Happily Adapting to Aging | Elder Care Home Health Blog

How People Can Adapt To AgingIn life, the only thing constant is change.Our happiness depends on how well we adapt to challenges.Some of these may be sudden and unexpected, such as the loss of a loved one, a life-changing injury, a break-up, or a financial setback.

Others are slow and inevitable, like aging, which gives us time to contemplate and adjust as necessary.With the right habits and mindset, our senior years can remain fun, fulfilling, and productive.What Aging Persons Need to Deal WithPhysical, mental, and emotional changes occur gradually as we age.Many are afraid of decline, so they simply try to ignore the signs.

However, it is far better to face the challenges head-on with a clear mind and an open heart.When we confront aging without fear, we get a better understanding of what to expect.It also allows us to formulate solutions that suit our personal needs and abilities.

Below are some of the major issues that aging persons need to deal with:1.Brittle BonesBone density decreases with age.This is true for both genders, but women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis.

This is a dangerous condition as falls and other accidents can lead to painful injuries.Brittle bones tend to break easily.Older individuals heal much slower after sustaining fractures.

Falls are also known to cause a high rate of death among the elderly.Seniors need to be much more careful about their movements to avoid these possibilities.2.Weakened HeartThe muscles of the heart get weaker as the years roll by.

They pump blood at a lower rate, so they are unable to supply the amount of blood needed by the body when performing difficult tasks.This loss of cardiovascular fitness causes a decline in exercise and sports performance.Regular people may experience effects such as faster onset of fatigue when doing things around the house.

Seniors must slow things down and rest frequently, instead of trying to do everything at once like they might have done before.3.Brain DeclineOne of the telltale signs of aging is memory decline.Short-term memory suffers with people forgetting where they placed certain items around the house.

It can lead to the frequent loss of keys, phones, or even money.Seniors may also have a hard time sticking to their medication schedule unless they get help in the form of alarms or personal reminders.Reflexes can slow down, as well, making it hard for them to react to changing road conditions while driving.

Some people begin to show signs of dementia.4.Slower MetabolismThe bodys metabolism slows down as we age.It leads to weight gain, with much of this in the form of fat.

This phenomenon can be attributed to muscle loss, reduced activity, and hormonal changes.The average adult will lose between 3% and 8% of muscle mass each decade after reaching 30.Muscles use up a lot of energy, so losing a significant percentage over time means you cant burn as many calories as you used to.

The mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, also decline in their efficiency.5.Dulled SensesAs we get older, our senses get duller.It gets harder for us to react to stimuli of any kind.

For example, we experience natural hearing loss as we age.This is a gradual process that is often attributed to changes in the inner ear and middle ear.Long-term exposure to loud sounds, certain chronic ailments, and toxic medications are also notable contributors.

Hearing loss makes it hard to respond during conversations or heed warning sounds.Visual acuity decreases, as well.Taste perception may change over the years.6.

Teeth and GumsSeniors are more vulnerable to cavities because the enamel wears out over time.After a while, it can no longer protect the teeth such that decay and pain become more rampant.Gum disease also becomes a greater threat.

The gums will recede, bleed, and swell.The teeth will start to loosen and may easily fall off.Elderly people often adopt solutions such as dentures after losing their teeth.

They may also develop conditions such as dry mouth, a common side effect of medication taken by older adults.7.Aging SkinSkin aging is worrying for a lot of people because they see the signs every day when they look at the mirror.They start to develop wrinkles and certain sections begin to sag.

Lines begin to form around the parts that move the most such as around the mouth and eyes.These are due to the loss of collagen, elastin, and moisture.Age spots with noticeable pigmentation may appear in areas frequently exposed to the sun.

The skin tone may appear dull due to the build-up of dead skin cells.Skin renews at a slower rate, so the body cant keep up with the damage.8.Increased StressOlder people tend to experience a higher amount of stress.

Much of this stems from grief.As we age, our friends and family also get older.They become more vulnerable to diseases and accidents.

Although we may be doing fine, those around us may not be as fortunate.It is painful to deal with the loss of loved ones.Children also leave their family home eventually, leaving parents to deal with an empty nest.

Retirement may also take away their sense of purpose and direction, forcing them to reevaluate their lives.9.Loss of StrengthIts not just the bones.The muscles also get weaker and smaller with age.

Weights that we used to lift so effortlessly may become difficult or even dangerous to carry around.For many, this is a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle in which their focus was on non-active work.The muscles did not get many stimuli over decades, so they atrophied until they became weak.

