For seniors to maintain optimal health, they must take a proactive approach. As adults grow older, the risk of developing health issues increases. By adopting some preventative measures, seniors can enjoy healthy and productive lives for years to come.
Following a Proper Diet
A diet consisting mainly of brightly colored vegetables and fruits provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals the body needs to function. Produce is also high in fiber, which ensures the ongoing health of the gastrointestinal tract. Fruits and vegetables also contain a number of antioxidants that protect cells from damage and destruction by free radicals.
Lean meats, fish, and nuts provide the protein the body needs to repair cells and tissues. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish offer cardiovascular and neurological protection. Fat-free and low-fat dairy products deliver the calcium and vitamin D teeth and bones need to stay healthy. Calcium is also necessary for cardiovascular and muscle function.
Planning and preparing nutritious meals can be challenging for some aging adults. Home care service 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.
Staying Physically Active
Getting regular exercise ensures the cardiovascular system remains strong and functions properly. Seniors are advised to get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. The activity should include aerobic and strength training opportunities. Simply going for walks gets the heart pumping faster, which nourishes all the body’s systems with oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood.
Exercise maintains balance and flexibility. Cycling and swimming offer low-impact workouts that strengthen the musculoskeletal system. Regularly exercising also lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels while encouraging restful sleep.
Going to Annual Physicals
Visiting healthcare providers and undergoing physical exams each year enables seniors to learn the status of their health and monitor the effects of any medications or treatments prescribed. Physicians are also able to detect medical conditions as they develop. Getting prompt treatment for any issues discovered means medical conditions have less chance of progressing.
During these appointments, practitioners commonly check older adults’ weight, height, body mass index, and blood pressure. Blood tests to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels provide a glimpse into cardiovascular health. Physicals also provide seniors with the option to voice any concerns they have about their overall wellbeing.
One of the many essential forms of assistance a home caregiver can provide is transportation to medical appointments. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Montgomery, AL, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Getting Vaccinations
The majority of influenza-related deaths occur in adults over the age of 65. The weakened immune systems of older adults combined with existing medical conditions raise the risk of developing complications secondary to the flu. Getting an annual flu vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness.
Seniors are also more prone to pneumonia, which deprives the body of sufficient oxygen. Healthcare providers recommend older adults receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to prevent complications if they catch colds or the flu.
Screening Bone Density
Insufficient calcium intake, certain medications, and sedentary lifestyles can prevent seniors from having healthy bone densities. Thinner bones are weaker, and a weaker skeleton cannot adequately support the body, which may lead to spontaneous fractures or spinal problems.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. Montgomery families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (334) 593-3988 today.