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Healthy Habits for Seniors To Prevent Diseases
Lisa Reisman • Aug 28, 2019
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Healthy Habits for Seniors
With so many complicated health fads arising these days, it’s hard to figure out which ones we should be focusing on at different ages. Physical therapy, dental checkups, and specialist visits— the list is infinite. For caregivers, it’s easy to put other peoples’ heath before their own, which could then further complicate the health of the senior they’re looking after. It’s important to stay focused on the health requirements of the senior while showing yourself love as well. This can be done by staying up-to-date on senior citizens' needs early on, especially those with chronic illnesses and other health issues.
Those who learn healthy life habits earlier have a greater chance of being healthy seniors. It’s never too late to start implementing healthy habits. Here’s a list of a simple habits you can focus on, especially seasonal changes coming up and flu season right around the corner!
Eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids.
A healthy diet is very important for aging adults for many reasons. As we age, our bodies change. Digestive systems slow down, our sense for thirst lessens, and our overall palate and sense of taste declines. Consuming a variety of foods will help your senior get all the nutrients they need to keep their organs healthy. According to the National Council on Aging, a healthy meal should include lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lower fat types of dairy. Salt is often overused with seniors when seasoning their food because of their decrease in sensitive taste buds. The U.S Food and Drug Administration says consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure so it’s something we should monitor. Cooking and making food taste enjoyable is something that doesn’t come natural to many people. Consider enrolling yourself and the senior you care for in a local cooking class in order to learn techniques that could improve meals. Not only would this act as a bonding activity and a way to get you and your elderly loved one out of the house, but it another way to instill healthy eating habits and inspire a more all encompassing way to eat.
Seniors are prone to dehydration being that it’s natural to become less thirsty as we age. Unfortunately, the consequences are dangerous and caregivers should be monitoring fluid intake throughout the day as seniors can forget to hydrate on their own. Signs of dehydration can include dizziness, confusion, and increased tiredness just to name a few. In order to combat dehydration, try to always have a water bottle on hand for when you or your senior citizen are running errands.
Stay Active
Physical activity is crucial to both seniors and caregiver's health for many reasons. Depending on the mobility of the individual, getting exercise can increase heart health, keep weight-related issues at bay, and help to stimulate a positive mindset. It can be hard for individuals who once had a very active lifestyle and now suffer from things like arthritis and osteoporosis, keeping them indoors. Sitting inside can lead to depression and further many joint issues. Try to get outside with your elderly loved ones for walks in the park if they’re able to, or push them in a wheelchair. It may also benefit the caregiver by being able to stretch out and get some fresh air while providing the senior with a nostalgic, happy feeling of when they were able to do more rigorous activities. Staying active could connect your senior citizen with his community. If you belong to a senior center or nursing home, many times they offer different types of exercise specialized to that age group. Enrolling in exercise classes can help seniors make friends and keep their heart healthy at the same time.
Preventative Care
Establishing yourself or a senior with a primary care physician and staying on top of preventative care visits is crucial for a healthy aging adult. Screening for things like cholesterol levels, colon cancer, heart and vision problems are qualified for coverage by Medicare. When seniors live alone, they can forget to stay on top of these visits, which is often how doctors detect illnesses or diseases early on. During these visits, doctors will make sure the individual is up-to-date on vaccinations, which can be helpful in preventing illnesses like influenza and pneumonia— these are easily transmittable in places like nursing homes where the quarters are close.
Focus on Mental Health
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the impact of depression in older adults can be severe, especially those who have experienced heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Depression can worsen the treatment of these things, and in return, further complicate the individual’s health. It can be difficult to recognize the signs of mental health in seniors, as many times it can be taken as frailty, or as the NIH puts it, “viewed as by an inevitable result of life changes, chronic illness, and disability.” It can be difficult for many caregivers given their sensitive position, to handle the stress of caring for someone either professionally or a family member. Seeking the advice of a licensed mental health counselor doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable of dealing with emotion— it simply means you need another perspective on life and it’s okay to ask for help. Caring for your mental health is an important step in improving quality of life and could help seniors cope with the situation of their physical health in a way that’s organic.
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