Growing old is a normal part of life that humans cannot control. Many people wish they were young forever, but Mother Nature had a different plan.
While no one can escape growing old, it is possible to take the needed steps to age gracefully and enjoy optimum wellness. Growing old, indeed, comes with a series of health issues that seniors need to deal with. These health issues degrade their life and limit the quality of their life.
The immune system takes a hit, and they become prone to several forms of ailment. This is alongside the decline in mental health, making them susceptible to dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
This makes it essential to concentrate on healthy choices that will keep the health and wellness of your seniors in top gear.
In-Home Care
In-home care allows seniors to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. To take care of the health and wellness of the seniors you can reach out to experts like Comfort Keepers who are trained in providing companionship and assistance to seniors and ensure they receive the best care they need .
Take Care of Depression
Most seniors are prone to depression as many life events at that stage make it easy for them to sink into one. For instance, the loss of a family member (child or a spouse), health issues, mobility issues, excessive reliance on others, financial problems, etc., could trigger depression.
Many of these factors might contribute to a senior’s depressive thoughts. Common signs of depression in the elderly are great sadness, sleep disturbance, anger outburst, withdrawal, excessive sleep, loss of interest in various activities, etc.
You can lift their mood and spirit in many ways. Examples are:
- Get them to socialize,
- Go for a walk together
- Get them a dog or cat
- Schedule visits from other children or grandchildren, etc.
Depression makes it easy for them to succumb to other health issues, so take care of it.
Determine if they need Palliative Care or Hospice
Seniors might have terminal illnesses that make it hard for them to live their life normally. Such conditions can reduce the quality of their life and cause immense discomfort. In a situation like this, you need to decide if they need hospice care or palliative care. You must understand what either service entails before making a choice. Learning more about hospice vs palliative care will give you an idea of what to expect and inform your decision. They can be provided in different settings, including the home of your senior loved one. It also helps to speak with their doctor before making a decision. Palliative care helps reduce stress and uplift seniors’ spirit with the primary aim of helping them live better despite their condition. Hospice, on the other hand, is in place when there is no hope for recovery. It focuses more on providing emotional support and comfort rather than focusing on curing the condition.
Get them Adult Pull-Ups
One of the things most seniors have to deal with is incontinence. In other words, seniors lose control of their bladder, which could be a disgrace if they wet themselves outside. As a result, they might prefer not to go out or avoid every form of social gathering due to fear of such embarrassment.
You, however, can help by getting them adult pull-ups. They come in different sizes, are easy to use, and ensure optimum comfort for users. Seniors who deal with incontinence issues can consider using 3XL adult pull up and go about various activities without fear of embarrassing themselves.
Optimum Physical Activities
Everyone needs physical activities, and seniors have a lot to gain from living an active lifestyle. Being active can slow down various signs of aging and help you grow old without dealing with multiple side effects that come with aging.
For instance, you will enjoy an impressive immune boost with suitable physical activities. This gives your body a fighting chance against infections and inflammation. Not only that, you will enjoy firm skin and a sharp brain with a slight tendency of mental decline. For getting peace one can also opt for wellness retreat near me.
Seniors do not need elaborate exercise as something as simple as walking or brisk walking will do. You want to make it more fun, consider swimming, biking, and other low-impact exercises. Seniors need to be mindful of falls and injuries and avoid something elaborate.
Frequent Washing of Hands
Regular washing of hands is a terrific way to remain healthy through the years. Sadly, viruses and other bacteria can survive on a surface for up to a day. As a result, one will likely become ill if one touches a virus-infected surface and transfers it to the face.
Since seniors already have a low immune system, washing their hands with warm soapy water is an excellent preventive measure. In addition, ensure you limit touching of the face.
Get Enough Rest
This nighttime ritual is a means for the body to repair itself, heal and fight stress. As a result, adequate sleep can upgrade your immune system as an adult and reduce your susceptibility to stress.
With the increase in age, sleep is essential as it boosts memory function and helps with concentration. This means every senior needs to strive for seven hours of sleep per night.
If you are dealing with insomnia, ensure to talk to your doctor. Simple remedies you can adopt are:
- Reducing caffeine and inactivity
- Consider using CBD
- Reduce screen time at night
- Take a nice long shower before bed
- Reduce excessive daytime naps.
Eat Adequate Diet
The proper diet forms the bedrock of good health. All seniors need to strive for the proper nutrients. This is essential to keep up with physical activities, keep up body functions, and support their brain.
Adults should not consume too much salt as it is not recommended for the heart. Instead, consider using spices and herbs to improve the taste of food.
Milk is primal to healthy bones, thanks to the protein and calcium content. Above all, optimum consumption of fruits and vegetables will give them major essential nutrients.
Encourage Socialization
Loneliness is one of the things many seniors need to deal with. It might be due to illness or injury. Sadly, loneliness paves the way for depression, obesity, brain decline, dementia, alongside other mental health conditions.
This calls for regular interactions for seniors to maintain their mental health. Various senior communities exist to meet fellow seniors and bond with activities like dancing, games, taking a walk, etc. Such interactions over time will go a long way to strengthen the brain.
Conclusion
Senior time is a glorious year, a period for kids to give back to their parents in many ways and show their gratitude for the time invested in their life. These care tips can go a long way to help improve seniors’ health.