Healthy Aging Month: Health Tips for Older Adults
The older adult population continues to increase in size. According to a recent report by the Administration for Community Living, more than one in seven Americans are 65 years or older. The older adult population itself is also increasing, as life expectancy continues to grow longer in recent decades. Medical advancements and improved hygiene have certainly contributed to an increased life expectancy. However, many older adults aren’t necessarily living healthier, active lives.
September is National Healthy Aging Month. While everyone needs to take exceptional care of their health and well-being, health becomes even more important in older age. Older adults are more vulnerable to weight gain, nutritional deficits, fragile bones, memory loss, depression, and sleep problems. They also have an increased risk for complications due to the flu or common cold.
The good news is that it’s never too late to make slight adjustments to boost your health, even as an older adult. Here are four crucial health tips for older adults.
Include Resistance Training
Beginning at age 30, adults lose as much as three to five percent of their muscle mass each decade. Less muscle mass increases the risk of falls and fractures, especially in older adulthood. The best way to increase muscle mass and prevent loss is to include resistance training with regular exercise. Studies show that older adults who participate in two to three resistance training sessions a week increase their muscle size. If you’re unfamiliar with resistance training, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide a strength training guideline for older adults.
Focus on Hydration
In addition to losing muscle mass, older adults also contend with a diminishing thirst response. Many older adults don’t recognize that they are thirsty and can become dehydrated. Furthermore, side effects of certain prescription medications older adults take to manage chronic health conditions include dehydration. Dehydration in older adults has serious complications, including urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney problems, and kidney failure. Drinking plenty of water is the only way to ensure that an older adult stays hydrated and that their body functions properly. Older adults should focus on staying hydrated by drinking water with each meal and throughout the day.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables aren’t just important for growing kids. They are essential for healthy aging as well. Fruits and vegetables are filled with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals conducive to healthy aging. Studies show that there is a connection between eating fruits and vegetables and improved health outcomes among older adults. A diet rich in produce can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and certain cancers. Older adults should aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Schedule Regular Health Screenings
Finally, older adults should schedule regular health screenings, regardless of how well they are feeling. Annual physical exams become extremely important starting at age 50. At this age, it’s common for physicians to perform multiple health screenings to ensure that their patients are aging well. Numerous chronic health conditions can go undetected, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers. Early detection is key to preventing long-term complications. All older adults should schedule annual physicals, eye exams, and skin cancer screenings. They should also prioritize their oral health by visiting the dentist at least twice a year.
Visiting Angels South Elgin is here to help you keep your health on track. We provide non-medical home care to older adults who need assistance and prefer to age in place. Our compassionate and professional caregivers can help with meal planning and preparation, ensuring that your diet is full of fresh fruits and vegetables. They can remind you to drink water while they visit and escort you to doctor appointments if transportation is a concern for you. All the while they form a genuine companionship with you, becoming like family and treating you with dignity and respect. Whether you need assistance once a week or prefer someone to check in with you daily, when you choose us for your home care needs, you have the benefit of creating a plan of care that addresses your unique non-medical needs. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 847-429-0100.