Old age is a sensitive period of life when a person’s ability to be independent decreases due to physical and mental diseases. For example, when an older person has Alzheimer’s and cannot take care of himself, there may be a lot of pressure on you as a caregiver.
On the other hand, talking and emotional connection with the retirements are very important. Busy work and life make you unable to give enough time to your old parents, so they have to spend most of the time alone, which can cause symptoms of depression in them. Providing a safe and satisfying environment for them is very important.
In a situation where an aged has a particular disease, and you cannot take special care of him, a nursing home can be a good option, or he can spend his recovery period in a place under the supervision of a doctor and nurse and return to his family after recovery.
For a person who lives alone at home and is unable to take care of himself or communicate with society due to a physical disability, a good retirement home can provide conditions where he can socialize with his peers and spend his time participating in group programs. In these centers, special care is provided 24/7, and some caregivers always take appropriate measures in case of medical emergencies.
Strategies for a better lifestyle in old age
- Reducing the anxiety and worry of the elderly
Anxiety and worry are the base of all diseases. Talking about worrying issues with a therapist or friends can help reduce them. Also, walking, exercising, and fun age-appropriate games help to reduce anxiety and relax the elderly.
2. Maintain social relationships
Studies show that Alzheimer’s symptoms will appear later in those who are more connected with their family, friends, and peers.
3. Regular physical activities
Physical activities strengthen the mind. That’s why it is of particular importance in all life. Fitness, more flexibility, being fresh, improving balance, etc., are some benefits of exercising.
The role of exercise
With the increase in life expectancy and the growing trend of the elderly, exercise plays a more prominent role. Encouraging exercise and movement of them have a significant effect on maintaining health and reducing negativity. They can control cholesterol and triglyceride levels through sports exercises. It improves the flexibility of the muscles and can reduce the speed of the downward process of strength and muscular and cardiorespiratory endurance.
The following sports are recommended for the elderly:
- Yoga: Today, the positive effects of yoga have been proven for everyone. This exercise strengthens the body and mind. The elderly can control their worries and anxiety and improve their quality of life by relying on this beneficial exercise.
- Walking: Walking for 20 minutes at a moderate pace in a beautiful space with clean weather like Niagara Falls is the best and easiest exercise during the day, which speeds up blood flow and improves brain cell functions.
- Swimming: Swimming in warm water is fun and enjoyable; it reduces joint pain and improves blood circulation.
- Cycling: Cycling is a valuable exercise for the whole body, but those retired people with knee problems should use another activity.
- Golf: Golf is a relaxing sport and very suitable for the elderly.
- Gardening: This pastime improves blood flow and the spirits of seniors.
- Aerobic exercises: With this exercise, breathing capacity increases, and more oxygen enters the lungs. The absorption of blood hemoglobin in the cells will increase, and as a result, it will better supply the cells with oxygen.
- Bodybuilding exercise: A series of exercises helps maintain physical strength and endurance. Of course, you should note that bodybuilding does not mean working with heavy weights.
- Mind exercise in old age
It is customary in old age to forget things like where the car is parked. But remember that the brain, like a muscle, needs regular exercise. To keep the mind firm, the senior should study regularly, go to the cinema and theatre and attend concerts and lectures.
2. Maintain friendly relations
Studies show that the risk of death in the elderly with weak social relationships will be four times higher than in those surrounded by people who show affection to them.
The importance of elderly mobility
Inactivity in old age brings many complications and threatens their health. The set of physical, metabolic, and mental symptoms arise due to the inertia of the retired and will disrupt his balance. Some will appear quickly, and others will show themselves in the long term, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, locomotor, metabolic, and mental diseases. Immobility will damage most parts of the body.
The old-age nutrition
One of the crucial issues of the elderly is their nutritional status. With increasing age, following the decrease in mobility, the desire to eat food decreases; that’s why it becomes vital to choose the proper diet and get essential nutrients. In the nursing home, such as Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence, the diet plan is always followed according to the doctor’s order to increase their physical strength. Therefore, the retired and his family will not have to worry about the type and amount of food they need.
- Amount of energy required.
In the golden age, energy needs decrease due to reduced physical activities and muscle mass. If the energy intake exceeds their demand, it will cause problems such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and blood pressure.
- Amount of protein needed.
The decreased muscle mass and protein storage of the elderly causes their need for protein to increase. It is recommended that 40% to 60% of the daily energy requirement be provided by high-quality protein.
- Amount of water required.
Consuming enough water is very important during this period. Symptoms of dehydration may include dry mouth, sunken eyes, constipation, decreased urine volume, fever, and nausea.
- Amount of vitamins and minerals
Usually, the elderly greatly desire to take vitamin supplements, but it is necessary to avoid taking too much. Vitamin D deficiency occurs in those who are away from sunlight.
Retirement homes, such as the Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence, have improved the senior’s quality of life and given them more life expectancy by providing a space to meet their needs for social relations, mobility, and proper nutrition.