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Home»HEALTH»Physical Needs of the Elderly
HEALTH

Physical Needs of the Elderly

By Norman HollowaySeptember 23, 2023Updated:February 21, 2024No Comments8 Mins Read
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Physical Needs of the Elderly
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In addition to the physical changes that happen with aging, many seniors have health concerns. These include stress, obesity, and chronic health problems.

Studies suggest that even a short amount of exercise can improve these elderly care issues. However, older people should check with a physician first before starting a new exercise routine.

Diet

As people age, their bones and muscles become more fragile. Exercise can help maintain strength, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls and hip fractures. Low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, or chair yoga are great for the elderly and can be done in the comfort of their home.

Elderly people need a balanced diet with plenty of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Healthy options include lean meat, fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. Try to avoid high-sodium foods and instead add seasoning to meals using herbs or spices. Make sure your elderly loved one drinks at least 6-8 cups of water each day to prevent dehydration.

Hygiene is important for the elderly because it can prevent infection and skin problems. It is also essential for keeping a clean environment because excess dust can irritate respiratory problems and cause eye irritation. It is vital that your elderly loved ones brush their teeth, use mouthwash, and floss daily to ensure they have healthy gums and no rotting or loose teeth.

Many government resources exist to help older adults get the nutrition they need. Congregate nutrition services offer hot meals for seniors in senior centers and schools, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program distributes monthly packages of nutritious foods to people on limited incomes. If your elderly loved one has trouble getting around, home-delivered nutrition services can provide them with a nutritious meal each week.

Elderly people need a balanced diet with plenty of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Healthy options include lean meat, fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. Try to avoid high-sodium foods and instead add seasoning to meals using herbs or spices. Make sure your elderly loved one drinks at least 6-8 cups of water each day to prevent dehydration. You can also help them add the right supplements to their does like Energy Renew. Talk to your elderly loved one about their dietary needs and preferences so you can find the best way to help them eat well.

Regular Physical Check Up

Regular physical check-ups are crucial for elderly individuals as they age further. These check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor overall health, detect early signs of potential health issues, adjust medications if necessary, and conduct screenings for age-related concerns like cognitive decline and cancer.
Some elderly, specifically women, sometimes develop symptoms of pudendal nerve neuralgia which needs to be addressed. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to discuss preventive health measures and lifestyle modifications, empowering elderly individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining their health and well-being as they navigate the aging process.

Hygiene

Often older people have thin hair, brittle nails, and saggy skin. This enables them to bruise and bleed easily. The skin also becomes sensitive to extreme climatic conditions, heat, and cold. Therefore, it is important for the carer to take good care of their hygiene by taking them out in a well-ventilated area and keeping them clean.

Their clothing should be comfortable and loose to allow for easy movement. The carer should wash their clothes in soft soap or detergent and dry them properly. It is important for elderly people to wear proper footwear. They are susceptible to foot problems and slipper syndrome, which can lead to serious injuries. The carer should assist them in choosing appropriate footwear and ensure that it fits properly.

Elderly people are susceptible to diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia, arthritis, and heart disease. It is important for a carer to monitor their health and report any complaints immediately. Their blood pressure and pulse rate should be checked frequently. A carer should also make sure that they have adequate sleep. Older people tend to snore and wake up at night. A carer should provide them with comfortable soft bedding and a bed sheet that is changed every 3 to 4 days.

Clothing

Depending on the person’s circumstances, older adults may require assistance with household chores like shopping, cleaning, laundry, and gardening. They might also need help with bills, appointments, and health care management. Other needs include respite from caregiver duties and opportunities to socialize with others.

Seniors also need accessible transportation. Without it, they may miss doctor’s appointments and social outings. According to a 2019 issue brief, a lack of affordable transportation can lead to worse health outcomes and isolation for seniors. This is why it’s important to have access to public transportation, rideshare apps, and reduced-fare taxi services for seniors.

The elderly should be provided with clean and comfortable housing. Their beds should be covered with a clean cotton sheet, and there should be space for them to keep a spitting pot, water, and medicine. Older adults should be bathed every day in clean, warm water.

They should have regular exercise, which can help improve their quality of life. Keeping their muscles strong will help prevent falls and other physical problems. In addition, exercise can improve mood and reduce depression.

Emotional needs can also be addressed by providing them with social interaction and companionship. Carers should encourage them to participate in group activities such as exercise classes, walking clubs, and book clubs. These activities will give them an opportunity to interact with other people and share their stories of the past.

Transportation

The elderly have specific transportation and housing needs that should be taken into consideration. They need to be able to travel and get to places such as medical appointments, grocery stores, and other social activities. Many seniors rely on the family car or other private vehicles. When these vehicles are no longer available, it can be difficult for them to continue being active in their communities. Many of the elderly need help to stay safe at home and have their needs met in the form of assisted living or other support services.

When seniors can no longer drive, they must rely on family members to transport them or on community transit options such as fixed routes, circulator routes, paratransit, dial-a-ride, taxi service, and human service transportation programs. However, these options are often not readily available or accessible.

Elderly people should also have adequate housing that is well-maintained and easily accessed. This may mean modifying a home to accommodate their needs, such as wider door wells, handrails, and wheelchair ramps. Alternatively, they can live in a retirement community specifically designed for seniors and includes access to transportation services.

While the elderly have a wide range of physical needs, it is important to remember that their emotional and psychological needs should not be overlooked. The elderly can become depressed, lonely, and bored, so they should spend time with other people and engage in activities stimulating their minds. They should also seek out spiritual activities that they enjoy, such as gardening, crafts, and reading. They also need to be able to express their feelings and communicate with others, which can be challenging as they age.

Sleep

It is important for an elderly person to get adequate sleep. A lack of sleep can lead to memory loss, weight gain, fatigue, depression, and poor concentration. It can also increase the risk of heart disease and dementia.

Sleep, or the absence of wakefulness, is a natural state that involves coordinated changes in multiple physiological systems. It occurs in a regular cycle that alternates between deep and lighter stages. It is also characterized by reduced metabolic activity, decreased muscle tension, and changes in brain function. Sleep enables us to replenish energy and recharge our immune system. It is important for all adults to have enough sleep each night.

Elderly people face difficulty falling asleep at night and spend less time in the deeper stages of sleep. They also tend to wake up more often due to anxiety, nocturia, or pain from chronic illnesses. It is important for a carer to ensure that the older person gets adequate sleep every night.

An elderly person may need to take medication for certain health conditions that can affect their sleep. Some of these medications include sedatives, antidepressants, and allergy medicines. However, these medications should be taken under the supervision of a doctor to avoid side effects. Carers can also arrange leisure activities for the elderly to help them socialize. This can be done through group exercise classes, walking clubs, or book clubs.

Older adults need to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. They should also engage in activities that strengthen their muscles and improve balance. It is also important for an elderly person to drink enough water daily to stay hydrated.

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