Aging is a natural part, so reaching old age with health and quality of life is crucial. With this in mind, taking care of the health of the elderly is essential and deserves extra attention.
In this article, you will see essential tips to help you understand the most important health care for elderly people. Continue reading to learn more about care for a better quality of life!
What are the main actions that involve the health of the elderly?
Adopting certain precautions is essential to aging healthily and having everything necessary for a better quality of life. These are small actions that need to be done by both the individual and their family members, as they play a big role in their health.
Below are some healthcare tips for the elderly!
1. Medical follow-up
One of the most crucial elements in promoting an elderly person’s health is regular medical supervision by a professional. The suggested professional is a geriatrician, who will help in the prevention or detection of serious diseases that only affect elderly people.
Regular monitoring by a doctor is essential, as during this phase of life, the body undergoes a series of changes and both the elderly and their family members need to understand how to adjust.
Making appointments and taking medications will often become part of the routine. To make it easier to organize yourself, a good idea is to separate the medication boxes according to the time and dose indicated by the doctor.
In addition, people over 60 and their caregivers should pay attention to the vaccination schedule, especially in relation to the flu, annually.
2. Healthy eating
For all phases of life, a reasonable and sound eating regimen is urgent, as it has an immediate connection to well-being. Nonetheless, it turns out to be significantly more significant for the older, who need more nutrients and supplements to reinforce their invulnerable framework.
Calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin D, potassium, omega 3 and B complex nutrients can’t be absent from the Old’s eating routine.
3. Practice of physical activities
Physical exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health, as well as improving mood and preventing a series of diseases. Therefore, developing a physical activity routine is a fundamental safety measure for the elderly.
There are many options for physical activities for the elderly, such as:
- Water aerobics;
- Dance;
- Pilates;
- Bodybuilding;
- Walk.
However, it is important to highlight that it is necessary to undergo a medical consultation, so that professionals with specialized knowledge can recommend the ideal physical activity practice for each person, which is safe and in accordance with their needs.
4. Good nights sleep
Individuals of all ages gathering can profit from top-notch rest, which additionally works on physical and mental circumstances. Notwithstanding cardiovascular issues, having a sleeping disorder or awakening a few times during the night can cause side effects, for example,
- Irritability;
- Anxiety;
- Difficulty dealing with frustration ;
- Memory loss;
- Between others.
How much do long periods of rest differ from one individual to another? While certain individuals are as of now all around rested following six hours of rest, others might require at least eight hours. Accordingly, realize how long the old individual requires to get great rest.
In addition to sleep duration, it is essential to consider quality as well. Some easy tips are very effective in ensuring a good night’s sleep:
- Take about 30 minutes to take an afternoon nap. Napping helps you get a good night’s sleep and also improves your mood;
- Avoid ingesting caffeine close to bedtime;
- Decrease alcohol consumption;
- Do physical exercises;
- Get some sun;
- Avoid using electronic devices before going to bed.
5. Adapt the house
If the home is not modified to meet the needs of the elderly person, it can often become one of the highest-risk places. Below are some simple tips for adapting your home that can make mobility much better and avoid risks:
- Install grab bars in bathrooms, next to toilets and showers, on stairs and corridors;
- Place non-slip mats on stairs, hallways, in the bathroom, next to the bed and at doors;
- Leave an armchair in the room for the elderly person to lean on when dressing or putting on shoes;
- Install automatic switches in all corners of the house;
- Remove sharp objects;
- Leave more space to pass between furniture;
- Place everyday objects in easily accessible and simply organized places.
6. Take care of your mind
When it comes to total body care, it is also important to remember that the mind plays a crucial role in this story. Psychological and psychiatric support is crucial for acceptance and independence during old age.
It is also important for the elderly to do activities that awaken the mind, such as going for a walk, going to the cinema, visiting friends and having the support of their family, in order to have a healthier aging process.
7. Strengthen family and social ties
As we already mentioned, social ties are important for anyone. As you reach old age, they become much more significant. However, there is a great tendency for elderly people to isolate themselves or be abandoned by their families. The family should be a network of support and trust.
Spending time talking and participating in recreational activities with older adults has many mental health benefits. Along with the family, other members of the community, such as merchants, medical professionals, neighbors and friends, also play important roles.
8. Help with personal hygiene
Personal hygiene is essential to prevent illnesses and infections. Therefore, taking care of this factor helps to improve the health of the elderly and gives them more comfort.
Family members must support the elderly in maintaining healthy hygiene habits in a pleasurable way, always respecting the person’s dignity. In other words, help that does not harm intimacy with dignified and careful supervision.
9. Respect the elderly person’s time and independence
As said, the body changes completely after the age of 60, both mentally and metabolically. Even though we are becoming more independent every day, those who are at this stage still require special attention.
The issue is that, often, family members, caregivers and medical professionals end up leaving aside the wishes of the elderly because they are worried. Therefore, you need to know how to respect the elderly person’s time and space, to carry out daily tasks and establish your own limits.