WE’RE ALL CONCERNED with what’s happening worldwide and particularly for our senior citizens who are affected most. We want to care for parents and grandparents now more than ever, but because many of us can unknowingly carry infection, we have to stay away. Here are some ways to care for parents and grandparents, even from afar. Use these tips to stay connected to your loved ones and remember—we’re all in this together.
1. Reach out the old-fashioned way. Most people that grew up before texting love getting an old-fashioned phone call. These days, it’s certainly easier to email or text, but hearing someone’s voice makes it extra special. Reach out and let them tell you all about their days. Because people haven’t really been creating any new memories, now would be a great time to ask them about some old stories that you’ve never heard.
2. Take this time to teach them technology. Your older loved ones may not be the best at technology. Most of us have more free time lately, so now is the perfect time to teach them! They’ll really enjoy using a smartphone or tablet to see pictures of you and your home, pets and children. You can even video chat. From the moment you are born, you are seeking out faces for comfort, and it’s no different as we age. Face-to-face communication, even over Skype, brings reassurance.
3. Send a Care Package. Everyone loves mail, especially packages. Seniors are no exception. Utilize online services and stores. Try local boutiques that have been forced to shut down and are doing business online. A nice candle, book or even outfit will surely brighten their day and make your senior’s week.
4. Get Them Moving. Regular physical activity has both physical and mental benefits. Keeping active can help reduce risk of a heart attack, and lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It can strengthen bones, muscles and joints and help lower the risk of developing osteoporosis. Physical activity can also lower the risk of falls. These reasons alone should give you cause to make sure your elders are moving their bodies.
5. Enjoy the Great Outdoors. Suggest they take a few laps around their yard to enjoy the sunlight and fresh air. Gardening is also a great way to keep the mind and body active.
6. Grocery Shop for Them. If your grandparents are close, you can grocery shop for them and drop off food at their doorstep. If you aren’t close, you can hire a service like Amazon Prime Now or Shipt to do it for you. Don’t forget to throw in something nostalgic that you may have cooked together, or even prepare the same meal over FaceTime.
7. Have Pre-Made Packaged Meals Delivered. If you’re like me, your parents/grandparents always had a nice hot meal ready for you every time you visited. Now is a wonderful time to return the favor. Not only are they cooped up inside, but also probably exhausted and missing the experience of going out to eat—highlights of the week for many of them. Fortunately, Sensible Meals has affordable plans for both individuals and families that bring portion-controlled, healthy meals directly to your loved one’s door. All they have to do is pop it in the microwave for a hot and nutritious meal.
For more information on our meal plans, check us out at: eatsensiblemeals.com
