The world’s population is living longer overall. Unfortunately, these years are not healthier or happier. Calling them the sunset years may not be far from the truth.
The WHO and the United Nations have realized the concerns of an aging population. The need to extend care to older adults is serious, which is why they have declared 2021–2030 the Decade of Healthy Aging.
As medical science evolves, we can now adopt new ways to find control over our lives as we grow older. The four strategies below are science-backed. They are also not hard to implement if you are determined to enjoy every year of your life.
#1 Tackle Oral Health to Eat and Feel Better
Eating your favorite foods is a delightful route to feeling happier. For older adults, oral health can impede the enjoyment of your most-loved treats. Many elderly struggle with dental problems like caries, periodontitis, and poor mastication ability.
Besides the emotional dent of forgoing erstwhile favorites, dental issues can also lead to poor overall health. For example, someone may avoid rich protein sources like chicken since they struggle with chewing. Nutritious foods like crunchy peanut butter and citrus fruits with Vitamin C may also be out.
A Frontiers in Public Health report found that older adults with poor dental health can face lower cognitive levels. Without normal mastication, your brain may not receive enough blood for peripheral sensory input.
Tackling oral health problems can seem challenging due to the perceived expense and pain. You can work with your community hospital to chart a treatment plan for oral health problems. Dental implants and dentures are worth considering for their long-term health benefits.
#2 Consult With an Older Adult Health Nurse
While going through the natural aging process, a few health conditions can catch us unawares. For example, you may find it tough to stay as active as before due to arthritis. The doctor may recommend a periodic assessment of your vital health signs, like pulse and breathing rate.
A sustainable and convenient way to manage these changing medical requirements is consulting a specialized nurse. McKinsey’s Global Healthy Aging Survey 2023 found that a desire to stay independent becomes a barrier to accessing care.
However, contemporary healthcare is shifting toward responsiveness. Services at homes and community centers have become more available. An accelerated online nursing program may help the students learn to promote healthy aging and extend restorative care. Such practitioners successfully work with older adults to give them a higher quality of life.
A distinct benefit of consulting with a nurse is receiving wholesome and integrated care. It can include medication, assessments, and advice on illness and accidents. Holy Family University underlines the profession’s need for respect, integrity, and responsibility. Consequently, keeping regular appointments with a dedicated nurse can boost mental wellness.
#3 Explore Chronic Pain Management
Many older adults suffer from chronic pain – a long-term problem that can interfere with their daily lives. It can emanate from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even gallbladder disease. The concerning situation is that few seek help for chronic pain since it’s considered a “normal” part of aging.
Modern healthcare has treatment plans for patients facing long-term pain. News Medical Life Sciences reports that veterans can consider EAET or emotional awareness and expression therapy for pain management. It can work in tandem with CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy.
A psychotherapeutic treatment route can help you through muscle relaxation and activity pacing. It encourages cognitive restructuring and promotes better stress management.
Seeking unconventional solutions for treating pain can make you skeptical. However, check this out. A new report in the JAMA network surveyed participants undergoing PRT or pain reprocessing therapy. Only 10% of the participants linked their pain to their brain at the outset. By the end, it became 51%. Our pain attribution may be incorrect, and help does exist.
#4 Handle Cold Weather With Precautions
Your resistance to cold may lower as you age. The National Institute on Aging (NIH) notes that older adults are at higher risk of developing frostbite and hypothermia. It is because they may suffer from conditions like diabetes or Parkinson’s, which hinder their ability to stay warm.
Struggling to manage cold weather has far-reaching effects on your quality of life. The advent of winter months may make you feel nervous and incapable. It can also hinder your interest in exercising and venturing outdoors, contributing to seasonal depression in some.
The NIH recommends precautions during winter, like wearing non-skid footwear to avoid falls. You should keep extra layers in your car. While indoors, ensure your heating system works well enough. You should keep a temperature of around 68°F at the least. Roping in help to shovel the pathway is also essential. Attempting to do so yourself can increase a heart attack risk.
Dealing with aging is hard for most people. Suddenly, you have lower energy levels and higher stress. You struggle to build meaningful connections. But it needn’t be like that, not if you don’t want it to be. It helps to see your healthcare professionals as your team and work religiously on finding purpose and strength.
