Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential part of a senior’s wellbeing. However, many adults often don’t get the sleep they need due to the changes their bodies and minds go through as they age. Problems like insomnia and a general lack of sleep can lead to several issues, including depression, increased risk for car accidents, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and certain types of cancer. If your elderly loved one…
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Many people are afraid of aging because of the myths they hear or read about it. Although growing older causes seniors to experience many challenges, there are a lot of happy times to look forward to as well. Here are some of the most common myths about aging debunked. Genes Determine How Seniors Age The myth that genes affect aging causes many seniors to eat unhealthy foods and work out…
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Malnourishment occurs when a senior is not getting the proper balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and it can happen even when the senior is consuming enough calories. These sorts of vitamin deficiencies and nutritional issues can cause a wide range of health issues, but they are very difficult to notice. Keep an eye out for the following five signs of malnourishment in your senior loved one. 1. Long Recuperating…
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Caregiving is a role many adult children accept without knowing what is truly involved. They learn as they go, and sometimes the duties can be overwhelming. As things become more challenging, family caregivers may want to take a break or quit being a caregiver altogether. Here are some things every family caregiver should consider before giving up on their caregiving duties. 1. Ask for More Help Taking on the role…
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As adults age, some memory loss is natural. There are many ways to boost cognitive health as long as seniors are willing to put effort into memory maintenance. Here are a few strategies caregivers can use to help their senior loved ones stay sharp. Encourage Regular Mental Engagement The brain is like a muscle—it atrophies when it isn’t used. The best way to keep the memory sharp is to use…
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Many seniors experience restless legs syndrome (RLS), a nervous system disorder characterized by uncomfortable, tingly sensations in the legs. Because these sensations often occur at night, RLS is often classified as a sleep disorder. Ahead, learn more about the best ways to prevent and treat restless legs syndrome in the elderly. Know the Causes To prevent or treat RLS, it’s important to understand why it happens in the first place….
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Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. For housebound seniors, this percentage increases. Many homes are not as safe as they should be. Hidden toxins in your senior loved one’s home could harm his or her health. Look for the following four common toxins and take steps to remove them from the home. 1. Lead Many seniors live in older homes that may have been painted with lead-based…
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As adults get older, their bones lose calcium and other nutrients if not replenished. The spine may curve, and seniors often become shorter due to bone shrinkage. Bone density loss causes an increased likelihood of fractures. Likewise, muscle mass diminishes and the tissues grow weaker. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they…
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For many family caregivers, managing behavioral changes is one of the most challenging parts of their day. Trying to manage behaviors such as agitation and wandering may leave you feeling exhausted at the end of the day, and you may have serious concerns about how negative behavior changes affect your relationship with your loved one. While you may not be able to change all of the behaviors, you can use…
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Seniors often require changes to their care plan as they advance in age or receive a new health diagnosis. However, the changes in abilities are often so subtle that you might not notice them right away. Watch for the following warning signs that your aging loved one’s care needs are changing so you can make the appropriate arrangements. A Long-Term Health Condition Is Advancing In the senior years, long-term health…
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