Three Areas of Wellness That Most Seniors Miss
As much as our society tries to diminish the effects of aging, many seniors know firsthand that change is inevitable. Metabolism decreases, hair color turns gray, wrinkles appear, and eyesight becomes foggier. While it might seem like seniors have little to no control over how they age, the truth of the matter is that much of their health and well-being is very much in their control. By choosing to prioritize their health, seniors can feel confident and energized, even if they move a little slower than they did during their youth.
National Wellness Month is celebrated in August. Its goal is to promote self-care, stress-management, and creating healthy routines. For seniors, National Wellness Month is a great reminder that it’s never too late to modify one’s lifestyle in order to prioritize their health. With that in mind, here are three areas of wellness that most seniors miss and a few ways they can make them a priority.
Hydration
When it comes to drinking enough water, many seniors miss the mark on keeping themselves hydrated. What’s even more worrisome is that many seniors don’t even realize that they are thirsty until other signs of dehydration appear. As we age, our thirst reflux diminishes, causing seniors to neglect hydration. They don’t drink water because they don’t feel thirsty. What’s more is that many seniors choose other liquids over water, such as soda, coffee, or tea. These types of drinks can lead to an even bigger deficit in hydration.
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but especially for seniors. Drinking adequate water each day helps with digestion, lowers blood pressure, improves cognition, and can reduce the risk for certain infections. Drinking water can also help reverse or combat many of the side effects of prescription medications seniors take on an ongoing basis. How much water is enough? Although there are varying recommendations and guidelines for seniors, the best resource to answer that question is to ask your primary care physician.
Oral Health
Another area of wellness that seniors often miss is their oral health. They don’t realize that their enamel has slowly worn away over the years. This leaves them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth, due to age or another side effect of certain medications, is also common in the senior population. If not managed properly, dry mouth can also lead to tooth decay. It’s critical that seniors prioritize their dental hygiene, even those with implants or dentures. This includes scheduling routine dental appointments.
Unfortunately, some seniors neglect making dentist appointments because of the cost. Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, so seniors either have to pay out-of-pocket or find supplemental insurance. The third option, which many seniors choose, is to avoid the dentist until there’s an urgent need. This only leads to an even bigger bill, because so often the root cause can be avoided with preventative care. Take charge of your oral health by scheduling dental appointments twice a year. Then, in between visits, brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Your dentist may even recommend a prescription toothpaste or mouthwash to help prevent further tooth decay that comes with age.
Socialization
The last area of wellness that seniors often miss is their social health. Seniors may not even realize how crucial social connection is to their overall health and well-being. The loss of a spouse or close friends certainly contributes to a senior’s lack of social connections, as well as the fact that many extended families are living further apart. Limited mobility and chronic health conditions can also contribute to a senior not being able to maintain their social connections.
Socializing is important in all stages of life, but especially in later life. Seniors who don’t socialize are more likely to feel lonely or depressed. This can lead them to isolate themselves even further, spiraling them into a deeper depression. Seniors can combat feelings of loneliness and depression by prioritizing their social connections. While the coronavirus pandemic certainly limits seniors’ opportunities to socialize, there are safe ways to maintain social connections. Utilize video chats or plan a social distancing visit with family outdoors. Call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while or utilize social media to reconnect with friends from your past.
If you are a senior who needs a little help to get their wellness back on track, know that Visiting Angels Sarasota is here for you. We offer a variety of senior home care services that allow seniors to remain safe, healthy, and independent in the comfort of their own home. Whether you need someone to help support your social needs or are looking for assistance with basic hygiene, our services can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Many of our clients have found great comfort in connecting with a familiar face weekly, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Please contact us today by calling 941-952-5800 so that we can learn more about your situation.