It’s never too late in life to curb unhealthy habits. The decision to stop smoking cigarettes can have an immediate impact on senior health, and it’s also a choice that comes with progressive benefits. To succeed in their cessation efforts, however, seniors should have solid plans for both preventing and managing cravings.
Stop Hanging Around Other People Who Smoke
Even with a strong resolve and plenty of support from loved ones, quitting smoking is hard. It’s especially difficult when seniors are constantly around others who smoke. During the first stage of a cessation plan, aging adults should only surround themselves with non-smokers who have similar health and lifestyle goals.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Fremont Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Form Healthy Habits
One of the best ways to get rid of an old bad habit is to immediately replace it with a new good habit. Smokers often have familiar routines that are just as difficult to shake as the cigarettes themselves. Seniors who are used to lighting up after meals should plan on talking a short walk outside instead. When getting out and getting active isn’t a possibility, smokers can replace their after-meal cigarette with a piece of fresh fruit. At the very least, this will sate the hand-to-mouth craving smokers often feel when attempting to kick the habit.
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Join a Support Group
Giving up a long-held habit can create a sense of loss, even if this habit wasn’t a very healthy one. Joining a support group will allow seniors to benefit from the camaraderie and companionship of like-minded individuals while learning new strategies for handling cravings and stress.
Consult with a Doctor
Doctors should be kept in the loop when seniors decide to quit smoking. They’re guaranteed to be supportive of these decisions and can also offer a tremendous amount of help. More importantly, a doctor can recommend the best smoking cessation aids based on a senior’s medical history and current health.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Fremont families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.