Caring for ageing parents: 5 meaningful ways to support their health and happiness

Your parents may have shaped every part of who you are, from the values you carry to the lives you have built. They have likely been your biggest supporters through every stumble, every success, and all the unspoken moments in-between. Their care may have touched every part of your journey, whether it’s your health, education, career, or simply learning how to navigate life.

As they grow older, many of you might feel that gentle shift - the need to be there for them, just as they’ve always been there for you. And while you may not fully understand what entering late 50s or 60s feel like, you do know this: caring for your parents could be one of the most meaningful expressions of love.

Here are 5 ways you can take care of your ageing parents and show your love in a meaningful way:

1. Get them to prioritise regular screenings for early detection

Whenever you ask your parents to visit a doctor, you might hear them say “I am fit, why should I see a doctor?” While feeling fit is a good thing, you need to make them understand that many health conditions might develop silently, without noticeable symptoms. Various conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and even neurodegenerative diseases become more common with age.

For example, diabetes is a major health problem that is common in older adults. In people with type 2 diabetes, symptoms often develop slowly and may go unnoticed for a long time. Sometimes older adults dismiss the symptoms as just part of “getting old.” Some people may have no symptoms, and they only find out that they have the condition when other diabetes-related health problems develop. If diabetes isn’t controlled, it may lead to serious health problems like stroke or kidney disease. Chronic conditions like diabetes also increases the chance of various infections like shingles or flu. In fact, older adults with diabetes are at 20% higher risk of developing shingles.

Annual check-ups monitor key health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, ensuring our health stays on track. This makes routine health check-ups and screenings vital for ageing adults.

Explain to your parents that screening tests are not the same as going to the doctor when they feel sick. These are proactive tests done before any symptoms show up, to catch illnesses early, when they’re easier to treat.

2. Make them aware about adult vaccinations

As kids, you got vaccinated on schedule and your parents made sure of it. Now it’s time to do the same for them. As people age, their immune system gradually weakens, making them more vulnerable to infections like shingles, flu, or pneumonia. These infections are not only more common but far more dangerous in older adults.

Also, if your parents already have a health condition like diabetes or heart disease, these infections can make things even harder to manage. For example, shingles in a diabetic patient can lead to unexpected spikes in blood sugar, needing extra medication and more frequent doctor visits.

Vaccination can act like a shield, giving the ageing immune system a much-needed boost to fight off these illnesses. It can be one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect their health as they grow older. Talk to their doctor about the vaccinations recommended for their age. A simple vaccination today can prevent a complicated illness tomorrow.

3. Get them moving – together, if possible!

We often see older people avoiding exercise and saying things like “Now with age, I cannot do much activity”. But you need to make them understand that physical activity can be one of the most effective ways to support their ageing immunity, improve balance, boost energy, and even lift their mood.

Regular movement, be it walking, or light yoga, can help reduce the risk of various conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It also keeps bones stronger and muscles more functional, which is key to staying independent in later years.
If they are hesitant, make it a shared ritual. Walk with them in the mornings, sign up for a group class together, or find a fun YouTube workout they can follow at home. Try to make it an enjoyable activity rather than a chore!

4. Encourage them to eat clean, balanced meals

You might have noticed that, as your parents’ age, they often start skipping meals, eating irregularly, or eating less. This could hinder their nutritional needs that shift with age. Poor nutrition in older adults can weaken their bones, affect muscle strength, and even slow down their recovery from illness.

Encourage your ageing parents to eat more mindfully. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, and healthy fats in their diet. Avoid excess salt, sugar, and packaged snacks. Even small changes can make a big difference. Help them discover easy, home-cooked meals that are both delicious and healthy. If they’re losing interest in meals, try cooking together, or eat with them.

A clean, balanced diet can go a long way in supporting their immune system, brain health, and overall energy.

5. Help them stay socially connected and emotionally well

Ageing affects more than just the body. It can deeply impact mental and emotional wellbeing. In fact, loneliness is more common in older adults than we realise. Social isolation can quietly affect both mental and physical health.

If your parents aren’t the type to speak up about feeling lonely, look for signs. Encourage them to explore social activities in their area, like walking clubs, laughter therapy groups, music circles, or spiritual gatherings. If they enjoy reading, maybe help them join a book club. If they are curious about new topics, help them join a short online or community course.

You can even participate with them initially. Sometimes all they might need is just a nudge from someone they trust. If you live far away, just a regular video call or sending them information about local community events can make a difference. Make them realise that emotional health is just as important as physical health!

This Senior Citizens’ Day let’s remember that caring doesn’t always need big gestures. It could lie in the quiet acts like booking their screening appointment, nudging them to eat better, educating them on vaccination, or just going on a walk with them. Try to make your ageing parents live healthier and happier one step at a time.

(Dr. Deepak Talwar, MBBS, Senior Consultant & Chief of Pulmonary, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute, Noida)