Dealing with an aging relative can be highly stressful. It can be tough to see a loved one struggle with issues of mobility and memory, for example. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help them make managing their lives easier. As technology has matured and people have begun living longer, there are more options than ever to help the elderly maintain their health and independence. Here are just a few things you can do to help out your elderly relatives. 

Investigate Assisted Living Options

While you of course will want your relative to live independently for as long as realistically possible, at some point, there may come a time when this is no longer feasible. In such circumstances, you can help your relative by exploring the assisted living options together. Naturally, this can be a difficult experience for many as it involves being uprooted from a place they may have lived for decades. 

So, what’s the assisted living lifestyle like? Some people can understandably be uneasy at moving into assisted living, but many of these facilities offer high-quality living where residents can still maintain their independence, in addition to offering things like regular social activities and wellness programs. 

Create a Safe Environment

If your relative is still capable of living alone, then it is important you make sure their home is safe and allows them to maintain their independence. For example, items like chair lifts and AI voice assistants can be good additions to homes if your relative struggles with mobility issues. More simply, installing additional lighting and removing unnecessary trip hazards can give you additional peace of mind that your relative is not at risk from an unexpected fall. 

Watch Out for Signs of Loneliness and Isolation

Isolation and loneliness are increasingly common problems among the elderly, so it’s important to be aware of their signs. Life-altering events like the loss of a spouse or medical diagnoses can also be the trigger for mental illness, so you should be particularly vigilant when they are going through an emotionally testing experience. To prevent these feelings of loneliness and isolation from worsening, try to ensure they are regularly involved in social activities. If you feel that your relative is really struggling in this regard, watch out for symptoms of depression, and consider consulting a doctor on their behalf. 

Encourage Physical and Mental Activity 

Exercising both your physical and mental muscles have been linked to better health as you age, as well as improving overall well-being. To that end, encouraging your relatives to continue physical or mental activity can do wonders for their health. Even low-impact exercise has been linked to better well-being as you age and higher life expectancies. In addition, physical activity has also been associated with improved neurological health in the elderly. Mental activity, meanwhile, such as reading or engaging in a hobby, can potentially help brains become more adaptable, making individuals more resistant to age-related brain diseases, such as Dementia.