How I help my mother stay healthy. The UHF America’s Health Rankings Senior Report #AHRSenior2013

*This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and United Health Foundation. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Once your parents turn certain age, you start worrying about their health and wellbeing. Now it is a critical time to study senior health at the population level because we know that America’s senior population will grow by more than 50 percent in the next 15 years and that Americans are living longer but sicker lives. The main concern is not only that your parents live longer, but that they have quality of life. For me it is really important my mom is comfortable and can enjoy time with my son.

The UHF America’s Health Rankings Senior Report shows that Hispanic older adults are expected to become the largest racial/ethnic minority of those aged 65 and older by 2019.  And Hispanics are at major risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. I make sure my mom has her check-ups and takes her medications. I also make sure her diet is balanced and she stays active.

The UHF America’s Health Rankings Senior Report also showed that Older Hispanics (28.2%) were less likely to rate their health as excellent or very good than were older Whites (42.8%) or older Asians (35.3%). I know my mom considers her health good, but we take all necessary steps to make sure she continues to be healthy. 

Daily walks with the dog keep my mom active

Taking medications daily

But how do I make sure my mom can stay healthy? Well I make sure she follows some recommendations:

• Healthy diet: I make sure my parents get fruits and vegetables in their diet. We also buy lean protein and stay away from processed foods.
• Keep active: I encourage my mom to stay active. Due to the back pain, it is hard for her to do certain exercises, however she keeps active by walking the dog. It is good for her and the dog.
• Make sure they take their medicines:  I talk to my mom about the importance to take her medicines and to talk to her doctor about any side effects.
• Keep a social life: living in a foreign country can make difficult for seniors to be social. However you can always find groups in places such as churches or the city community centers. These places offer activities for seniors that can vary from the very popular bingo, to dancing lessons and movie or book clubs. 
• Visit regularly the doctor, dentist and gets all the vaccines. 
• Expend quality time with them and show them love: I make sure I tell my mom how much we love her and how proud I am of her. We also enjoy time together taking trips to the zoo and other places my mom and my son love to visit.
• Read sites with useful and valid information such as United HealthCare Latino

On the video below you can see how the latino culture influences can affect our health.

I really want to encourage everyone to read the full report. The UHF America’s Health Rankings Senior Report provides information about how culture can be the key to overcoming Hispanic health disparities.  For more information you can find the full UHF America’s Health Rankings Senior Report here and the report is also available in Spanish.

I really hope my mom will be with us for several more years. I want her to be able to see Nico graduate and go to College. How do you help your parents stay healthy? I want to see if you are doing something different that might benefit my family too.

*This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and United Health Foundation. However, all opinions expressed are my own.