Mind, body and don't forget the soul

Last month my article titled "Get Mom Moving" talked about the importance for seniors to stay active. Staying active may be a challenge for seniors, but getting Mom and Dad moving can help prevent and even reverse signs of frailty. It's easy to look on frailty and aging with fear, there's plenty at stake. Mom worries about falling in her home,maybe breaking a hip and losing her independence. Of course you worry, too. Both of you know that growing frailty and loss of independence can be the beginning of a downward spiral.

Research shows that 90 percent of seniors put loss of independence at the top of their list of aging worries. So let's get moving!

Often however, "Get Mom Moving" tends to emphasize physical movement and improving muscle strength.

According to Stephanie Studenski, one of the nation's foremost authorities and researchers of mobility, balance disorders and falls in older adults: "A key is simple activities that seniors find pleasurable or enjoyable. If possible, engage frail older individuals in what they'd like to do. Don't separate the mind, body and soul activities. Seniors need to stay active doing things they find meaningful and helpful to others."

Things they find meaningful and helpful to others ... Isn't that a great idea for all of us to stay active with? Keep on moving, but let's not forget the soul.

Try these ideas to help stimulate a senior's soul and I think it would help mine a little too:

• Plant a garden: It doesn't have to be summer and you don't need a big plot of land, to get the feel for gardening. Container pots are easy and fun any time of year, and are sure to please any senior.

Fill a clay strawberry pot with potting soil and then fill the openings with your favorite herbs. Check the pot daily and water accordingly. Locate in full sun. These pots can be brought indoors as long as you have adequate sunlight.This means a southern exposure ideally with about eight hours of sunlight a day. It sure would make our souls feel like spring too, wouldn't it? Encourage your senior to use these fresh herbs in their favorite recipes and make sure they teach you how to make those recipes just like they did.

• Support the troops: Another way to stay spiritually engaged, even if homebound, is by helping others. Why not send letters or e-mails with a little assistance from your grandchildren to those who might need a boost? A million thanks is a year-round campaign to show appreciation to our U.S. military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication and service to our country through our letters, e-mails, cards and prayers. For more information about A Million Thanks, visit www.amillionthanks.org.

• This is your life: Check out those old photo albums while you take a trip down memory lane. Going through the pictures will undoubtedly jog a senior's memory and prompt a few stories. Let your senior's imagination and memories run wild. Do those old photos need a face lift? While tackling the project, why not write down all those stories next to the photos. You and your kids will treasure them in years to come.

Remember, keeping an older adult's mind, body and soul active can prevent or even reverse frailty. Keep the activities simple and something seniors find pleasurable and enjoyable. Count me in as an "older adult" on this one. This would be good for my soul also!

DEB CRANNY is the executive director at Home Instead Senior Care in Brainerd.