A Senior’s Guide for Conserving Physical Energy
Aging is a challenge for everyone. But it becomes even more difficult when you or your loved one no longer have the physical energy that you once had. This article offers tips on the best ways to conserve your energy without giving up daily activities.
Avoid Unnecessary Steps
In everyday life, people move around a lot, but not always in the most efficient way. For seniors dealing with physical limitations, the key to doing daily activities is to make them more efficient. Examples of this include sitting to groom yourself instead of standing, let your dishes air-dry instead of drying them by hand, or making sure your most used items are close at hand.
Get Organized
A good rule of thumb to remember is that you generally have more energy first thing in the morning compared to later in the day. To accomplish your activities for the day, try prioritizing your most strenuous activities in the morning and switch to easier things when you start to get tired. If you’re planning to go to an event later at night, do fewer activities during the day so that you can fully enjoy the event instead of bowing out early.
Keep it Simple
Another way to reach your daily activity goals every day is to simplify the way you do things. Sit on a firm surface that has armrests to make it easy to get in and out of your chair. Organize the space around you so that things are easy to grab, and they won’t cause you to bend over, reach too far, or lift anything heavy. Don’t forget what your activity tolerance levels are, and stop if you feel tired or weak.
Manage Your Time
Putting pressure on yourself can lead to rushing, which may lead to feeling tired. To avoid rushing, give yourself plenty of time to complete the things you want to do. Schedule appointments later in the day to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and get there. Run your errands at off-peak times to reduce the chances of running into crowds and to ensure you can go at your own pace.
If you or your loved one is struggling with physical limitations in Orange County or Newport Beach, CA, reach out to Optimal Senior Care Solutions. Our experienced care staff will be happy to match you to a caregiver who will assist you. Reach out to us today!
