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Showing posts from May, 2020

Common Causes of Sleep Problems in the Elderly

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Many older adults have trouble falling asleep, causing a daytime fatigue so overwhelming that they are unable to drive properly or take part in various normal activities. There are many changes in the sleeping patterns that people experience as they age, like having less deep sleep, feeling sleepy too early, waking up too early, waking up tired every day, etc. Before finding out the solution to sleep problems in the elderly, it is important to understand what causes them. Shared below are some common causes of sleep problems in seniors: Poor sleep habits & sleep environment – Irregular sleep hours, alcohol consumption before bedtime, switching on the TV when it is time to sleep, etc. are some of the things that are sure to get you disturbed sleep. So, make sure that your bedtime rituals are conducive to sound sleep, and you room is dark, quiet, and comfortable.  Medical conditions – People in old age often suffer from one or more health conditions that interfere with th

Skin Care Tips to Follow As You Age

As you age, your skin becomes thinner, drier, less supple, easier to injure, and slower to heal. That’s why seniors are prone to various skin problems, such as itching or pruritus; senile purpura or purple spots that are caused due to thinning of the skin & frailty of the blood vessels; etc. Practicing a healthy skincare routine is the key to preventing these common skin problems in your senior years.  Here’s what your skincare routine should include as you age! Use a Good Moisturizer  The aging skin does not retain moisture easily. Hence, using a good moisturizer is a must for every senior. It should be applied not only on the face, but also on the neck & arms many times a day. You should preferably look for a moisturizing cream containing natural ingredients, like Vitamin A and E, cucumber extract, aloe vera, etc.  Avoid Hard Soaps on the Skin Be gentle with your skin. Do not use hard soaps as they contain many chemicals that are harsh for seniors’ skin. Inste

Coping With Loss of Appetite in Old Age

There are many reasons why seniors tend to lose their appetite, such as slowing metabolism rate, changes in the sense of smell and taste, gastrointestinal changes, side-effects from medication, etc. However, it does not change the fact that their body needs enough nourishment to keep them healthy through their golden years & help them effectively deal with various age-related medical conditions. So, here are some ways to stimulate their appetite. Create a Mealtime Routine   If your senior loved one does not have a set eating schedule, make sure they start eating at the same times every day. Creating a mealtime routine would train their body as well as mind to expect & look forward to an upcoming meal.  Offer To Eat With Them  According to studies, loneliness and depression are associated with loss of appetite in the elderly. So, if you offer to eat meals with them on a regular basis, you will see a gradual increase in their appetite. Apart from this, you can encoura

5 Stress Management Tips for the Elderly

Retirement is often seen as a time when you can relax, play golf, and do everything that you couldn’t do when you were younger due to other responsibilities. When you retire, not only are you older and wiser, but also have the answers to many questions of life. However, with old age come many concerns, like declining health, financial problems, feelings of loneliness, etc. Most seniors struggle to cope with these new challenges and succumb to stress, anxiety, and unhappiness. If you or your aging loved one is experiencing stress due to any of these reasons, here are some useful stress management tips to follow: 1. Meditate – Meditation is an excellent stress reliever not only for the elderly, but people of all ages. What makes it ideal particularly for seniors is that it does not require any special equipment or physical ability. 2. Practice Yoga – Yoga helps ease stress in the body & mind. Being an adaptable exercise, it can be practiced in a chair & can even be modified

Ways to Improve Bone Health in Old Age

Bone density loss is inevitable as you age. However, there are many ways you can keep the bone loss to a minimum. Some of the simple steps that you can take for strengthening your bones and keeping them healthy in old age are listed below: Go For a Bone Density Test  If you have not gone for a bone density test yet, go for it now. The test gives you an estimate of the density of your bones & your chances of breaking a bone. Depending on the test results, your doctor will make recommendations for protecting your bones. Bone Up With Calcium and Vitamin D Calcium and Vitamin D are the cornerstones of healthy bones. While calcium is a vital building block of bone tissue, Vitamin D plays a critical role in helping your body absorb a well as process calcium. Do Strength-Building Exercises Incorporate resistance and weight-bearing exercises in your daily routine. Even a thirty minute workout including all these exercises will help you significantly slow down your bone loss. W