s a reason you don’t hear stories about cave men and women living alone in a bachelor cave – they wouldn’t have survived! They needed each other to provide for each other, survive the elements, share stories and laugh. While we don’t need to worry about saber tooth tigers today, community is still vitally important to our wellbeing. In fact, making time for relationships that are important to you can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve your immune system and contribute to an overall feeling of happiness and satisfaction with life. 

It can be difficult to schedule time for friends and family when you’re looking after a loved one, so aim for something low-key to begin with. Maybe a friend or family member can even spend time with you while you’re with your loved one. They might join you for a walk or a meal, which is ultimately enriching for both of you. 

Focus on quality time, not going out to check out the hot new restaurant. Once you have carved out more balance in your life then you can go after that as a goal, but right now you should focus on having meaningful interactions with the people you love, which might just mean taking 15 minutes to bond over coffee before both of you start your day. 

Set Boundaries

One of the most important things to do when agreeing to take on the care of a loved one is to set some solid boundaries. While they will obviously have some specific needs you’ll have to attend to, if you’re taking on their care then they are likely still alert enough to be able to have a little bit of independence. So figure out what your boundaries are and make sure they are clear to your loved one. This might mean giving you time to enjoy a walk in the morning, or not disturbing you at night unless it’s an emergency. It can sometimes be difficult for caregivers to set boundaries, but it’s crucial in order to protect your mental health and keep the relationship between the two of you in a healthy state. You can also encourage them to set boundaries with you. Here are a few things to remember when setting boundaries. 

• It’s OK to say no
• Your boundaries can’t force someone else to abandon their values or opinions
• It’ll feel uncomfortable at first, but it will get easier with time

Time Away

When caring for a loved one it can feel like you need to be there at every waking moment, but that’s not healthy for either of you. You need time away, and it’s good for them to have other relationships as well. While it might not be feasible right at the start, eventually you can build up a roster of people who you trust with your loved one who can step in to provide a bit of support so that you can take some time for yourself. This might mean a friend coming to watch them while you take a yoga class, or your partner stepping in so you can go to the movies. Maybe it even gets to the point where you can have a full vacation, knowing your loved one is safe at home. 

This might take quite a bit of time, but if you put care into your community, then hopefully those relationships will be available to you. Of course, never take advantage of somebody’s empathy, and never leave your loved one in the care of someone you don’t trust. 

Hopefully this article has given you the groundwork to start caring for yourself a little better. Remember, if you care for you, then that translates into being a better caregiver.

It’s normal for seniors to require some extra help as they age. This might be due to decreased mobility, a chronic illness, or simply because certain tasks are a little bit more difficult than they used to be. While some seniors are aware of their limitations and prepare for them or respond to them in the moment, there are others who are not as quick to reach out for help. This could be because of embarrassment, shame, denial, or, in the case of a cognitive condition, not even realizing there’s an issue that needs attention in the first place. 

That’s why it’s important as an adult child of aging parents to know some of the signs to look out for when the time comes for your mom or dad to think about getting some support or moving into an assisted living facility. Today, let’s go over seven of the most common indications that your mom or dad might need a little bit of help. 

Spending More Time Alone

Was your parent previously a social butterfly, and now more often or not they turn down an invitation to go out? This could be a sign that their health is failing and they need some support. While everyone needs some time to recharge now and then, too much time alone can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which, as the National Institute on Aging points out, can lead to serious health issues such as depression, heart disease and cognitive decline. 

There are many reasons for why your mom or dad might suddenly be going out less. This might be due to mobility issues, if they are dealing with an injury, or because of a condition like arthritis that can make certain movements painful. They could also be struggling with the loss of their spouse or a dear friend. Grief can be completely destabilizing and make it difficult to go about one’s daily routine. 

Lack of interest in going out might also signal that your mom or dad is already struggling with depression or another mental health issue that makes them uncomfortable or unenthusiastic about the idea of going out. Socializing might cause undue stress, so they feel like it will simply be easier to stay home. They might also be noticing signs of cognitive decline and be too embarrassed to admit it, so they avoid seeing other people so that they don’t need to address any awkward questions. 

Now don’t jump to conclusions if your mom or dad declines one or two invitations. It’s healthy to spend time on your own, and as we age we might naturally prioritize more meaningful relationships and spend less time with larger groups in favor of smaller gatherings. But if you notice that your parent is frequently on their own, and seems to be avoiding time with you and other loved ones, then it might be a good idea to have a conversation with them to find out what’s going on. 

