4 Key Aspects Of Senior Wellness Care
If you are a senior citizen, you probably already understand the importance of senior wellness care. Even if you already appreciate the significance of wellness care for older people, you might not know about all of the essential elements that go into keeping aging individuals healthy and fit. This article examines four key aspects of senior wellness.
Sleep
Senior require as much sleep as younger people but sometimes have difficulty getting the 7 to 9 hours of sleep they need. If older people do not get enough sleep, they could have memory problems or be more likely to fall and injure themselves. Fortunately, the elderly can take a number of steps to improve their sleep.
It's extremely important to follow a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time each night, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The institute also recommends that you do not take naps during the day and avoid alcohol. Other good ideas include not eating any big meals close to your bedtime, keeping your bedroom temperature at a comfortable level, and avoiding using bright lighting in the evening before going to bed.
Staying Active
A key part of any senior wellness program is physical activity. Staying active helps to prevent or delay some of the health problems that tend to appear as the body ages, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends that seniors spend about 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week on moderate exercises, such as brisk walking. As an alternative, seniors can spend 75 minutes each week in a more robust activity, such as jogging. In addition to these types of exercises, older people also need to perform activities that improve their balance, like standing on one leg or walking backward.
Diet
Seniors need to take care with their diet as good nutrition is vital to good health, advises the MedlinePlus website. Older adults generally need to eat foods that provide plenty of nutrients but do not carry an excessive amount of calories. Keeping to a regimen that focuses on fruits and vegetables, seafood, whole grains, eggs, poultry, and low-fat dairy products can help you get the nutrients you need while avoiding excessive weight gain. A healthy weight tends to keep your blood pressure under control and could prevent heart problems and lower your susceptibility to diabetes.
Exam
Seniors will also need to schedule a wellness exam with a healthcare provider to have their overall health monitored on a regular basis. Doing so increases the chances of any issues being caught early.
Contact a senior wellness professional to get personalized advice.