Aging populations globally are at a rate of steady increase. This is due to advances in medical science and the mechanisms of early detection and preventative medical care. As more of a country’s population is in the elderly bracket, seniors, and their caretakers, need to adopt appropriate lifestyle habits. Here are a few essential health tips for seniors that can improve their quality of life drastically and enable them to spend time with the ones they love.
1. Let Go Of Harmful Habits
Some people smoke, drink, do recreational drugs or consume a lot of junk food in their day-to-day life. It is assumed that the effects of these habits can be better tolerated when one is younger. However, the damage accumulates and reaches a high point after 50 or 60 years of age.
Seniors should be encouraged or counseled to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, painkillers or SSRIs, smoking, and other harmful habits and ways of life. Healthier eating and natural medications or supplements can be great for the longevity of the individual and the treatment of chronic illnesses such as arthritis or other inflammatory disorders.
2. Screening & Prevention
For the elderly, it is vital to get screened regularly and to be up-to-date on their relevant blood work. Prevention is key when an individual is older. This is because many surgical or medical interventions become less effective or inappropriate for elderly patients.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
Getting screened for illnesses for which one has a genetic disposition, such as breast cancer, can also be a lifesaving action. The earlier certain diseases are detected, the better they can be managed in the long run. Schedule regular screenings and immunizations as often as the doctor recommends, and at least twice a year.
3. Weight And Exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight according to the person’s BMI and general physique is of the utmost importance. Obesity itself at any level invites diseases such as heart problems, cholesterol problems, diabetes, and so forth. Not to mention, it can worsen age-related illnesses such as osteoporosis. Seniors can discuss investing in devices to help them move around with a mobility equipment supplier so that exercise and the execution of daily tasks require less effort.
Activities like swimming for example are encouraged for older people in relation to running or doing squats, which can put needless strain on weak joints. Any activity, even a basic slow walk in the evening, can help seniors’ mental and physical health. Part of maintaining a healthy weight is eating right. Loved ones should monitor what their elders are eating. They should also encourage them to consume healthy fats like nuts and snack on low-calorie, high-fiber delights such as granola bars or oat cookies.
Shiva baskets which are a kosher offering for those going through grief or loss, are a beautiful example of treats. They can be given to an elderly parent or relative who is suffering from the loss of a spouse or someone near them, or generally going through a tough time. Shiva baskets include fruits, chocolates, and nuts.
Who is the author?
Holly Clarke
Holly Clark has been working in the care industry for 5+ years as a project coordinator. She regularly blogs about both the personal and practical challenges of caring. Additionally, she is always actively working on producing informative content.
