With life expectancies continuing to grow, it’s not uncommon for adults to have parents who are 65 and older and raising kids at the same time. If you’re one of those double-duty adults helping your aging parents navigate their twilight years, you’re not alone. While this may come with a lot of responsibilities and stressors, there are numerous ways you can help them continue doing so gracefully as they age. Keep reading for useful tips on how to assist them in aging gracefully as well as some helpful resources that will aid you in your journey.

Monitor Their Health

When your parents are aging, it’s important to watch for signs of trouble. One of the first things you should do is to make sure they are receiving regular check-ups from their doctor. Another age-related factor to keep in mind is to ensure your loved ones have regular eye exams and help them choose eyeglasses that are appropriate for their facial structure.

Additionally, be sure to look for signs of confusion, such as forgetting names or directions, forgetting how to use something they’ve been using for years, or having difficulty managing finances. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to consult with a doctor to determine if your loved one is showing signs of dementia.

Move to a Senior Living Community

As your parents get older, you may find that they’re having more trouble with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, and driving. If this is the case, it may be time to transition them from an independent living situation to a senior living community. In a senior living community, your parents will be able to receive assistance with daily living activities, as well as health-related services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or even speech therapy.

Additionally, senior living communities often provide social activities such as music, art, and gardening classes. This can help stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be particularly common in older adults. When you are exploring senior living options, it is important to find one that best meets your loved one’s individual needs.

Help Them Maintain Their Independence

As your parents age, there may be some changes you need to make to ensure their independence. One of the most important changes to make is to ensure your loved ones have adequate transportation. If your parents have been driving, but are now having trouble seeing or hearing well enough to drive, it is time to make a change. This may be as simple as modifying their vehicle or it may mean relinquishing their license and finding other transportation methods. Other changes you may need to make to ensure your parents’ independence include modifying their home to make it easier to navigate, such as widening doorways, installing ramps, and modifying kitchen appliances.

Focus on Mental Stimulation and Enrichment

As your parents age, it is important to keep their minds active and their spirits high. One of the best ways to do this is to encourage your parents to pursue their hobbies. Additionally, you may want to consider enrolling your parents in a class or a club. While there are many benefits to being active with mental stimulation, one of the most important is that it can help prevent feelings of boredom, loneliness, and depression.

If you want to help your parents feel younger and more connected to the world, you may want to consider signing them up on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, or even a younger-aged-focused app like TikTok. Another important way to keep your loved one’s mind active is to engage with them frequently and listen to their stories.

As your parents get older, it is important to ensure that they have the support they need to age gracefully. If you have noticed changes in your loved one’s habits or behaviors, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many ways you can help your aging parents age gracefully. By doing these things, you can ensure that your parents are aging gracefully.