How to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Unhealthy Habits
Are you worried that your aging parents’ unhealthy habits will harm their quality of life as they age? It’s not easy to get senior parents to take concerns seriously, especially when they’re used to telling you what to do, not the other way around! However, when your parents’ bad habits threaten their health and independence, it’s worth having the conversation.
UNHEALTHY HABITS SENIORS NEED TO BREAK
How do you know when an unhealthy habit is serious enough to make an issue of it? It’s probably not a big deal if your aging parent enjoys a cocktail with dinner or skips a workout, but if your parent is engaging in one of these dangerous habits, it’s time to intervene.
SITTING ALL-DAY
The longer a senior spends
sitting, the shorter their life expectancy. Without physical activity to keep their bodies strong, sedentary adults are also prone to falls and a loss of independence as they age. Seniors who are hesitant about exercise should look into the SilverSneakers program. Offered under Medicare Advantage plans, SilverSneakers offers no-cost access to fitness centers and senior fitness classes. If your parent isn’t interested in group classes, help them find a handful of routines they can do from home like using fitness videos, trying out apps through their phone or even resistance exercise with some light hand weights.
DRINKING TOO MUCH
Older bodies can’t metabolize alcohol like they used to. That means seniors get more intoxicated with less alcohol, increasing their risk of falling. If your senior parent is mixing alcohol with medications, they’re especially at risk. Seniors don’t have to give up alcohol entirely, but they should limit themselves to no more than three drinks in one day and seven drinks per week.
HOARDING CLUTTER
Your parents’ clutter problem is more than frustrating; it’s also a safety risk. Cluttered homes present a serious fall risk for seniors and invite dust, mold, pests, and other problems into the home. Seniors are often hesitant to part with their belongings, but moving clutter to a storage facility may offer a middle ground.
SKIN CARE AND OLDER ADULTS
One unhealthy habit that doesn’t get much attention is senior skincare. Our parents grew up in a time where sun exposure wasn’t a concern, and sunbathing was a pleasant way to pass an afternoon, not a health risk.
These days, we understand that you can have too much of a good thing. Unfortunately, senior parents haven’t always caught up or think that since they’re older, skincare isn’t a big deal.
The truth is, skincare is about more than preventing wrinkles. Good skincare for older adults prevents serious problems like skin cancer and dry, itchy skin that leads to scratching and bleeding and exposes seniors to infection.
It’s good for seniors to get outdoors, but when they do, older adults should wear protective clothing and avoid peak sun hours. Seniors can also care for their skin by bathing in warm, not hot, water, using mild soaps, moisturizing, and drinking plenty of water.
HOW TO TALK TO AGING PARENTS ABOUT UNHEALTHY CHOICES
Now you know what to address, but how can you bring up these issues to your parents and get them to listen?
When bringing up sensitive issues with a stubborn parent, the most important thing is avoiding judgment. If your parent feels unfairly judged, they’ll get defensive and won’t respond the way you hope. Instead, share your concerns and discuss the benefits of stopping their bad habits.
Conversations about unhealthy habits are most effective if you appeal to your parents’ values. If you know your parents want to age in place, talk about decluttering or cutting back on alcohol as a way to ensure their independence for the long term. It’s also helpful to offer healthy replacements. For a parent who loves to spend time outside because of the mood-boosting benefits, discuss how they can enjoy the sunshine without exposing their skin to risk.
Finally, be prepared for your parent to refuse to change. As much as we want aging parents to make healthy choices, at the end of the day, they’re in charge of their own lives. Instead of trying to change them and straining the relationship, it may be wiser to practice acceptance and enjoy your time with your aging parent as is.