Things Are Getting Messy 

Everyone leaves a dirty dish in the sink from time to time, but have you noticed that things have seemed unusually messy at your parent’s house? This might present as crumbs all over the floor, stains on their clothing, or a lot of buildup in their shower and toilet. You also might notice that their bedroom is in disarray with a lot of clothes that haven’t been laundered, and several tasks around the house and property left undone, like an overflowing garbage or a lawn that is in desperate need of mowing. 

This is often the sign of a senior who is no longer capable of keeping up with their daily household tasks, perhaps due to mental or physical limitations. It might hurt their back or knees to bend down, or, perhaps they are too tired or depressed to do the chores needed to keep their house looking clean and comfortable. 

Noticing a change in your parent’s cleanliness is often not just about their house, as well. Sadly, many seniors who are having a hard time with their mental or physical health also struggle with maintaining their personal hygiene. This might look like not showering, trouble with wiping after using the toilet, forgetting or being unable to clip their nails, and letting their hair tangle until it might be completely unbrushable on their own. 

Again, many of these issues might be due to physical struggles that cause certain activities to be simply too painful, and your parent might be so embarrassed by this that they choose to let the matter get out of hand rather than reach out for help. It could also be the result of mental health struggles, and, in some cases, might be a sign of failing eyesight, and your mom or dad might not even notice how messy their house has gotten. 

Once again, it’s always good to sit down and talk with your mom or dad before assuming the worst. They might have been busy with something and simply fallen behind on housekeeping, or this might be a great opportunity to find out how you can help. Although sometimes this issue might indicate that they need extensive support, such as through a care home, oftentimes they might just benefit by having a few tasks taken off their plate. This might look like hiring a gardener or a housekeeper to come in once a week so they don’t need to worry about doing tasks that are too painful and difficult for them. 

What was that? Oh yes, I remember…

Has your parent seemed forgetful lately? This sign can be a little bit tricky to navigate, because, as much as you probably don’t want to hear it, it’s perfectly normal for our memories to weaken with age. Memory loss and brain fog can also be attributed to many medical conditions, as well as menopause, where a staggering 50% of women mentioned memory loss as being one of the worst symptoms. 

However, while forgetfulness from certain conditions passes, at other times it could signal the start of serious cognitive conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These diseases, while not curable, are important to catch as early as possible, as this can help with treatment of unpleasant symptoms, and help to make the patient experiencing it as comfortable as possible as they navigate these difficult diagnoses. 

So, if you notice your parent forgets the name of the remote control or who your elementary best friend was once in a blue moon, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But, if they are constantly searching for words, forgetting important events like birthdays or graduations and missing appointments then it’s important that you suggest they visit a doctor for testing. Even if it’s not something serious, it’s always worthwhile getting memory issues looked at as soon as possible. 

Mood Swings

Another common sign of a senior who is struggling with something is that you might notice them display some unusual behavior or emotions. This might look like them becoming very quiet or withdrawn when historically they’ve been friendly and outgoing. It might look like them getting angry for seemingly no reason and being mean and even offensive to others. While everyone has their moments, if your mom or dad is having a lot of emotional outbursts and are acting in a way that is unusual for them, it’s probably something you want to get looked at. 

Sometimes mood swings and sudden emotional changes are issues that can be addressed by a mental health therapist, or even a little bit of support from a loved one. This may be happening because your parent is struggling with all the changes happening in their life, and they aren’t quite ready to accept their changing body and mind. They might be angry at their physical and mental limitations and instead of doing the work to adjust to their new circumstances, they take it out on the people around them.

Another possible reason for emotional outbursts is due to confusion brought on by a cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s, so it’s always good to pay attention to any emotional changes in your parents. 

Inconsistency

Inconsistency might look like your parent missing doses of their important medication, or frequently missing appointments. While this might connect with memory issues, it might also be connected to poor mental health, as it’s common for people struggling with depression, anxiety or addiction issues to have trouble staying on track with a schedule. 

All of these signs are just little hints that your parent might need a hand. Quite often all they need is a bit of support or more frequent visits. But you don’t want to let something important slip by, so always be sure to bring up a concern when you notice something is different. 

