8 Best Preventive Health Tips for Seniors

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Preventive Health Measures for Aging Adults in Des Moines, IA

People who were “good” in terms of their lifestyle habits earlier in life tend to be healthy seniors. Even if this doesn’t exactly describe your aging loved one, it’s never too late to be proactive about health-related matters in a way that’s beneficial for quality of life. Remind your loved one of the benefits of the following preventative health measures for aging adults.

1. Eating Digestion-Friendly Foods

The digestive system naturally slows with age, which may contribute to constipation, bloating, and other uncomfortable issues. Changes in digestion can also make it difficult for seniors to absorb nutrients from food. One solution is to focus more on foods that are rich in nutrients and naturally good for digestion. According to Healthline.com, these foods include: • Yogurt and similar low-fat dairy products • Whole grains • Dark green veggies • Apples and other fiber-rich fruits • Salmon and similar fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids

2. Avoiding Inflammation-Related Foods

Since arthritis is a common condition among aging adults, it’s especially important to watch out for foods that tend to trigger tissue swelling around joints. Sugary snacks, processed foods, refined carbs, and saturated fats are among the top culprits. A home caregiver can help your loved one follow healthy lifestyle practices that can boost his or her long-term wellbeing. In Des Moines, in-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

3. Receiving Regular Vaccinations

An aging immune system is less capable of fending off unfamiliar invaders, which increases susceptibility to seasonal illnesses like the flu. For this reason, aging adults are advised to be proactive about getting recommended vaccinations.

4. Managing Medications

Seniors take, on average, around a dozen different prescription medications. If your loved one takes medications, help him or her avoid drug interactions, side effects, and dosage mistakes with a sensible approach to medication management, which could involve: • Regularly updating the list of what your loved one currently takes • Finding out possible drug interaction risks to watch out for • Using pill organizers to manage dosages and keep various pills separate and accessible • Reporting any adverse reactions to your loved one’s doctor Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness and require more extensive live-in care. Des Moines seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. 

5. Getting High-Quality Sleep

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately half of all older adults report having difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Help your loved one benefit from high-quality sleep by creating a comfortable, relaxing sleep environment and limiting daytime napping to minimize sleep problems. Seniors are advised to aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep each night.

6. Staying Active

Exercise is a great preventative “tool” for aging adults looking to naturally manage chronic pain, keep joints flexible, stay mobile, boost heart and brain health, and enjoy an assortment of other appealing benefits. Walking, yoga, and participating in a doctor-approved fitness program are some of the ways seniors can reap the many rewards of physical activity.

7. Socializing

Regular social interaction can affect everything from mood to general wellbeing for aging adults. Maintaining social connections also staves off cognitive decline and creates a sense of purpose. Social engagement also gives seniors an added incentive to stay physically active by exercising with friends, family members, and other seniors.

8. Remembering Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health during the later years of life, especially since depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress issues can be equally impactful on quality of life. The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation recommends aging adults stay mentally healthy by: • Doing crossword/word puzzles • Reading and writing • Exploring new hobbies and interests  Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (515) 264-2438 today.

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