Essential Habits For a Healthy Aging
It’s true that people who had good healthy habits when they were younger tend to become healthy seniors. Aging is something inevitable, but you can change the way you age and it’s never too late!
It’s important for seniors to take care of their bodies in order to prevent illnesses, especially if they are 65 or older. Something as simple as the flu can lead to some serious complications. Not to worry, common yet serious illnesses can be prevented by implementing healthy habits to strengthen a person’s immune system. If you have any type of heart disease then it is important to get a heart doctor in Katy.
The following are some essential habits that could help those in the golden age of their lives to enjoy healthy aging.
Prevention Is Key
As we age preventive care becomes essential. Having a yearly checkup is crucial to keeping yourself or a loved one healthy.
Getting annual vaccinations is another way to stay healthy. Doctors recommend seniors receive vaccinations to prevent influenza and pneumonia. Keep in mind that some viruses such as the flu change each year.
Washing hands consistently is one of the best health tips for seniors! Some viruses can live on surfaces for as long as 24 hours so it’s key to wash your hands with warm soapy water often. Also, try to avoid touching your nose, face, and mouth with your hands as much as possible.
Healthy Eating
Include high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your or your loved one’s diet, as the digestive system slows down as we age. Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of antioxidants that will protect your cells from damage and boost your immune system.
Keep in mind that seniors are prone to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water and try to limit your consumption of sugary and fried foods, which can cause inflammation in the body.
Take Supplements As Needed
Remember to always consult a doctor before taking any kind of supplements. A proper medical test will determine the nutrient deficiency and supplemental needs of an elderly person’s body. Before giving the prescribed supplements to a senior, as their doctor whether it’s safe to combine with other medications your elderly loved one may be taking.
The most common recommended supplements include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These supplements are reported to prevent seniors from having health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation, and more.
Dental Care
When we get older, our risk of having cavities increases, so it’s important that seniors see a dentist regularly. It’s important to note that many mouth infections can be linked to serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Many elderly persons have a hard time brushing their own teeth due to limited mobility or diseases such as Parkinson’s. An electric toothbrush is a great tool and a one-handed flossing kit may improve the senior’s dental care routine.
Stay Active
Physical activity is not only essential to boost the immune system, but it can also help to alleviate depression, improve energy and memory. Scientists agree that physical activity can halt, and even reverse age-related muscle loss also known as sarcopenia. An exercise program approved by their doctor or physician can keep seniors healthy for longer.
Beware of Mental Health
Stress increases the body’s production of the stress hormone known as cortisol, which can affect your immune system. Meditating, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are excellent stress relief techniques that can improve your elderly loved one’s mental health.
It is also important that seniors keep their brains stimulated! As recommended by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, doing crossword puzzles, reading, writing, and learning new hobbies help to stimulate and engage the mind as we age.
Get a Good Rest
Sleep is how your body repairs itself! Getting an adequate amount of sleep not only helps to boost your immune system but also reduces stress levels. As we age, sleep can also improve memory and concentration.
It’s true that insomnia and sleep issues are common among elderly persons. Turning the lights down in the evening to spur drowsiness, making sure the senior’s bedroom is comfortable and quiet, and even using a sound machine may be good solutions to improve your elderly loved one’s sleep patterns.
The Benefits of a Good Caregiver
Even if seniors are fully capable of taking care of themselves, living alone can be a detriment to their health. A study by the University of California’s Department of Medicine showed that loneliness was a predictor of functional decline, and even death, for individuals older than 60 years of age in the United States.
Whether you’re a caregiver who needs time to get to your own daily routine, a concerned family member who wants to keep your loved one close to home, or an individual who wants to live independently outside of a nursing home setting, a companion care referral service may be an ideal solution to resolve both loneliness and physical restrictions.
At 24/7 Nursing Care, we believe in referring companions who can provide services with tender loving care. Give us a call to learn more about companion care referral services and schedule a free in-home consultation at (786) 518-3622 Miami-Dade or (954) 949-1332 Broward.
