Elevating Wellness for Seniors

If you are a senior citizen, you may be suffering from health problems that can deeply affect your quality of life. Some issues, such as diabetes, can lead to vision loss and blindness.

Seniors also face the potential for joint pain and arthritis, which could make it difficult to get around with ease or do activities of daily living.

Additionally, age-related changes in cognition can lead to memory loss or dementia. All of these conditions and more can affect seniors’ independence and ability to take care of themselves without help from others.

Even if you or someone you love is not experiencing these specific problems yet, there is still plenty that needs our attention.

These health tips should support your wellness.

1) Explore senior-focused health services

When you or a loved one is experiencing a health issue, it can be difficult to find the right doctor or memory care facility. With older adults, that is even more of an issue.

Finding the right care and a great deal of research can take some time. That’s why it’s important to look into local services and support groups through which seniors can share their experiences and connect with other seniors with similar health concerns.

A local community organization may have home-delivered meals, medical care, health consults, exercise programs, and other services available for seniors in your town or county.

2) Exercise regularly

As we age, it is important to exercise regularly to reduce the risk of falling and keep bones strong and joints moving freely. This allows seniors to continue living independently in their homes for longer before needing long-term care facilities or assisted living.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults over 65 get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of higher-intensity aerobic exercise every week. An exercise plan can help you meet these goals by fitting workouts throughout the day.

A recent article suggests that walking is an effective exercise method and doesn’t have to be a super-intensive workout. If you want to improve your mood and reduce stress, getting outside and walking around the neighborhood may be just what you need.

3) Get enough sleep

Making sure you are getting enough sleep at night can improve your memory and focus as well as keep you alert during the day. Sleep is essential and healthy. Lack of sleep can be a factor in other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

4) Learn alternative methods to manage pain

Pain management is important for seniors who must continue living independently at home. Even if your doctor prescribes medication for pain, it may not be enough to prevent you from needing more intense care later on. Alternative methods of controlling pain are available such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and hypnosis, which have been shown to positively affect pain and stress levels and help with anxiety and depression.

5) Maintain a healthy weight

Diet has a big influence on your overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight is important so you can avoid chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes. A balanced diet of fruits and vegetables will help you with this goal.

These health tips will help you live a longer, more healthy life. Even small lifestyle changes add up to make a big difference. By making smart choices and regularly exercising, you can prevent or delay the onset of potentially debilitating health problems.