Unexplained Bruise and Injuries 

Everyone gets an unexplained bruise from time to time. You might have a vague memory of walking into the corner of a counter or stubbing your toe, but you got distracted and forgot about it. That’s totally normal and an occasional small bruise or scratch with no explanation is not generally cause for concern. However, if you notice that you parent consistently seems to have bruises, cuts or other injuries with no good explanation for how they happened, then you should sit up and pay attention. 

Unexplained bruises could mean several different things, but one of the most common reasons is that they happened due to falls. Each year, 1 out of 4 seniors in the United States experiences a fall, but, according to the CDC, less than half of those falls are reported to doctors. 

Falls cause thousands of hospitalizations, traumatic brain injuries, and even deaths. It’s a serious injury for seniors, who often struggle with their mobility along with a loss of bone density. Seniors often struggle to recover as quickly as a younger person, which often results in further restriction to their movement. If falls are the culprit behind the bruises then it may be that your parent feels to ashamed to admit that they have been falling, but continuing to keep it a secret could lead to serious consequences. 

Another reason for bruises could be an undiagnosed medical condition, such as a blood clotting disorder. Of course, as with any medical condition, it’s always good to attend to it as soon as possible.

While there’s definitely often explanations for bruises or injuries, there’s one final explanation that you should be concerned about. Elder abuse is unfortunately much more common that you would probably like to admit. In fact, a study by the World Health Organization in 28 countries found that 1 in 6 seniors experienced some form of abuse in a community setting each year. This might come from a spouse, a friend, a nurse, or even a fellow care worker. While it’s never nice to think about, it’s important to immediately take action if you believe the senior you care for is experiencing any kind of abuse, either physical or emotional. Even some of the other signs on this list, such as mood swings, could be attributed to abuse, so be sure to keep an eye out if you have any suspicions.

Sudden Change in Diet

If you notice an abrupt change in your parent’s appetite or weight, then it could be a sign they need some help. People dealing with anxiety or depression might completely lose their appetite, or suddenly find themselves stuffing themselves with food out of comfort. And sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain could be the result of an undiagnosed medical condition that needs immediate attention. 

Addressing someone’s diet or weight is often a sensitive subject, so make sure to be thoughtful when addressing the issue. Make it clear that you’re not coming from a place of judgement, but concern. And, remember, it’s normal for everyone’s weight to fluctuate by a few pounds here and there. But, if you notice a dramatic change from their usual appearance or appetite, then it’s worth having a quick, kind check in to make sure they’re doing OK. 

This isn’t an exhaustive list of how to notice signs that your parent needs help. Seniors are constantly going through major life transitions as they age, and they will probably need help in many different ways as they deal with these new challenges. A good rule of thumb is to always listen to your own gut. You know your mom and dad – you’ve grown up with them all your life. If you feel like something is off, then trust that feeling and do some investigating. It can sometimes be hard for children to accept that their parents are aging, and they might avoid the topic as much as their parents do, but it’s important to keep your eyes open. If you catch an issue early then you have more time to fix it, which quite often means more years with your parents, and that is always worth it.

You’ve likely heard the saying that “dog is man’s best friend,” but have you heard the saying “animals are extremely important for the mental health of seniors?” Well, OK, that’s because that’s not a real saying, but it probably should be!

While many of us have enjoyed the pleasure of having a pet, more and more evidence is showing how valuable pets can be for the emotional wellbeing of seniors. While adopting an animal might not have been high on your list of things you could do to help your mental health, after reading this article it just might be!

Of course, not every senior is in a position to be able to take care of a pet, so adoption might not be an option. But, even if a fulltime pet isn’t in the cards, there are several ways that seniors can still interact with animals on a regular basis to still get those feel-good benefits, such as volunteering at an animal shelter. And although dogs get all the glory, humans can connect with many different animals. So don’t shy away from exploring pet ownership because of allergies or mobility issues. Maybe a leopard gecko is just what you need!

Companionship

One of the most common struggles seniors face is loneliness. In fact, the World Health Organization found that in some countries a staggering 1 in three seniors reported feeling lonely. And while loneliness is obviously an upsetting feeling, it’s also a dangerous one. The risk factors associated with loneliness are up there with the risks that can accompany smoking and obesity. Armed with that knowledge, it’s important to address loneliness as quickly as possible. 

Having a pet can dramatically reduce feelings of loneliness in many ways. For one, it always feels good to have someone to come home to. Knowing that you’re not going to be alone at the end of the day can help to lower stress and give you something to look forward to. Who doesn’t like cuddling up with their pet and a good book at the end of a long day?

