The life expectancy of seniors is on the rise. Since more and more seniors are living healthy lifestyles, they are living longer. The following list contains some facts about the increase of life expectancy in the senior population. Around the world, people are living many years longer than their ancestors.
1. Improving living conditions can help lengthen life. If seniors live in a clean and safe environment, they are more apt to be healthier.
2. The improvement in general health is largely due to public health efforts that aim to prevent disease and improve the living conditions of seniors.
3. There has been a drastic increase in life expectancies over the past 170 years. In fact, the life span has increased at an astounding rate of 2.5 years each decade. This is equivalent to 6 hours each day.
4. As people age, their chances of death increase. However, if an individual were to reach the age of 110, their chances of death do not increase anymore. Instead, it holds steady at a 50% chance.
5. As people begin to live longer, it causes changes in the way younger adults think. If they believe they will live a long life, they should begin to take care of themselves better. This is the hope for the younger generations. It is important to remain as fit, healthy and active as possible, no matter what your age is.
Sanity is a priority when caring for aging parents. Many caregivers get so wrapped up in the needs of their parent that they forget to take care of themselves. This can lead to many problems, including stress, exhaustion, resent and anxiety. The following list contains some useful tips on how to stay sane when caring for an aging parent.
1. Practice coping strategies. This may be different for every caregiver. Some people just need to find a way to escape from their role for a few minutes each day in order to regroup.
2. Know just how much care is needed. Many seniors will rely on a caregiver if the caregiver offers to do everything. This is not the best way to provide care to an aging parent. It is important for seniors to stay as active as possible and this can mean still having responsibilities. Make sure you set limits and know exactly what things seniors need assistance with and what they can still do on their own.
3. Caregivers should also know how to recognize the signs of decline. This can be difficult to accept, but these signs may indicate the need for further assistance.
4. Gain as much knowledge as possible by using online resources. There is a lot of information available for caretakers.
5. Keep a sense of humor and make sure to take time for yourself. These two things can play a huge role in maintaining your sanity.
Accepting and loving your body can be a difficult thing to do. This is especially true for seniors who are still living in a society that is so caught up on physical appearances. Seniors need to realize that their body is their friend. When this is done, seniors tend to be happier with themselves and worry less about physical appearances.
1. Everybody wants to be a supermodel, but for most seniors, this will never be a dream that comes true. To overcome this, seniors need to learn how to love their body. This is done by noting the positive and not dwelling on the negative.
2. Keep in mind that being different from another person is what makes us all unique. If everyone were a model and had perfect features, there would be no personal satisfaction or gain when a goal is reached.
3. Losing weight may help get your body trim again, but it is not the most important thing in life. Never compromise general health for vanity.
4. Looking good comes from feeling good. If you are comfortable with the person you are on the inside, chances are you will have a better chance of accepting the physical aspects as well.
Seniors need to be aware of their current health issues. If there are any significant changes, this could mean that there are serious health problems arising. All seniors need to know what signs to watch for because these signs could signify the onset of health problems. The following list contains common signs all seniors should know about.
1. If seniors suddenly lose interest in something they previously enjoyed, there is cause for concern. This includes socializing with friends, involving themselves in hobbies or losing interest in physical activity.
2. When seniors become less active, there may be an underlying problem. It is important to talk to a doctor when seniors begin to be less physically active on a day to day basis.
3. Be aware of how seniors move. If they normally move at a normal pace and suddenly begin to slow down, there may be a medical reason. Seniors should try to remain as active as possible. If they suddenly walk differently, make sure to talk to a doctor.
4. Seniors who begin to lose weight rapidly and have changes in appetite or eating habits could have a medical problem. These changes are unhealthy and should always be taken seriously. Be sure to report any changes in weight or eating habits to a doctor.
5. Many seniors do not walk as well as younger adults. However, if seniors begin to wobble when they walk, this is a warning sign. Seniors who lose their balance could have a medical problem that needs treatment.
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be hard for seniors and their families to cope with and that’s because there is no known cure, and no proven ways to stop the progression of the disease. But, there is new hope as there have been recent discoveries that could bring big changes.
