To quit smoking at any point in your life will improve your health, allowing you to have more energy, breathe more easily, and save more money. Of course, the earlier you quit smoking, the better it is for your mental and physical wellbeing. If you’re helping your elderly parents quit smoking, we have a guide that you’ll benefit from. Try these strategies to support your parents and keep them motivated.
Break from the Routine
The first thing you should know about breaking this habit is that quitting smoking can be an extremely hard thing to do, especially if your aging parents have been smoking for decades. Most individuals who smoke have a routine of places, times, and social situations in which they get their cigarettes and lighters out for a smoke. For example, if they typically smoke while watching the television, you could try rearranging the space for a fresh outlook. Change the location of your coffee table where the smoking tray is or the position of your sofa. If they usually take their smoke break after lunch, consider bringing them out during that time to meet family or friends in order to create a distraction from them wanting a cigarette.
Add Healthier Habits to Their Lives
You could also find ways to replace their habit with healthier alternatives. If your aging parent smokes to relieve their stress, why not sign them up for exercise classes like tai chi or yoga for them? For parents who are more inclined towards arts and crafts, you could make time at home for a painting session with the family for them to release their emotions in a healthier way. The key here is to focus on any other activities that they may enjoy to help them achieve the goal they are trying to reach while smoking. Keep in mind that this may be a process of trial and error, and may take a few tries before you can successfully help them to add healthier habits to their lives.
Keep Your Parents Motivated
On top of the mentioned strategies to distract them from smoking, showing that you genuinely care about their feelings and wellbeing could significantly help the process. Acknowledging every effort they make and showing how proud you are of them can help to keep them motivated for a longer period. A great way you can do this is by pasting post-it notes around at home with motivational quotes or saying that you love them. Celebrating their progress and little milestones can go a long way in encouraging your aging parents to quit smoking.
Choose a High Quality of Life at Morada Cy-Fair
Retirement communities can improve your aging parents’ overall quality of life, with an endless list of opportunities for them to forge new friendships, continue their passions, and improve their wellbeing. With Morada Cy-Fair, your loved one can finally realize the senior living experience of their dreams at a great value.
