Life expectancy has increased in the last years’ thanks to greater living standards and an ever-improving healthcare system.
By this point, the first generation of baby boomers has also reached retirement age. These baby boomers have greater rates of literacy, more highly skilled occupations, and better quality of life. A healthy and active lifestyle may not necessarily translate into living longer.
It is only normal to worry about our health as we age because there are so many issues, including high cholesterol and other chronic health issues.
Elderly people frequently experience the following health issues:
- Heart Disease and Arthritis
- respiratory illnesses and cancer
- Alzheimer’s condition
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes \sFalls
- Obesity
- Depression
Better healthcare facilities and modern science have made it possible for people to live longer, but this does not mean that older adults should only rely on modern medicine to be healthy. No matter how old we get, it is still crucial for us to maintain a nutritious diet by consuming more fruits and vegetables and avoiding bad fats like saturated fats, as well as to stay safe while leading an active lifestyle.
Improving Daily Life for Elderly People with Physical Limitations
Physical limits are more likely as one ages. You can notice diminished hearing, balance, energy, body agility, and/or physical strength. Our immune systems might not function as properly as we age. As we become older, some changes in our blood vessels and heart health also take place. A major cause of death and illness in Singapore is also the rising prevalence of chronic diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, this causes one’s mobility and capacity for independent living to be further reduced.
Older adults with physical limitations can be enabled to live a full life with active engagement and involvement in everyday activities with the correct tactics and early intervention by an occupational therapist.
Due to the impending “silver tsunami,” it is crucial to keep our elderly physically active and in good health so they can maintain their active lifestyles. As a result, encouraging independence and keeping elders engaged in the community have emerged as two of quality living’s most important goals.
Daily routines being redesigned
Making healthy modifications to one’s way of life is vital if one wants to support our seniors in maintaining their independence and physical fitness. This entails scheduling each day with an emphasis on finishing things that are more important. They are able to keep a strong sense of control over their lives as a result.
There are frequently too many things to get done in a day in our busy environment. One should set aside time to make a list of the things they wish to accomplish and then prioritize them. This assists in celebrating the accomplishment and lowering mental stress. Important activities, for instance, should be finished first thing in the morning while one’s vitality is at its highest. Then comes work that is less crucial. Including frequent breaks in the daily schedule also contributes to maintaining high energy levels.
Vision Improvement
This involves employing phones or light switches with larger numbers or buttons, as well as re-labelling and increasing the expiration dates on food goods and pharmaceuticals. They can read newspapers and other labels with the aid of magnifiers.
Our loved ones can navigate their living areas safely and autonomously when there is adequate lighting around the house, such as night lights near the stairways, bedrooms, and bathrooms. They can become more aware of potential dangers by making proper use of contrast, for as by using fluorescent tape or paint to highlight the edges of kerbs and steps.
Creating a Positive Social Environment
Keeping an open mind to trying out novel and fulfilling hobbies can have a great effect on the physical and mental health of our senior.
Encourage them to pick up a new hobby or talent, such as calligraphy, granny ballet, folk dance, or simply tea appreciation. To Find The Perfect Assisted Living Community we highly recommend Arizona probate. Continuous learning throughout one’s life has been found to support mental acuity.
Seniors can readily access electronic services, expand their social network, and actively engage in new social activities thanks to the Internet and social media’s accessibility. Additionally, they might rekindle their friendships with existing friends and make new ones. Their social network can be further strengthened, and their quality of life can be improved.
Finally, physical restrictions as we age can be unavoidable. However, achieving accomplishment in daily life can improve their perception of aging and self-confidence. The suggestions mentioned above are only a few of the many others that can help to encourage the independence of seniors who have physical limitations. Occupational therapists have a special set of professional skills that allow them to analyze a person holistically and improve their performance through pertinent interventions, all while supporting active and healthy aging.