Health And Independence Goals For The Elderly

As life expectancy increases, the issue of maintaining health and independence has become a priority, especially among the aging baby boomer population. Most seniors wish to remain at home and independent throughout their final years. Medical and technological advances make this more possible now than ever before. The following are some tips for seniors to ensure they remain active and healthy during their golden years.

1. Create a secure environment.

Safety should be at the forefront of every senior’s mind. Falls are the most common reason seniors lose their independence. Almost 500,000 people over age 65 are hospitalized each year due to fall-related injuries. Sadly, these injuries often lead to permanent disability and even death. The good news is falls are entirely preventable. Seniors and their families should conduct a thorough safety review of the home. The review should take into account the senior’s specific health, cognitive, and mobility related issues. Remember to reassess safety whenever there is a change in physical or mental status.

2. Embrace technology.

One of the most valuable pieces of technology for any senior is an emergency alert device. These devices instantly connect a person to emergency services with the touch of a button in the event of a fall or other accident. Assistive devices are available to make it easier for seniors to perform daily activities such as dressing, cooking, and bathing. Easy to operate electronic pill boxes are even available to remind seniors to take medication properly. Your doctor, medical supply company, or home health agency can help you find the right assistive devices for your situation.

3. Set healthcare goals.

The act of setting a goal often has a positive impact on a person’s overall outlook. Setting goals provides a sense of empowerment and control over one’s circumstances. Setting healthcare goals should be a collaborative effort involving the senior, their family, and the doctor. The goals should not try to fix everything at once. The goals should involve one or two specific steps the senior can take to improve their overall quality of life. For example, the doctor may advise the senior to increase exercise. The senior may not care about exercise or losing weight but may desire to remain in the home to be with a beloved dog. You can use the emotional connection to bring the two goals together by encouraging the senior to take more frequent walks with the dog.

Exercise Tips for Seniors

It’s never too late to begin enjoying the benefits of physical exercise. In fact, older adults who have experienced a decline in physical activity due to certain age-related disorders may benefit most of all. Physical fitness doesn’t have to mean hours of strenuous work at the gym. For most people it’s simply about developing a healthier lifestyle; one that includes more physical activity and better nutritional choices. Let’s take a closer look at the positive effects of exercise.

Benefits

A regular exercise routine does far more than just help us look younger and build muscle; it is also good for our mental health, lowering our risk of disease, and maintaining our independence as we grow older. Senior citizens who incorporate a fitness plan into their daily lives will not only improve their bone density and muscle mass, but will also greatly improve their immune system, blood pressure, and heart-health. Daily exercise can even help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

Other added benefits include better sleep, greater self-confidence, and even improved memory. On a physical level, what we’re looking to improve is strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Even those who are chair-bound can participate in exercises that will enhance their range of motion and improve their overall quality of life. Below is a list of popular exercises for seniors.

Walking

Walking is a great low-impact exercise that is simple and fun to do. Choose a good pair of walking shoes with plenty of cushion and support. Be mindful of your posture, and breathe deep into your lungs. This will do wonders for delivering oxygen throughout your entire body and increasing your blood flow. Take a walk in nature to help relieve stress. Create a goal of around 30 minutes or more a few days a week, and be sure to stretch those leg muscles when you return.

Swimming

Swimming is another exercise that is easy on your joints and bones, and therefore lowers the risk of injury. Aside from the relaxing sensation of floating in water, you’ll drastically improve strength, endurance, and range of motion. Keep it fun by learning new strokes. You will soon discover that this gentle activity can be a total-body workout.

Yoga/chair yoga

Yoga is so much more than impossible-looking poses and strange chants. The benefits include increased strength and muscle tone, along with greater balance and stress relief. Even those confined to a chair can benefit from this harmony of stretching and strength-training. Learn yogic breathing to improve your lung function, ease digestion, and remove harmful toxins from your body. Regardless of your age or physical condition, there is a yoga program that is suitable for you.  Here in Southern Nevada, you can find a helpful program through Henderson's Senior Center or at Las Vegas's newly remodeled Derfelt Senior Center.

Contact Visiting Angels

By improving our fitness, we can improve our quality of life and continue doing the things we enjoy well into our golden-years. If you or an aging loved-one is in need of support, contact Visiting Angels by calling 702-407-1100. Our professional aides will be more than happy to assist you in developing a personalized fitness routine