Pets that are well cared for are generally quite affectionate and protective over their owners, and enjoy staying close to them. Sometimes simply having a presence nearby when you’re completing daily tasks can be comforting. Plus, having an animal around gives you someone to talk to! It might sound silly, but interacting with your pet can give you the same boost as spending time with a good friend. 

Can Increase Interactions With Others

If you choose a pet that requires regular walks, such as a dog, then it’s very likely that you are going to start having a lot more conversations with strangers than you did previously! Dogs are natural people magnets, and great conversation starters! Be prepared to get asked questions about your pet out on walks and at the dog park. You might even meet fellow dog owners who you become good friends with, just because your dogs are fond of each other. 

While it might not seem like interactions with strangers are important, The New York Times tells us otherwise. While of course the deep relationships we have with dear friends and family are vital to our wellbeing, it turns out that brief interactions with strangers, such as people you meet while out dog walking, your local barista, or bus driver are all very important interactions that contribute to our wellbeing. These conversations can help give us a feeling of community, which, as stated in the NYT, tells us is a basic human need. While of course we can do this without pets, the presence of a dog gives strangers a natural way into conversation, which greatly increases the chance of having more of these positive interactions. 

Gets You Moving

Having a pet gets you moving, which as we all know is of vital importance to our mental and physical health. Dogs need to be walked at least once a day, rain or shine, and even other animals, like cats or ferrets, appreciate being taken outside to explore. 

Often, especially when someone is struggling with a condition like depression or anxiety, it can be hard to get outside and exercise, even when we know it would make us feel better. However, when an animal is depending on you for its health and happiness it can sometimes be the jolt you require to put their needs first. Not only is this good in terms of making sure you get enough exercise and time outside (another crucial ingredient required for good health), but it can also be useful to focus on something outside of ourselves so we don’t get so caught up in our own thoughts. 

Provides Purpose

While retirement can be a wonderful time to relax after so many years working hard at a job, for some seniors the lack of purpose and routine can be disorienting. Although participating in hobbies can be a great way to provide that feeling of purpose, another way, or even in addition to hobbies, can be to have a pet to take care of. Pets need to be fed, exercised and entertained. This might mean setting up an obstacle course for your cat, or giving your budgie a bath. Maybe you work on teaching your dog some tricks, or try to get your rabbit to find the treats you’ve hidden all over your living room. No matter the animal, they deserve to be well-cared for, and that need can make you feel useful and invigorated. Why not be the best pet owner you can be? The time you spend on it will not only make the life of the animal better, but will increase enjoyment in your own life as well. 

Overall Health

While it’s likely a combination of all of the points on this list, the stats are in: animals are good for your health. Pets have been shown to lower stress levels, lower blood pressure and cortisol, release dopamine, and give a general boost to your mood. Based on that information alone, it seems like getting a pet is a very good idea. 

In fact, the American Heart Association even published an article that suggested owning a pet might lower the chance of developing a cardiovascular disease – something that is currently the leading cause of death in the United States. That’s pretty incredibly work for a little creature that hangs out in your house chasing pieces of string!

Routine

Routine is a powerful thing. While we might fantasize about having endless stretches of time in front of us where we’re not required to do anything, the reality is that humans like structure. We like knowing what’s coming. It feels safe and comfortable, and can help us build healthy habits, such as good sleeping patterns. While some humans might not be very good at keeping routines, pets absolutely live by them. If you start feeding your dog at 12 o’clock, then your dog will be ready for food at 12 o’clock every single day, and they won’t let you forget it! Structure is just as important for animals as it is for humans, so you can expect your pet to want to wake up, pee, and eat at the same time each day. While you might not be motivated to create this routine on your own, having a pet can naturally make you fall into this way of life, which in turn can help guide you into a healthier way of life. Even though you might not feel like getting up to go to the park at 7 am when it’s raining outside, you’ll be shocked at how good you feel once you do it. It’s routine, after all. 

Following the schedule of your pet can also help you realize what is most important to you in your daily life. Maybe that’s stopping to enjoy a coffee, or doing the crossword. It might be something small, but all of these habits can add up to build a highly enjoyable life. 

Faster Recovery

Unfortunately, seniors are at a higher risk of injury due to falls and other accidents, and recovery when you’re older is usually much slower than it was when you were young. The pain of an injury can be hard enough on its own, but when recovery is slow it can almost make it seem unbearable. 

