World Health Day: Senior Health and Working with Caregivers
World Health Day is observed on April 7th every year, it calls for the importance of good health year-round, including senior health. Good health for seniors is one of the most important aspects of a happy lifestyle as people are now living longer. However, many seniors face challenges as they age with health issues that require assistance from professional caregivers. Seniors must also take care of themselves, so they can continue to live productive lives.
Exercise and Healthy Eating
Seniors can stay active with daily exercise from easy walks to gym workouts. Seniors who were always active as young adults will find it easier to continue with their favorite activities even if it means exercising at a slower pace. This includes swimming, playing golf or tennis, and participating in other team sports. Exercise is necessary for a healthy heart, strong bones, and muscles that lose some of their agility with age.
Professional caregivers include physical therapists who work with people in their homes who need special exercises as a result of illnesses and disabilities. Physical therapy can help with recovery for patients who are disabled from surgeries and cannot leave home easily.
Healthy eating is another requirement for longevity. Obesity and diabetes are major problems that lead to shorter life for many people. Good food choices include fresh vegetables and fruits along with strict limits on sugar. Many seniors find that rich foods that once tasted great are now more difficult to digest as their bodies age. In this case, doctors and professional nutritionists can provide recommendations that seniors should follow for continued good health.
Professional caregivers that come into the home can help seniors prepare healthy meals. They may also assure that prescribed medications are taken at the proper times, especially if they are to be taken with food.
Good Mental Health is Important
Seniors should continue to socialize in order to maintain overall senior health. There are many activities available for people who are retired and no longer socialize with the people with whom they worked. Senior centers, religious organizations, bridge clubs, health clubs, as well as country clubs offer extensive activities to improve seniors' mental health.
Seniors can also practice meditation, a way to maintain a balanced outlook. Sleeping seven to eight hours a night is also recommended for good physical and mental health.
Alzheimer's disease and other problems can develop as people age. However, there are therapies for many issues that affect brain cells. Caregivers also have the required training to work with seniors experiencing memory loss. These professionals visit patients in their homes and work with them to stimulate their minds through many mental exercises. This also helps other family members who serve as full-time caregivers of their aging loved ones.
Aid for Family Caregivers
Watching an independent loved one age and become dependent on other people is difficult. The once active individual is now not able to move about easily. A senior may also be in the recovery stage from a surgical procedure or chemotherapy. This can be very stressful for spouses, children, as well as other family members who care for their senior loved one.
Caregivers also need to look out for themselves and maintain their own physical and mental health. They also need to take breaks and find quality time for their own activities. And just like seniors, they also need to eat healthy foods and sleep seven or eight hours.
Elite Choice works with seniors and their families or friends to provide quality care in the comfort of their homes with a caregiver of their choice. This includes physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, shopping, feeding, and hygiene assistance. Our professional caregivers also work with Alzheimer's patients and can arrange transportation for seniors to their medical appointments.
Contact us for more information on our services in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. We work with Medicare and major insurance companies to provide the best care for senior health.
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain management and internal medicine. She oversees all patient services across Elite's departments.