• There is a brain plaque that is detectable in the brain long before any cognitive decline begins to surface
• The plaque referred to as amyloid –beta has been discovered to cause damage when present in certain areas of the hippocampus
• Previously, it was known that the plaque was present in seniors with Alzheimer’s, but it was unknown if it was toxic or if its presence was coincidental
• The presence of the plaque can cause neurons to die, which can be related to cognitive decline
• Since there’s no way to redevelop neurons that have already died, further research is necessary to see if there is a way to prevent the build up of this plaque earlier before it causes irreversible damage
Via: Herald Sun http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/brain-plaque-could-cause-alzheimers-study-reveals/story-e6frf7jx-1225846141143
Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.
When caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s, there are some important factors that must be considered. To make sure the senior is being properly cared for; Home Instead, Inc. offers training for caregivers. This training will help the caregiver provide the services required by the senior. The list below provides some information on the services and trainings offered by the company.
1. Caregivers are taught how to maintain a safe environment for the Alzheimer’s patient. They are also instructed on how to prepare and provide meals, creating social interaction and providing activities that stimulate the mind.
2. The company strives to educate caregivers on the over-all effects of the disease. It is important for all caregivers to understand Alzheimer’s and how it can affect people differently.
3. Dealing with the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s can be challenging for families. This company also provides support services for family members. These means of support can provide education, comfort and a social outlet for family members.
One of the best mobility activities for aging seniors is the Day at the Beach. This stretching exercise allows seniors to have some exercise and physical activity. It is one of the preferred activities for seniors who have poor vision. Though most seniors will be able to complete the activity on their own, some may need verbal guidance when they first begin. Regardless, the senior will benefit from this stretching exercise if done daily.
1. Take a beach ball and hold it at chest level. Both hands should be on the ball.
2. Stretch the arms outward. Make sure to keep them as straight as possible.
3. Return to the original position with the arms at the chest.
4. Each motion should be help for 10 counts. This will ensure the stretch is complete and that the senior is getting the maximum effect from this mobility activity.
5. This activity can be done anywhere the senior is comfortable. To add to the exercise, do it while listening to music. If desired, the senior can also move their feet to the beat of the music while doing the exercise.
Boston Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.
The development of cancer is a fear for most seniors. Since so many seniors already have numerous health problems, it is important for them to be aware of the ways they can prevent cancer. The list below contains some important ways seniors can do this. Cancer is a difficult disease to fight for most seniors because their immune system is already weakened. These tips can be very beneficial.
1. Have routine screenings. This is important for senior women. Having annual screenings for breast and cervical cancer can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. It will also allow for early detection if cancer does develop which increases the chances of survival.
2. Seniors should try to avoid using tobacco and alcohol. By avoiding these things, cancer can be avoided. Seniors should also use caution when exposed to ultraviolet rays. This will help prevent skin cancer.
3. Eating a well-balanced diet can also help prevent cancer. By adding fresh fruits and vegetables to a daily diet, seniors will get the necessary nutrients needed to battle cancer.
4. There are various vaccines available that will prevent certain types of cancer. These include the human papilloma virus vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine.
5. The more information seniors have on cancer, the better they will be able to avoid it. Screenings, vaccines and healthy lifestyles are essential.
Boston Non-Medical Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.
There are many things seniors have to be concerned about, including their own health, finances and quality of life. These things are also important to the staff at the Healthy Aging Program. This program was designed to offer assistance to seniors who may require some guidance and additional services at home. The list below contains some useful information about the program.
1. One of the main goals of the program is to promote the health of aging adults. This is done by increasing the community’s ability to identify and implement various strategies and programs.
2. The program strives to improve the quality of life for seniors.
3. Preventative services, caregiving services and mental health services are all part of this unique senior program.
4. The program only employs professionals who are trained in aging issues. These professionals can offer a wide array of services. Seniors who are interested in improving their health and living a longer life can greatly benefit from taking advantage of the Healthy Aging Program.
5. In 2005, the Healthy Aging Program expanded and now includes the Healthy Alzheimer’s disease segment. Now seniors with the disease can get extra assistance they require at home.
6. The Healthy Aging program can also offer financial planning. The program tries to help seniors by slowing the growth of health care costs.
