Life expectancies have increased across the world, thanks to advanced medical technologies and better medicines. But we cannot lose focus on the quality of life for seniors. If you are getting close to your golden years, you ideally need an environment where you can live your life with as little dependence on others as possible, for as long as possible. When we talk about healthy Ageing, we refer to the maintenance of functional ability that helps us stay well and happy in old age. As per the WHO, if you are a senior citizen, you must be able to:
• Independently manage your basic needs
• Take decisions in an independent manner
• Retain mobility
• Socialise as always
• Add value in some way to the community
Falls are the major cause for loss of mobility in seniors. Major falls may result in fractures or injuries that impair movement, but even minor falls can have an adverse impact by seriously reducing your confidence and making you fearful about moving around. Often, the fear of a fall and injury might force you to restrict your movement drastically. Paying more attention when moving around, fixing safety rails in appropriate places like bathrooms and using walking aids like sticks can help prevent falls.
As you age, the slowly failing cognitive ability, memory specifically, can prevent you from socialising the way you used to. Memory issues can make you slowly withdraw from the company of friends and loved ones, and when these social stimuli are withdrawn, cognitive issues can develop at a faster pace. Simple memory games, staying updated with news, staying connected with people- all of these can keep your mind agile and sharp for a longer time.
Depression may creep up on you unnoticed but leave a lasting impact. If you have suddenly lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy, it could be a sign of depression. Getting involved in family activities, spending time with loved ones and trying something new, like gardening or painting, can help a lot. Talk to a doctor to know more about depression in elders and treatment methods.
A very common problem as you age, urinary incontinence often puts a big dampener on all outdoor activities and restricts you to the home. This restriction slowly leads to social withdrawal, depression and a whole slew of associated problems. But don’t worry. Incontinence can be treated with medication. Also, it helps to regularly exercise your bladder muscles to keep them in good shape for years.
Joint pain is a common problem that comes with Ageing, and often, the pain might be so severe that it prevents you from carrying out your day to day activities. Simple treatment methods like massage and physiotherapy can help address this problem non-invasively. In extreme cases, medication may be necessary to reduce pain.
Lack of company and loneliness can make you slowly lose interest in life and withdraw into a shell. Even if you live with a family, you might feel left out of daily conversations because your next generations are busy. However, this isolation can lead to depression in many cases.Or you might feel disconnected from the world. Regular family time and communication with loved ones are the solutions to this problem.
As you age, you become more likely to develop several chronic ailments that may require long term medications. At some point, you might end up taking multiple medications at the same time. But each one of them may have different side effects or they may be harmful when mixed with others. As a result, your chronic conditions may worsen and destroy your ability to carry on a normal life. So, periodically review medicines with your doctor and check with them if there are some medications you can stop.
The above healthy Ageing tips can help you keep your mental and physical health at optimal levels. What is most important is to understand that age does not necessarily mean you have to live a compromised life. With a positive attitude and a little care, you can live life to the fullest, irrespective of your age.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.
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Published on April 26, 2022