Win a Gold Medal in Caregiving!
Dear Caregivers,
The Winter Olympic games are underway, giving us a reminder of the amazing potential of the human body and mind. It’s an inspiration to us all to see our species at its athletic best!
While watching the Olympics might give you a welcome diversion from you and your loved one’s daily routine, I’m also hoping that the pageantry and events will give you both inspiration to become “Olympians” in your own lives. Here are some recommendations:
Train your bodies:
You may not be racing down the hills in the Giant Slalom event, but getting your body moving is always a good idea. Research shows that physical activity is extremely beneficial across a spectrum of health factors. Whether it’s walking, dancing, working in the garden, yoga, or using exercise bands and bodyweight exercises, getting physical is crucial to health for both you and your loved one. Everyone can start somewhere, even in your chair. Click here for a simple chair exercise fitness routine. Also, don’t forget that you need to power all that activity with a proper diet. Consider expanding your loved one’s dining habits to a greater number of smaller meals: Click here to find out more about the promise of giving your loved one “Six Smart Meals” daily, and click here to learn more about helping your loved one at “Staying Sharp” overall.
Train your mind:
Research shows that much of what brings a gold medal Olympian performance is in the power of the athlete’s mind. So don’t neglect this critical part of your loved one’s daily routine. First, get smart about how to help your loved one Exercise The Brain With Games and learn about Nine Simple Habits that can boost your loved one's brain power. Your loved one might also enjoy the BrainFlex Workbook Series, available in the NAN Marketplace. Also, learn about Joyful Music to Soothe the Soul, and for yourself, experiment with Practicing Daily Meditation.
Get inspired:
It’s heartwarming to watch these amazing athletes give their all for their sport, and you should take inspiration from their efforts and remind yourself that you, too, are winning a gold medal for the critical work that you are doing for your loved one. If you need a boost to your day, see this overview of Olympians who are impacted by Alzheimer’s, and check out some inspirational caregiver videos here and here.
Have fun!
Don’t forget that taking some time to have some downtime is an essential piece of easing your caregiving burden. And as a member of the NAN For Caregivers team, you get exclusive access to a “virtual tour” exploring one of Florence, Italy's most iconic neighborhoods — the Oltrarno — and meeting the artisans who ply their trade there. Click here to go on the virtual tour (you can also access this video at any time via your Dashboard.)
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
"No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?"
― Lee Iacocca
