Seniors are in a position to save the environment because their experiences and their positions as a role models could make even the smallest effort lead to dramatic effects. Deciding to help the environment not only gives seniors a sense of purpose, but many of the best eco-friendly strategies are also enjoyable ways to pass the time. For this reason, seniors should consider adding these eco-friendly activities to their routines.
1. Give Away Household Items
For seniors, downsizing could mean finding a new home for their unwanted furniture and clothing. Your loved one can ask around to see if anyone is interested in items such as old dressers, or he or she can consider placing an ad online. Many charities will also pick up donations for free so others can benefit from a senior’s kindness. Your loved one may need a helping hand in decluttering and in finding useful household items to give away.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Roseville, CA, families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
2. Shop Locally
Locally grown food reduces the amount of time, energy, and manpower that goes into bringing food to a person’s table. Seniors and their caregivers can visit local farmers markets or check out a fruit stand on the way home from the doctor. This encourages farmers to continue to replenish the earth, and seniors get a delicious treat to eat. Many local farmers focus on organic farming, which makes this strategy even better for the environment.
3. Start a Compost Pile
Many seniors love to garden, but the chemicals required for keeping plants green is bad for the environment. Compost is a better alternative since it is derived from natural sources. Seniors can start a compost pile in their backyard and use it to fertilize their plants without worrying about chemicals. This is also a great project to do with younger members of the family so they learn about the importance of taking care of the earth.
With some assistance, seniors with limited mobility can also enjoy gardening. Roseville respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Focus on Energy-Efficient Products for Home
Seniors should choose energy-efficient products that require minimal water and electricity. Programmable thermostats allow seniors to control their room temperatures, and motion-sensor lighting automatically switches off the lights every time they leave their room.
5. Get Involved
There are many roles a senior can serve that have a positive impact on the environment. For example, your loved one could volunteer to speak at a school about earth-friendly strategies, or he or she could teach kids how to build a compost bin. Seniors can also help in simple ways by picking up trash as they walk through a public park or organize a cleanup effort in an area that needs some attention.
Aging adults with dementia or other cognitive health conditions can also play their part in helping the environment. Regular physical and mental stimulation allows seniors to age in place comfortably and continue contributing positively toward the environment. In Roseville, CA, dementia home care professionals are available around the clock to help seniors with memory-related conditions age in place safely and comfortably. At Home Care Assistance, we understand the needs of seniors with dementia and the unique challenges they face as the disease progresses. To learn about our dementia care plans, call us at (916) 226-3737.