Aging can affect many different parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, brain, and muscles. For some people, this means that they will require lifestyle adjustments in order to stay healthy and active as they age. Being unable to participate in formerly loved activities due to physical limitations or drifting apart from old friends can be incredibly difficult to deal with, but there are a lot of things you can do to help you loved one achieve a better quality of life. If you’re unsure where to start, keep reading to learn about some basic lifestyle modifications for the elderly.
What are some lifestyle modifications for the elderly?
As people age, they tend to become less active. This can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. One way to combat these health problems is to get elderly adults to be more active. This can be done by encouraging them to participate in activities that get them moving, such as walking, dancing, and swimming. Though it can be frustrating not to be able to take part in all of the sports and physical activities as they used to, you can create a modified fitness routine that is fun and will help keep them in good health.
When it comes to life at home, you may need to consider remodeling to make your home more accessible. For example, getting in and out of a tub can be difficult for older people, particularly if they have some kind of mobility impairment or chronic pain condition. Walk in tubs are a possible solution, and many come with fixtures like grab bars for added safety. Most contractors have a lot of experience working with families that need home alterations due to age or disability, so they can provide recommendations on which upgrades you should consider.
In some cases, your loved one may be unable to live safely at home. This can occur for a variety of reasons, but you may want to consider an assisted living facility as an option. Making the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility can be difficult, but it’s often the best decision for their safety and wellbeing. By considering the needs of your loved one and the quality of care available, you can find the right facility for them.
What conditions that affect the elderly typically require modifications?
Dementia is one of the most common neurological disorders that affects the elderly, and it does require significant adaptation. Older people with dementia will likely need home and lifestyle modifications. This may include installing safety rails in the bathroom and bedroom, removing scatter rugs, and placing locks on cabinets and appliances. The person with dementia may also need help with basic activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. It is important to remember that each person with dementia is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Your loved one’s doctor can work with you to find the right solutions.
Vision and hearing loss are common in the elderly and that can significantly affect their accessibility needs. Individuals with vision loss may have difficulty reading signs or navigating their environment, while those with hearing loss may have difficulty hearing the oven timer or doorbell. Some common adaptations include installing Braille signage, tactile markings, and auditory alerts, as well as using accessible technology like screen readers and hearing aids.
As you can see, there’s a lot to learn about lifestyle modifications. They can come in many forms. Lifestyle modifications can include finding new social activities, developing a low-impact exercise routine, and remodeling certain parts of a home so that they’re more accessible. You’ll want to work with a doctor and an experienced contractor when deciding which modifications are best for you or your loved one. Spend plenty of time doing research to learn about your needs and the most effective ways to meet them. It’s worth taking your time and getting it right when you’re making a big change.