More than 50 million residents in the U.S.A are seniors, above the age of 65. While aging can be a beautiful process, it also comes with its own health risks and scares. Many seniors are overwhelmed by the idea of aging, or saddened by it.
However, it doesn’t have to be like this. A few good habits can go a long way in helping seniors get the most out of this experience.
If you or someone you know is having trouble aging, here are a few senior healthcare tips and habits to incorporate you should keep in mind.
Make Room for Movement
Don’t make the mistake of associating fitness and exercise with the young. Movement and activity are for everyone. Unless you have a medical or physical condition preventing you from getting exercise or moving, you should definitely make it a point to get at least 30 minutes of light, physical activity into your day.
There are plenty of low-impact workouts and exercises designed specifically for seniors. Even if you don’t enjoy any of these exercises, you can take up hobbies that incorporate movement. This could include dancing, gardening, playing table tennis or simply walking around.
Consulting your doctor about any lifestyle change is a good idea, particularly if you have joint problems.
Find Your Community
If you’ve not made the connection between community and health yet, we’re here to make it for you.
More than 40 percent of seniors report feelings of loneliness in the United States of America. This makes them more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.
One great way to combat this is to find a community of people or even a single person you can talk to. Engaging in regular social activities is a great way for seniors to keep their minds engaged and entertained.
Talk Therapy
Loneliness is not the only mental health issue that seniors face. In fact, they are susceptible to a host of other problems that could be related to the aging process, their families, or their experiences in society.
Regular access to talk therapy or any other types of therapy that you find beneficial can go a long way in making sure you’re getting the help you need. Very often it can be difficult for seniors to express themselves to the people around them, and some seniors even feel like they are a burden to their caretakers.
These seniors can benefit from having non-judgmental spaces to vent in, where any signs of mental illness can be addressed immediately.
Vision Care
As we age, our vision begins to deteriorate. Here are a few special healthcare tips to help seniors maintain their vision.
- Ensure well-lit spaces for reading, and other visual activities
- Incorporate contrasting colors into your spaces
- Get regular eye checkups to address any potential issues as soon as possible
- Wear protective sunglasses when you step outside
- Eat eye-healthy foods high in vitamin A and Omega-3s
- Make sure you get enough sleep
Along with these vision care tips, also be sure to wear glasses, if recommended by your doctor, and do not skip out on any prescribed eye medication.
Hearing Checkups
In addition to your eyesight, you also need to pay special attention to your hearing. If you have trouble hearing, be sure to communicate with someone you love, and let them know exactly what you’re experiencing.
Visit an otolaryngologist or an ENT specialist and get your ears checked out. Sometimes your hearing can be fixed via surgery, and other times you might be prescribed hearing aids or other medication.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is one that’s balanced with its nutrition. As an older adult, you will have to cut down on sodas and other sugary drinks. Instead, focus on incorporating the following foods in your diet:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Legumes, peas, and other good sources of protein
- Whole-grain foods like whole-wheat bread
- Foods that are high in calcium and fortified with vitamin D
If you have kidney problems, heart disease, or another major illness, you may be prescribed a more specific type of diet by your doctor. In this case, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
If you do not have a chronic illness and are simply looking to make a healthier choice, do consider seeing a nutritionist who specializes in seniors, for personalized advice.
Insure Against Potential Diseases
Whether you have a chronic illness now, or not, getting insured is a smart idea for all seniors. Of course, getting a good insurance plan at an affordable rate is not always easy, but with a little research, you’re bound to find one that works for you.
Sites like MedicareWire.com, kiwi-insurance.com, and healthmatchup.com are great places to begin your search for affordable health care plans. In addition to that also be sure to make any disability claims or healthcare you are entitled to within your state.
Senior Healthcare: Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Now that we’ve outlined these senior healthcare tips before you, do be sure to incorporate these habits into your life. Prevention is always better than cure, and it really doesn’t have to be hard.
Find exercises you like, healthy recipes you enjoy, and people that bring you joy. Aging won’t always be easy, but it’s an unavoidable part of life, so you may as well make the best of it!
Like this article? Share it with your fellow aging friends on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Twitter and help them take the next step towards a happier, healthier lifestyle.
You are right, they need a good environment, the right set of vitamins and medications to maintain the health of the elderly. Finding the best pharmacist like https://mediaonemarketing.com.sg/top-pharmacists-in-singapore/ is also the right step.
Older people need more attention and tools for a comfortable life, take care of their safety, so that they have evacuation chairs in case of evacuation, so that they can leave the house as quickly as possible if necessary.
My mom is getting up there in age, and it is getting harder for her to get around. Telehealth is an amazing benefit that she can now use so she can see the doctor from the comfort of her couch. She doesn’t have to lave and worry about falling, getting around, or getting sick from other people. Here is an article I recently read, https://www.ez.insure/landing/2020/10/telehealth-for-senior-healthcare/ . It explains all the benefits of telehealth for seniors!