But, in a poll of older adults with pets, 70% said their pets helped them with their physical or emotional symptoms, and 46% said their pets helped them take their mind off their pain. While this might come from an animal who seems particularly empathetic, such as a cat who comes to lie on your lap, or a dog that doesn’t leave your side when you’re struggling, this could also come by the simple enjoyment of having a pet and the distraction it provides. 

In fact, an entire industry has sprung up around the healthy power of pets. Animal therapy has become very popular for people of all ages, and it’s a great option for those who aren’t able to commit to having a fulltime pet. Pet therapy has handlers connect patients with suitable animals, such as dogs, horses, cows and sometimes even animals like hamsters and reptiles. Being in the calm presence of an animal can be very helpful to seniors who are struggling with something like Parkinson’s disease, who might startle animals who aren’t used to the constant movement. 

Some seniors with certain medical conditions might even qualify for an animal who has been specifically trained to support them with particular medical conditions, such as seizures, vision loss, post traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of other mental and physical health conditions. Not only can these animals provide emotional support, but may also be the difference in a life or death situation. 

Security

Sometimes we just need to feel the presence of someone else in our home to feel safe. Seniors can often feel quite vulnerable in their home, especially if they were used to living with a large family and now suddenly find themselves all alone. A pet can help put someone at ease simply by being around. And, can sometimes help you feel more confident if you have vision or mobility limitations by providing a little bit of support as you move about your residence. Of course, unless you have a pet who is trained to support you with specific tasks you shouldn’t rely on them as a medical support animal, but some pets are so intuitive that they might still help you feel an extra boost of confidence as you navigate through your home and society. 

Having an animal like a dog might also help you feel more comfortable sleeping at night, or even going around your neighborhood for a walk. Even a small dog can be a great comfort, and their bark would likely be enough to draw attention to you if you were in need. 

Pets Bring You Into the Now

If you’ve read previous articles, then you know how much we love mediation and mindfulness! Mindfulness is universally recognized as a helpful practice for a healthy life and mind, but it’s much easier said than done! All too often people dwell on the past or get fixated on the future, not realizing all the good that’s right in front of them at this very moment. This is where a pet comes in. 

Animals, while very intelligent, don’t have the same kind of brains as us, so they aren’t thinking about a conversation they had five years ago, or how to get a promotion at work. Instead they’re savoring the delicious piece of chicken they were just given, enjoying the warmth of a sunbeam, or investigating the thrilling allure of an empty cardboard box. Animals are so present and fully engaged in the moment, it’s hard not to be right there with them. Mindfulness is so much easier with a pet, because it’s so effortless for them, and that can spill over to you. A few hours spent playing with a dog or cuddling a cat and you’ll wonder where the time went because you were enjoying it so fully. This is important at every age, but during your golden years you want to enjoy every single moment you have. 

While adopting a pet can be a wonderful addition to your life, it’s always important to take the time to figure out if it is the right choice for you. Having a pet is a serious commitment, and, even if you love animals, sometimes it isn’t a good fit depending on your specific circumstances. Don’t forget, there are so many ways to get the mental health benefits of animals without taking on the responsibility of pet ownership. Look into volunteering, pet therapy, pet sitting or fostering as great options. And ask your friends! It’s likely at least one of your friends would be happy to have you come over to watch their pet for a few hours when you need it. 

However you choose to interact with animals, here’s to a better headspace, and no space at all on your phone, because it’s probably filled up with animal photos now…

There are countless benefits to owning a pet as a senior. Take a look at some of our other articles, or the linked one above from AgingCare, and you’ll see that pets can lower stress, improve immune systems, foster relationships and help you build routine. However, while many people dream of owning a dog, cat, or other adorable companion, there are some downsides to caring for an animal. While there are certainly pros and cons to everything in life, it’s important to figure out if the bad outweighs the good when making an important decision like whether or not to welcome an animal into your home. 

