As you grow older and fly the nest, it’s completely natural to explore your independence and the many life directions and experiences that brings. However, this can often shift our priorities from caring for those who raised us — especially if it looks like they’re okay and don’t need our help. Interestingly, research has identified three key dimensions for greater wellbeing in later life: health, financial security, and social connections. While you’re still trying to stand on our own two feet, consider the following health and wellbeing ideas next time you visit your parents.
Introduce Helpful Mobile Apps
We’ve grown up with so much technology around us — it’s a normal component of our everyday life. Not only do we use our smartphones for social media, communication, and photography, but we have all sorts of Apps these days, from Spotify and Monzo to Uber and Flo Period.
We won’t perpetuate the myth that anyone older than a Millennial or Gen Y doesn’t like technology, but generally speaking, older groups are more likely to use a desktop, so they miss out on the many App possibilities. Furthermore, roughly 75% of mobile users age 55 and older are not looking for new apps and seem to be satisfied with the functionality of the apps they have.
That’s where you come in — why not introduce your parents to an App that can help improve their health and wellbeing? It could be Fitbit to motivate their fitness, or a brain training App to help train their memory, attention, and concentration. Just 10 minutes a day, three times a week can be a great help!
Encourage Routine Medical Appointments
Whether your parent is already struggling with a health condition or they’re fit as a fiddle, it’s essential to stay on top of those medical appointments to optimise their health.
If your parents are between 40 and 74 years of age, they’ll be invited for a free NHS Health Check every five years. This checks your overall health to tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or stroke. If they’re over 65, they will also be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.
Remind them about their eyes, ears, and teeth too — it doesn’t have to sound patronising, but it’s a gentle nudge in case these things have slid down their priorities list.
Create Social Connections
When you go home to visit your parents, do you share a warm and meaningful conversation? Or does it tend to be rushed and a list of answers to their questions? If the latter, no judgments here — we have busy lives, but you never know what loneliness or anxiety battles they’re struggling with. It costs nothing to spend time with the ones we love, and you could also encourage them to try a new hobby or interest to meet new people. If you don’t live nearby, schedule in that Skype call — it will make their day.
On the other hand, if your parent does have a health problem and you find caring for them is often your responsibility — even if it’s only popping in regularly to check they’re doing okay — it’s worth looking at respite care for the elderly services. Professional and friendly companions can visit your parent at home, so you can have a little break to recharge your batteries.
Discuss Their Finances
Talking to your parents about their financial situation can feel a little awkward if it hasn’t previously been a topic on the table, but it’s an important step to ensure everyone is on the same page, should something happen in the future.
An ageing parent’s income is a large factor of their quality of life in the future, so by letting you into the conversation, it can bring a great deal of comfort and security to them. They might not want to bother you with those details, so if you can bring it up first, then that discussion train can get moving.
Communicating with an ageing parent about the future can be tricky, but opening that line of communication is a great first step for their wellbeing.
Talk about the Future
Remember how you felt at the end of high school when your everyday routine stopped and you had a wide, unforeseeable future in front of you? Your parents were likely there to guide you through your options, whether that was college, uni or straight into a job. You needed a little hand-holding to help you find your way then, and now it’s time to return the favour.
Your parents are likely going to have many questions, from knowing what their retirement options are, to the type of care options and support they may need — and who will pay for it. The unknown can generate a lot of anxiety, so if you have the research tools and resources to help them, go ahead!
By implementing the above suggestions, you will bring valuable health and wellbeing positives to your parents — that benefits the whole family.
