Understanding Senior Health Issues

Getting older means growing wiser and gaining life experiences — however, with age, comes an increase in the risks of health. While you may worry about health issues as you age, it’s never too late to improve your health and make healthy choices to reduce your risks in having the following three common health problems that many seniors face. 

1. Heart Disease

The CDC estimates that heart disease is the leading killer of people over the age of 65. It can affect men and women alike. The best thing you can do to combat this is to take control of your health. Diet and exercise play a pivotal role in keeping your heart healthy.. Simple things like walking or chair workouts can go a long way to keep you healthy.

2. Falls

Even though we try to avoid it, our risks of falling and hurting ourselves drastically increase later in life. One way to prevent falls is to use proper form when standing. When you stand, push yourself to the edge of the seat. It’s best to avoid standing from the backrest. With both feet flat on the floor, use the armrests or edge of the chair to push yourself up. While you do this, always remember “nose over toes.” By leaning forward, you are shifting your center of gravity and making it easier for your body to stand. Always remember, use the chair you are sitting on for support instead of a walker or another chair.

3. Depression

Though depression is something that can happen at any point in life, seniors are at more risk. Isolation and lack of staying active can play a huge role in this. Seniors may be able to prevent depression by joining a local senior citizen center or consider an assisted living community. Combat depression by starting an activity or find a group hobby that you love.  Knowing the signs of depression can help family members assist their loved ones in working through it. Enjoying life with others like us will keep us feeling young for years to come.

The Arbors Assisted Living is a community that encourages our residents to live a healthy and safe lifestyle. Contact us for more information on how we can help assist you with the care of your elderly loved one.