Getting older involves learning how to accept the changes that occur in physical and mental health. Some changes may be unavoidable, but the effects of others can be reduced by practicing good self-care. These are the six most common age-related changes seniors can expect to experience along with some tips for addressing them.
1. Memory Lapses
“Senior moments” are called that for a reason. With age, the brain begins to undergo changes that can impact memory. Minor memory lapses are normal. Your older loved one might occasionally forget a name or date. However, your parent may need to use alarms to remind him or her to take medication. Your loved one can delay memory loss by spending time each day participating in activities that exercise the brain.
2. Reduced Mobility
Joint stiffness is common in older adults, and your loved one may find it difficult to walk or reach for objects. Reduced mobility becomes a problem if your loved one can no longer safely get where he or she needs to go. Some seniors with reduced mobility in their hands and arms may also need help getting dressed or preparing meals. Asking for assistance when needed can help your loved one avoid injuries that further restrict movement.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading homecare agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
3. Chronic Pain
Those aches and pains seniors begin to feel in middle age tend to increase as they get older. Many seniors develop back pain from previous injuries or age-related disc degeneration. Chronic pain can also be caused by unmanaged diabetes and heart disease. Take steps to keep your loved one’s health issues under control, and find safe ways for him or her to feel better. Meditating, light stretching, and staying distracted can reduce pain without the need for too much medication.
4. Depression
The retirement years should be full of fun and happiness, but your loved one might have things happen in his or her life that are difficult to handle. Seniors experience more loss than younger adults. They also tend to have smaller groups of social connections. Encourage your loved one to stay social and plan for opportunities to engage with other people. If you notice your loved one feeling depressed, encourage him or her to talk to a professional to find strategies that can help before the depression gets worse.
For families living in Auburn, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Eating Difficulties
Eating becomes complicated with age. Some seniors might have digestive disorders that make it difficult to eat full meals, while others just might not feel like cooking if they live with chronic pain. Dental issues are another age-related problem that can interfere with eating. Identify the challenges your loved one has with meals and address each one.
6. Fall-Related Injuries
A lack of balance is another problem that might happen with age, and this could be due to changes in the brain that occur after a stroke. Medications can also cause dizziness as a side effect. If balance is an issue, your loved one can work with a caregiver to do exercises that can alleviate this problem. The caregiver can also handle tasks that put your loved one at risk for getting hurt from a fall.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care Auburn seniors can trust and rely on. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 744-7100 to learn more about our customized care plans.