Experts advise five things that seniors can do as they age to ensure that they can live independently for as long as possible:
1) Seniors have been known to feel better, live longer and remain in their own homes for a longer time when they are physically active. There are four important types of exercises that seniors need: 1) Endurance activities (like walking, swimming or riding a bike). These activities build "staying power" and improve heart health and the circulatory system. 2) Age related muscle loss can be minimized by a regular program of strengthening exercises. 3) Seniors can keep their bodies limber and flexible with a program of stretching exercises. 4) Many falls can be prevented with a an exercise program that includes balance exercises. It's been shown that following a overall program for physical fitness yields the best results. Diabetes and heart disease can be prevented or delayed with a program of regular exercise. It also has been known to reduce arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. All these benefits add up to helping seniors to stay independent, delaying the need for assisted living.
2) Solid, consistent mental routines have also demonstrated that they can help to keep seniors sharp and help them to stay independent. And yet, there is not nearly as much focus today on mental exercises as there is on physical exercises. The ability to perform activities of daily living has been shown to improve with a program of brain activities. As people age, they often challenge their brain less frequently. There's a great deal of truth in the old adage "If you don't use it, you lose it" and that certainly applies to our brains. Mental sharpness cannot be maintained if it is no longer utilized. The good news is that exercising the brain can start at any time, it's never too late. Our brains have an amazing ability to grow and expand. Seniors have a better chance of independence and improved lifestyles when they challenge their brains regularly.
3) Socializing is another key element to delaying the need for assisted living. It helps prevent sadness, dementia and Alzheimer's. And yet, too many seniors don't get out and socialize. There are senior centers most everywhere, and yet many of the seniors who could benefit from their services don't ever step foot in a senior center. Local senior centers offer programs and services like bingo, crafts, fitness classes, day trips, computer classes, informational speakers and health screenings. In addition, they often offer lunch. Perhaps the senior in your life needs to be encouraged before they will go to a senior center for the first time. You might offer to go with them for an activity and a low cost lunch. Their life can be more meaningful and enjoyable if they include activities that meet their need for socialization.
4) A medical alarm system can help seniors stay in your own home longer. With a push of a button, help will be on the way, satisfying their children's' concerns about their being alone. These medic alert systems have been helping seniors stay independent and help to delay the need for assisted living. They help seniors live their lives with dignity in their own housing. Their family can feel relieved that they will not have need of constant monitoring. Help is on the way as soon as the senior pushes the push button if they should have chest pains, a fall or any other medical emergency.
5) The privilege of driving their personal automobile is often lost by many seniors. Unless they can learn to utilize public transportation, they may need to resort to assisted living. Luckily, there are many public transportation services available to help seniors get to church, grocery stores, shopping centers and doctor's offices without driving on their own. Utilizing these senior transportation services can be very helpful for seniors who want to maintain their independence.
These five elements working together can greatly improve the ability of an elderly person to delay the need for assisted living.
1) Seniors have been known to feel better, live longer and remain in their own homes for a longer time when they are physically active. There are four important types of exercises that seniors need: 1) Endurance activities (like walking, swimming or riding a bike). These activities build "staying power" and improve heart health and the circulatory system. 2) Age related muscle loss can be minimized by a regular program of strengthening exercises. 3) Seniors can keep their bodies limber and flexible with a program of stretching exercises. 4) Many falls can be prevented with a an exercise program that includes balance exercises. It's been shown that following a overall program for physical fitness yields the best results. Diabetes and heart disease can be prevented or delayed with a program of regular exercise. It also has been known to reduce arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. All these benefits add up to helping seniors to stay independent, delaying the need for assisted living.
2) Solid, consistent mental routines have also demonstrated that they can help to keep seniors sharp and help them to stay independent. And yet, there is not nearly as much focus today on mental exercises as there is on physical exercises. The ability to perform activities of daily living has been shown to improve with a program of brain activities. As people age, they often challenge their brain less frequently. There's a great deal of truth in the old adage "If you don't use it, you lose it" and that certainly applies to our brains. Mental sharpness cannot be maintained if it is no longer utilized. The good news is that exercising the brain can start at any time, it's never too late. Our brains have an amazing ability to grow and expand. Seniors have a better chance of independence and improved lifestyles when they challenge their brains regularly.
3) Socializing is another key element to delaying the need for assisted living. It helps prevent sadness, dementia and Alzheimer's. And yet, too many seniors don't get out and socialize. There are senior centers most everywhere, and yet many of the seniors who could benefit from their services don't ever step foot in a senior center. Local senior centers offer programs and services like bingo, crafts, fitness classes, day trips, computer classes, informational speakers and health screenings. In addition, they often offer lunch. Perhaps the senior in your life needs to be encouraged before they will go to a senior center for the first time. You might offer to go with them for an activity and a low cost lunch. Their life can be more meaningful and enjoyable if they include activities that meet their need for socialization.
4) A medical alarm system can help seniors stay in your own home longer. With a push of a button, help will be on the way, satisfying their children's' concerns about their being alone. These medic alert systems have been helping seniors stay independent and help to delay the need for assisted living. They help seniors live their lives with dignity in their own housing. Their family can feel relieved that they will not have need of constant monitoring. Help is on the way as soon as the senior pushes the push button if they should have chest pains, a fall or any other medical emergency.
5) The privilege of driving their personal automobile is often lost by many seniors. Unless they can learn to utilize public transportation, they may need to resort to assisted living. Luckily, there are many public transportation services available to help seniors get to church, grocery stores, shopping centers and doctor's offices without driving on their own. Utilizing these senior transportation services can be very helpful for seniors who want to maintain their independence.
These five elements working together can greatly improve the ability of an elderly person to delay the need for assisted living.
About the Author:
Seniors who want to learn more about assisted living facilities can visit Janine Sanderstine's website to learn more.
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