The population of individuals aged 65 and over continues to increase and families are increasingly faced with their loved ones’ care decisions. Assisted living is one option of senior care, but the cost can be prohibitive for many families.

Here are just five ways to help your loved one live longer:

Help With Their Medications

Elderly individuals may take numerous medications to help with various aging-related conditions. As a result, keeping track of medication schedules and potential interactions between them can be a daunting task. Verifying your loved one’s prescriptions, or even consulting with their doctor or pharmacist is helpful to check for any interactions between their various medications.

Arrange Transportation For Them

Diminished reaction time, as well as bone and muscle weakness may impair your loved one’s ability to drive. This also makes them increasingly susceptible to physical injury that could be sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Individuals aged 65 and over are significantly more likely to sustain fatal injuries in an accident than those aged 25-64.

One way to mitigate these risks is to free your loved one from having to drive at all. Transportation can be coordinated among family members, or scheduled with a taxi or driving service. Some transportation services may even be covered by insurance, making this a convenient option at little or no cost. Arranging transportation ensures your loved one can freely attend appointments and errands while avoiding the risks of driving.

Arrange Food Delivery For Them

Another way to reduce risks associated with seniors driving is to arrange food delivery. Since shopping is a necessary errand, having food and other essential needs delivered directly to their home will reduce their need to drive.

Spend Time With Them

Social interaction is a key part of living a long and healthy life. This is especially true for seniors, who often experience little interaction after retirement, grown children moving away, the loss of friends and loved ones, and reduced driving due to illness or impairment.

Individuals who are isolated and lonely are at higher risk of developing serious health problems such as heart disease, infections, and cognitive decline. Companionship reduces stress, making a senior’s body less vulnerable to health problems.

Get Them a Medical Alert System

One option for ensuring your elderly loved ones’ safety while they maintain their independence is to get them an emergency button alert system. These systems involve devices that individuals wear or place around their home, which they can use to call for immediate medical assistance.

Helping your loved one doesn’t have to come at a huge time or monetary expense. Taking even some of the steps above can go a long way in keeping your loved one safer and less stressed, which improves their quality of life.