As we hit a certain age bracket, we are more likely to be vulnerable to a broader range of medical issues. Unfortunately, most of these health concerns are a threat to the overall quality of life of seniors. Many age-related health problems, however, are avoidable or at least manageable with careful, healthy lifestyle choices.
Preparing for a healthy future in your golden years is just as important as planning for a financially secure future. Of course, it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of getting sick, but there are things you can do to reduce the impact of age-related diseases on your life, and we’ll go over some of them below.
What are Geriatric Syndromes?
Geriatric syndromes are prominent medical conditions that don’t fall under one specific category of disease but have significant adverse effects on older adults’ ability to function and live.
Older age, functional impairment, cognitive impairment, and decreased mobility are some of the common risk factors used to identify geriatric syndromes. Pressure ulcer falls, incontinence, functional decline, and delirium are the five conditions that are most frequently labeled as geriatric syndromes.
The good thing is that we may lower our risk of developing geriatric syndromes. As you near retirement, read the following information on how to look after your health.
1. Get a Health Insurance
Medical emergencies pose the greatest risk to the financial stability of the elderly. Moreover, the need for long-term care or a severe age-related illness can dramatically affect your family’s finances. Hence, the value of getting health insurance.
A health insurance policy may serve as a safety net against unexpected circumstances, providing peace of mind in the face of uncertainty. Health insurance premiums may make it feel like you’re not saving as much as you could be, but having coverage in case of a health or emergency is well worth the cost. Simply put, it is in your best interest to pay more attention to your health and well-being.
To that end, signing up for Medicare Advantage is an option you may consider. To explore Medicare Advantage coverage options, you may contact Assurance IQ for Medicare Advantage queries.
2. Take Dance Lessons
Regular dancing can assist elderly couples in preserving their muscle mass and bone strength, as well as enhance their balance and posture, all while relieving stress.
Plus, a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular dancers aged 65 and up had a 46% decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to those who danced less frequently or not at all. Its cardio benefits include lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease because it requires constant exertion, generally at a fast pace.
Another perk of senior dance courses is the opportunity for older couples to socialize with others of a similar age. They could meet a kind and welcoming set of dance partners. As they begin to get to know each other, they will be better able to keep up with their social life.
3. Cook Your Own Meals
For seniors, improving nutrition is probably one of the best benefits of making cooking a daily habit. In addition, old couples may have increased appetite and healthier eating habits due to actively engaging in cooking lessons. How you prepare your meals can be adjusted to meet your new lifestyle. You can start from scratch or produce lighter versions of your old favorites.
If you have health issues requiring a special diet, you may benefit from expert guidance on the meals you prepare and eat regularly. For instance, if you have diabetes or a kidney problem, you can seek guidance from a dietician through health insurance that covers a variety of services provided by dietitians and nutrition experts. This way, you may avail of a lifestyle and nutrition assessment and follow-up visits to see your progress.
4. Do Gardening
Having a garden to maintain can give your elderly loved ones a sense of achievement and mental stimulation, both beneficial to their well-being and the preservation of their cognitive abilities.
Furthermore, gardening is a fantastic exercise that is beneficial in enhancing both flexibility and strength. Some research suggests that gardening may also boost immunity. It’s because strolling the garden puts you in a more natural setting.
Also, gardening can be a good way to meet new people and contribute to your community. After all, gardening is ideal for seniors who enjoy fresh air and sunshine. For some, it may be the start of a new friendship as they get to know other seniors interested in similar activities.
5. Raise a Furry Friend
A preliminary study by the University of Michigan researchers found that owning a pet for five or more years reduced the brain’s aging process in 65-year-olds.
Moreover, owners of dogs, in particular, are more physically active as they frequently take their pets on walks. You could find that extra physical activity enhances cognitive performance as well. Elderly pet owners who reside in group facilities can benefit greatly from the calming effects of having a pet. The company of a furry friend can encourage the elderly to engage in social activities and even relieve stress.
A pet might be an excellent companion if a senior has no close relatives or acquaintances in the area. They also encourage outside interactions with other pet owners, increasing their chances of making new friends who share their passion for their furry companion.
6. Get Enough Rest
Not only does getting enough rest help you feel less stressed, but it’s also when your body repairs itself. Plus, getting enough sleep might help your immune system function better, making it easier for your body to fend against infections.
Moreover, sleep’s positive effects on cognition and memory become increasingly evident with age. Try to get between seven and a half and nine hours of sleep each night.
Consult a medical professional if you are experiencing sleep disturbances to determine the problem. If you have health insurance, you may be able to access sleep medicine facilities, which offer painless tests to measure how well you sleep and how your body responds to sleep disorders.
Some people have trouble sleeping because they drink too much coffee or lie in bed all day. It may also be a symptom of a more serious health problem, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
Conclusion
Health problems become more of a threat as we age, posing a risk to our ability to go about our everyday lives and maintain our connections to those closest to us. With this guide, we hope you’ll be able to take steps toward a more healthy state of mind and body as you approach your golden years.