Cost

Of course, one of the biggest considerations to make when thinking about pet ownership is the commitment you are making financially. Pets are expensive. While you might think you’re just going to be paying for some food and a few toys, even that can be pricey, and at the end of the day, there’s a lot more to owning a pet than simply buying it some food. Let’s use the costs associated with a dog, as an example:

• Food

The cost of food can vary widely, as outlined on The Dog Stop. And, while $600 a year might not seem too prohibitive, that’s provided that your dog is able to tolerate, and is interested in, the lowest quality food available. Plus, the size of your dog is also going to determine how much they eat. The reality is that many dog owners end up shelling out for much more expensive varieties in order to keep their dogs healthy and happy. Some dogs even have certain health conditions that require them to eat highly specialized diets, even more costly than the ones outlined in the link above. There’s no guarantee your dog will be able to eat the most cost-effective food, so it’s not something you can rely on. 

• Training

Whether you’re getting a puppy or an adult dog, it’s very likely that they will need to visit a trainer. While this is an important part of owning a dog and will make your life much easier, it can definitely cost you. Depending on the needs of your dog, expect to spend several hundred dollars.

• Toys

Dogs are smart, and, just like humans, they need activities to keep them entertained. While you don’t need to buy your dog everything under the sun, buying toys is not just a one and done situation. It’s natural for dogs to chew their toys apart, which means constant replacement. You can opt for more expensive toys that last longer, or cheaper ones that last for less time, but either way you’ll probably spend the same. 

• Supplies

Dogs need items like food and drink bowls and beds. Depending on where you live they might also require boots for outside, raincoats or cooling vests. You’ll also want to have at least one high quality leash and collar. While these items might last you a bit longer, they are still a lump sum payment that can be difficult for some people to manage. 

• Registration

Most states require you to register your dog and pay a fee for a tag. While this isn’t usually a large cost, it’s still a cost to consider each year. If you don’t register your pet you could face a steep fine. 

• Dog Sitting

Dogs require frequent walks and lots of attention, so if you are going away on a trip, or even if you’re gone for long stretches during the day, you’re going to need to employ the services of a dogsitter, dog walker, or kennel. While the occasional walk might be affordable, long term or specialized care can quickly add up. 

• Vet Fees and Insurance

Nobody wants to think about their animal getting sick, but an unexpected illness or injury is one of the easiest ways for pet owners to go into debt or end up with the unthinkable decision of having to surrender or euthanize their pet. Costs for surgery, medication, exams and other associated costs can easily go into the thousands. And, while pet insurance is always a very good idea, many owners forgo it because of the highly monthly fees that are often a couple of hundred for comprehensive coverage. However, don’t forget that preexisting conditions aren’t covered, and there may be some other exceptions to coverage based on your dog’s age breed. Plus, even if you have good coverage, there’s also a deductible to pay, plus the cost of lost time during your day and getting your pet to and from the vet. 

Of course, not every pet will incur the same costs as a dog, but you might be surprised at just how expensive even the smallest animal can be. And, if you’re thinking about adopting an animal then you should ideally aim to give it the best life possible. It might be tempting to just place a fish in a bowl, but even a goldfish deserves to have a proper water tank with plants, frequently changed and treated water, and places to hide like a pirate ship ornament. If you’re already planning on how inexpensively you can keep a pet, then having one is probably not the right choice for you.

Energy

Not only is a pet expensive, but they require a whole lot of energy! Dogs need frequent walks, cats need to be entertained with play, and even if your pet isn’t something that requires walks, you’ll still have to make sure you’re cleaning their living area regularly, which can be a workout in itself! 

We know how important exercise is, and the truth is that the exercise demanded by an animal can often be very beneficial for a senior’s health. However, it’s important to consider what the needs of the prospective pet are, and whether or not you’ll be able to meet them. Daily walks might not be something you are physically capable of, and, even if you are, are you interested in three walks a day, because that might be what your pet needs! You should also think about your physical abilities when it comes to the size of your pet. Are you able to lift them if they become injured or confrontational with another animal? Again, this is not to scare you off, but just make you think about some of the realities of pet ownership. If you have hesitation, then fostering an animal might be a great option. It gives you a chance to get to know an animal before committing to it, so you can be sure that you have found a pet that you can adequately care for. You might be surprised at how energetic some animals can be. Even aside from exercise you might find their energy overstimulating and disruptive to your lifestyle. 

Difficult to Find Housing

While lots of people like animals, they don’t always like animals in their space. Unfortunately this means that finding housing that accepts pets can be very difficult for renters, making the housing market that much smaller. If you think it’s likely you might move in the near future, this is something you’ll want to consider when thinking about getting a pet. You don’t want to be forced into a housing situation that’s too expensive simply because you have a pet, and it’s unfair to the animal if you have to give them up because they’re not welcome in your new home. While of course unexpected situations come up, such as illness, that’s unfortunately something that should be considered as you age. Do you have a plan in place if you’re suddenly in a position where you can no longer keep your pet? Seniors go through so many life transitions, and being forced to give up a pet can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Sometimes the better option is making the choice to avoid pet ownership altogether. 

