Health should always be a top priority for all, but it is exceptionally important for senior citizens. If you are a current senior citizen, or have loved ones who are reaching this age, it’s easy to assume that time has run its course. But there are still several simple ways to make everyday life more accommodating and enjoyable for seniors. The result? Healthy aging, and ultimately, lifelong happiness.
Here are just four of the best ways you can prepare yourself or a loved one for their senior years.
1) Take Care of Aging Skin
As a result of aging, skin becomes more fragile and less flexible. Aging can create a loss of oil in the sweat glands, which are responsible for keeping the skin soft and hydrated. Because of aging-related skin concerns, seniors are often prone to bruising, age spots, and dry skin.
An easy step for seniors to take is protecting their skin from the sun. While this is of course important for people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable to the lasting effects of sun damage. Applying broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, wearing dark clothing, and seeking shade are all solid tactics to help preserve the skin in its older years. It’s never too late!
2) Make the Home Accessible
Multi-story homes can be inconvenient for seniors. Common
conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis make it incredibly difficult for
older adults to go up and down flights of stairs.
While plenty will choose to move to a single-story home, there are also ways to
make a multi-story home more accommodating to avoid the need for relocation. By
installing a diverse selection of
stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, or ramps, a home can instantly become more
senior-friendly.
These accommodations can also be installed outside of the home, offering a smart way to work around tall backyard decks or steep entryways.
3) Be Aware of Potential Safety Hazards
For people over the age of 65, balance and mobility are cause for concern. In fact, one of the most common causes of emergency room visits is an unexpected fall by a senior. While these situations are purely accidental, there are easy precautions to take in order to make it less likely for senior citizens to fall.
The majority of falls occur inside the home, so it is important to be cautious of tripping hazards such are large rugs or slippery bathroom floors. Additionally, proper footwear can make a valuable contribution to preventing the risk of falling. By avoiding high-heeled shoes, floppy slippers, slippery socks, and shoes that have slick soles, seniors can reduce risks of falls both at home or on the go.
4) Prioritize Mental Health
Caregivers often disregard the mental health of seniors, but this can have
detrimental affects on anyone who’s experiencing aging. Poor mental health not
only has a negative impact on overall quality of life, but it can also
compromise the ability to fight infections.
Seniors who are experiencing feelings of depression should seek professional
treatment. They can also make everyday changes that will improve their moods.
For example, regular exercise increases endorphins. Low-impact exercise like walking a dog, swimming in a shallow pool, or riding a recumbent bike can make a great impact on one’s overall mental state.
Aging Doesn’t Have to Be Detrimental
Instead, it can be a wonderful part of life when proper planning is done. By taking care of your skin, making the home senior-friendly, avoiding falls, and emphasizing the importance of mental health, current or soon-to-be seniors are more likely to enjoy their later years in a pleasant and positive way. Apart from these, you can also check for appropriate Medicare Supplement Plans.
