In our culture, hard work is seen as a virtue, especially in our older days. However, as we age, the physical and psychological demands change, and behaviors that were once considered positive habits may now need to be re-evaluated. Especially for the elderly, sometimes "less is more" is not just an adage, but a philosophy of life that must be followed. In the following, we will explore why excessive diligence is not always beneficial for older people, especially in the areas of housework and excessive exercise.
Housework: Moderation is preferred
Housework is an integral part of the lives of the elderly. Not only does it help keep the home environment tidy, but it also provides a form of physical activity. The problem, however, is that excessive involvement in household chores, especially physically demanding tasks such as deep cleaning or heavy lifting, can pose a health threat to older adults. As we age, the strength of bones and muscles weakens, and excessive physical exertion can lead to injuries, such as muscle strains or joint pain.
Modest advice includes breaking down household chores into shorter tasks and avoiding working more than a certain amount of time in a row. For example, instead of trying to get everything done in one day, you can divide the cleaning into several days. Additionally, the use of assistive tools, such as long-handled brooms and mops, can reduce the need to bend over, which can reduce back pressure. The key is to recognise that keeping your home tidy is important, but it shouldn't come at the expense of your health.
Excessive exercise: quality over quantity
Exercise is essential for maintaining the health of the elderly, helping to maintain cardiovascular health, building muscle strength, improving flexibility, and even promoting mental health. However, not all exercise is suitable for older adults, especially high-intensity exercise can cause undue stress to the body. Excessive exercise can lead not only to physical damage, but also to fatigue and a decrease in the immune system.
Physical activity in older adults should focus on quality rather than quantity. Exercises suitable for seniors include walking, yoga, tai chi, and lightweight strength training. These activities are relatively low-risk while strengthening the body. Also, it is important to pay attention to the body's signals, such as pain or excessive fatigue, which can be signs of excessive exercise. It is advisable to communicate regularly with a medical professional to develop an exercise plan that is appropriate for the individual's health condition.
Proper warm-up and stretching before engaging in any form of exercise is crucial, which can help reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. At the same time, cooling down and stretching after the end of exercise are equally important to help muscles recover and reduce soreness the next day.
Social activities are essential to maintain the mental health and social participation of older adults. However, not all social activities bring the desired positive effects. Quality, rather than quantity, is the goal that should be pursued in social activities. Older adults should choose activities that provide emotional support, a sense of identity, and fun for interaction, rather than socializing just to fill the schedule. For example, joining an interest group, participating in regular family gatherings, or having deep conversations with old friends often leads to more satisfaction and well-being than frequent participation in large social events.
Suggestion:
Review and Choose: Older adults should regularly review their social activities to identify those interactions that are truly enjoyable and valuable.
Prioritize Quality: Invest time and effort in activities that provide deep communication and empathy.
Volunteering: The Art of Balancing Satisfaction with a Sense of Boundaries
Volunteering is a meaningful aspect of older people's lives, not only to help others, but also to enhance their sense of self-worth and social belonging. However, over-engagement can lead to physical and mental exhaustion and even affect personal health. Seniors should choose appropriate activities based on their health, abilities and interests, and be clear about the boundaries of time and energy when volunteering.
Suggestion:
Choose the right volunteer: Choose the right service based on your interests, physical fitness, and time availability.
Define boundaries: Set a ceiling on the amount of time and effort an individual can devote to and avoid over-committing.
Caring for your family: Finding a balance between giving and self-care
Caring for family members, especially grandchildren or spouses, is an important part of many older people's lives. This act of caring strengthens family bonds and gives the elderly a great sense of satisfaction. However, caring for others should not come at the expense of one's own health and needs. Older people need to realize that they can only take better care of others if they are in good physical and mental condition.
Suggestion:
Self-care: Ensure your health and well-being, get regular check-ups, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Seek support: Seek support outside the home, such as community services or skilled care, when necessary to ease the burden of caregiving.