It’s natural to be concerned about your senior loved one’s health and wellbeing as he or she ages, but your loved one will likely experience challenges and changes in abilities that are out of your control. That said, there are a few things you can do to promote your loved one’s physical and emotional health. Here are the most common senior-related health issues and what you can do to delay or prevent their associated symptoms.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones begin to weaken and become thin, which brings about an increased risk of fractures and breaks. While osteoporosis is a natural part of the aging process, it’s also one of the most common senior conditions and should be identified and treated as soon as possible. A few ways to promote bone health in an aging loved one is to recommend regular exercise and a calcium-rich diet, both of which will keep bones as strong and healthy as possible.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Obesity
With age, seniors will likely participate in fewer physical activities and, as a result, slowly become accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle. This, in combination with poor dietary habits, can lead to obesity or excessive weight gain, which can contribute to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Seniors who are overweight should strive to participate in at least 20 minutes of physical exercise a day while also cutting as much processed food, sodium, and trans fats from their diet as possible.
In Rhode Island, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Vision Loss
Vision-related conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration can threaten a senior’s safety at home. Make sure your loved one’s home has bright lighting to reduce fall risk, and schedule regular eye exams with his or her doctor. Regular doctor visits (about every 1–2 years) will enable the physician to identify and treat any eye-related problems as soon as possible.
Depression
Changes in mood or behavior can often be characterized as part of the natural aging process. However, if your loved one is withdrawing from favorite activities and is no longer participating in family events, depression may be the cause. Try to check in with your loved one as much as possible, and encourage him or her to join clubs or groups in the community. If your loved one doesn’t have a specific hobby he or she would like to pursue, you can consider hiring a caregiver to provide companionship for a few hours a day or a few days a week.
For families living in Rhode Island, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (401) 284-0979 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.