Saying Goodbye

Many people outlive their pets, as most animals have a shorter lifespan than humans. While the joy of having a pet often outweighs the grief that might accompany their passing, it’s still something to think about. If you are already dealing with fragile mental health and have been through a lot of grief, is a pet something you are emotionally able to take on? 

On the flip side, you want to consider your lifespan and health in relation to the pet. Most pets get extremely attached to their owners, and can experience grief themselves if parted from them. Is there a plan for where your pet will go if you should happen to pass before them? It might sound morbid, but this is all part of getting your affairs in order as you age. Thinking about these difficult scenarios can help you feel at peace knowing that there’s a plan in place for the animal you care for. 

Restricts Your Freedom

While having a pet can be incredibly rewarding, it also requires a lot of adjustments to your lifestyle. You can’t leave pets alone all day, as it can lead to distress for the animal, and sometimes even result in destruction to your living space. This means you have to plan your outings around your pet and when they need company or walks or time outside to pee. It also means you can’t as easily plan a weekend away or go on an extended vacation. You need to make sure you have a suitable pet sitter, which might be expensive or even unavailable. Animals can greatly enhance your quality of life, but if you’re someone who likes being able to do whatever they want whenever they want then a pet might not fit in very well with that lifestyle. 

Animals Can Spread Disease

Even if you’re the most diligent petowner, there’s still a chance that your pet could pick up a virus, parasite, or even bring home a tick! As the CDC says, sometimes animals can even appear perfectly healthy while carrying a disease that is spreadable. Obviously nobody wants to get sick from their pet, but seniors are even more susceptible due to their vulnerable immune systems. 

Allergies

Speaking of immune systems, did you know that you can develop an allergy to your pet even if you haven’t experienced pet allergies before? Again, this might be more likely to happen to someone who is older and has a weakened immune system. If you have not experienced allergies before and are set on getting a pet then the possibility of this happening shouldn’t stop you, but it’s still something to consider when weighing all the pros and cons. No one wants to be sniffling and feeling exhausted day in and day out because of the dander from their pet!

More Cleaning

Have you ever walked into someone’s house and instantly known that they have a cat? This is likely due to someone not doing frequent enough cleanings of their cat’s litter box…ew. But sadly, a lot of people don’t clean up after their pet as often as they should. Pets require clean cages, bedding, litter boxes, scooped doo doo out on a walk….you name it. If you’re already someone who doesn’t enjoy cleaning up after themselves then will you really enjoy cleaning up after a pet? Unclean animal environments can result in unpleasant smells and even serious health hazards, so it’s something you should definitely think about before getting a pet!

It’s Risky

Did you know that over 80,000 people fall over their pets in the United States every year? Yes, you read that number right. Pets can easily get in the way of their owners and create a tripping hazard that could lead to serious injury or even death. And, because the CDC shows us that falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors each year, you can imagine that having a pet might dramatically increase the chances of having a fall. While of course it’s never intentional, it’s a scary reality, especially for seniors who might have limited mobility or vision. 

Could Impact Sleep

One of the often touted benefits of having an animal is that an animal can help you build routine. But what if your animal’s routine is walking up at 4:30 in the morning, or deciding to zoom around your room at midnight? An animal moving around your home or making noise can seriously disrupt sleep, which as we all know can have detrimental effects on your health.

Tense Relationship With Neighbors

If you have a pet that makes a lot of noise or is aggressive, then it might cause tension in your relationship with your neighbors. They might get angry at a barking dog, a squawking bird or a cat that is constantly scratching the floors. Even if you work to train your animal, you don’t know quite how long that will take, and the stress could build up significantly in the meantime. 

There are so many rewarding aspects to having a pet, but it’s always important to be prepared. If you are aware of all of these downsides to having a pet but feel confident that the decision is right for you then you will likely be an amazing pet owner. But if any of these points cause you to pause, then maybe you should aim to spend more time volunteering with animals or offer to walk your friend’s dog. That way you get all the benefits of pet interaction without all the commitment, and that sounds pretty good, right?