Age has always been an inevitable part of life. Many teenagers and young adults are still full of energy and have a wide range of motion since much of their muscles are still in optimal condition. But as we grow older, our body will usually go through a variety of drastic changes. Our skin will start to wrinkle, and much of our bones and muscles won’t have the same strength that they once had decades ago. On top of that, our nervous system will get weaker and will be more prone to neurodegenerative diseases that could affect our movement and our senses.
The bones, nerves, and ligaments of these seniors are now weak, making movement difficult over time. As humans, it’s our duty to take care of older adults in our family and seniors in our community. Fortunately, recent innovations in medical technology have made it easier to take care of seniors. However, we still have to ensure that they are safe and enjoying much of life. Here are some important things that you need to consider in this situation.
Make Their Home More Secure and Safer
It goes without saying that impaired mobility can increase the risk of falls and injuries for many seniors. Falls are known for being one of the most common types of injuries among the elderly. This can potentially lead to some serious injuries that could leave them in critical condition. Fall-proofing a senior’s home is one of the best methods to reduce the number of physical hazards.
Most would suggest placing handrails on the sides of hallways, bathrooms, and stairs. It’s also important to have the appropriate signages so that old individuals will know the particular areas that they’ll need to avoid. Instead of using loose floor rugs on wooden or tile flooring that might be slippery, you can use rubberized non-slip mats instead.
If you don’t have the time and the resources to manage all of these hazards, there are always professional home health aides that are known for taking care and ensuring that seniors are safe from almost any type of hazard at home.
Having a Versatile Diet
Although age might be a major influencer on the health and the ability to move for many seniors, it’s important to keep in mind that diet will have a role in our movement. Most nutritional and medical experts would say that obesity and other problems with weight can be contributing factors that could lead to diseases related to weight, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
On the other side of the spectrum, being underweight can also significantly affect the lifespan and the “structural integrity” of the body’s support. Still, both situations can take a toll on the bones and ligaments of the body. That said, one of the best ways of ensuring that seniors are still living an active lifestyle is by giving them the proper diet and nutrition.
A healthy diet should consist of all the food groups that are essential for the daily needs for seniors. This includes all the crucial macro and micronutrients that the body needs. Another essential part of maintaining healthy muscles is proper protein intake, which can help with one’s strength. It’s also important to consider that most individuals who have problems with their kidneys should start regulating their protein intake.
Be a Pillar of Support
Last but definitely not least, one of the best ways of caring for seniors is by becoming a pillar of support for them, both in a literal and figurative sense. Since most seniors and older adults will have a harder time moving around, they must be given emotional and physical support. Most seniors living by themselves and far away from relatives and close friends won’t have anybody to look after them and feel helpless. This could contribute to mental health issues among elderly folks.
Many seniors want to get back to the days when they had their energy and their sense of control. One of the best ways of doing this is by helping them out with some activities they once did when they were still young. Although you might want to help them carry some of their items, you can let them try carrying them as well. Remember: what might seem like a simple task for non-disabled individuals like you might be a bit more challenging for those that have a limited range of mobility.
Caring for older adults might be a bit more daunting than other activities, but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s crucial to know that having a limited amount of mobility doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a lack of independence. Giving support to older folks means cultivating self-sufficiency while still giving them support.