In some individuals, this loss of strength may be complicated by chronic ailments that prevent them from pursuing an active lifestyle.10.Reduced MobilityMany seniors must deal with reduced mobility as they age.Their dulled senses could make it dangerous for them to drive.

For example, they may no longer see the road clearly or hear approaching vehicles from the rear.Some may even have difficulty walking because of an accident, an operation, or an ailment.They may need to use tools for balance and support.

Others will require the assistance of caregivers to move around safely.How to Adapt to the Challenges of AgingDespite all the challenges, it is possible to live a good life as a senior.The main thing is to focus on what you can still do instead of feeling down about your physical limitations.Countless individuals have adapted to aging and maximized their remaining abilities.

If you want to be like them, then consider making the following changes:1.Proper NutritionMake sure that you are getting all the nutrients that you need to stay healthy.Food is not just tasty treats, but fuel that your body uses to function each day.

Proper nutrition helps avoid deficiencies that could turn into diseases.Your doctor may also recommend supplements, if necessary.Eat enough quality food to maintain your energy throughout the day and finish everything that you need to do.

Consume plenty of water to prevent dehydration.As much as possible, stick to a regular schedule with company so you never skip meals.2.Physical ActivityThe best way to keep bones and muscles strong is to stimulate them.

By increasing physical activity, the body will be forced to adapt by growing muscle fibers and maintaining bone density.If you eat right while sticking to a suitable exercise routine, you should be able to delay the effects of aging.Its never too late.

Consult your doctor for advice on what you can and cant do given your current state of health.You can also seek the help of a certified personal trainer or physiotherapist for guidance.3.Regular TravelAfter retirement, there is no need to wake up early and go to work every day, but that doesnt mean that you must stay in your house forever.

Try to explore other places from time to time.Traveling will give you fresh perspectives and new experiences.If you have the budget, then you can go to countries that you have always wanted to visit.

If you want to save money, then you can check the map for nearby sites that pique your interest.For example, you might walk around nature parks or stay at campsites with family.4.Preventive MeasuresOver time, machines inevitably succumb to wear and tear.

The same is true for human bodies.It is a good idea to get annual health screenings to make sure that key biomarkers are within ideal levels.The checkups will point to possible issues if any so that doctors can provide immediate intervention.

All diseases are easier to treat at their initial stages.Early intervention also costs less than major operations.Often, a change in diet and lifestyle can go a long way toward disease prevention.5.

Social ActivitiesHumans are social creatures.We were born to interact with other people and survive through cooperation.As we get older and those we love fade away, we can feel increasingly isolated from the world.

Loneliness and isolation are detrimental to physical and mental health.As much as possible, we should continue to nurture bonds with others such as younger relatives, neighbors, and new friends.Participating in social activities around the community can help us build connections.

Attend gatherings, volunteer in local projects, and offer assistance whenever possible.6.Personal HobbiesRetirement is a great time to develop personal hobbies.Most people have interests that they had to set aside because of work and other responsibilities when they were younger.

They can get back to these in old age and relive their excitement.They can also pursue new hobbies that are more attuned to who they are today.Look for things that within your budget and physical abilities.

As you go deeper into these pursuits, you might meet kindred spirits with the same interests and form meaningful friendships.7.Continuous LearningYou can delay cognitive decline by stimulating your brain with new information.Learning is not exclusive to school.

Be a lifelong student that never stops studying topics that you are interested in, whatever these may be.Develop skills that you can use every day such as cooking, baking, or gardening.You may even enroll in workshops and seminars for a more structured learning environment and proper guidance.

Take music lessons or get started with a new language for your future travels.You can try solving brain puzzles to stay sharp.8.Journal WritingKeeping a journal will help you remember details of life that you might forget later.

You can always go back to them to refresh your memories.The act of putting thoughts into words also brings clarity as you are forced to specify whats on your mind.Pour everything onto the paper to reduce your mental burdens.

A lot of journal writers include a gratitude section in their entries.With this, they focus on the good things that happen each day and feel better about their lives.9.Kick Bad HabitsYou can look and feel great despite aging if you kick your bad habits as soon as possible.

For example, smoking is known to make skin look older and cause lung problems.Drinking alcohol can lead to increased weight, damaged liver, and organ failure.If you can slowly move away from these, then your body will change for the better.10.

Radical AcceptanceDont forget about your mindset.One of the keys to aging gracefully is to cultivate inner peace and a strong mind.Learn to accept the inevitable limitations brought by aging while grabbing opportunities that remain available.

Most seniors can always find something new and exciting at any age.It doesnt matter what happens in life.You can overcome if you trust in your ability to adapt to any situation.Everyone goes through aging.

You can manage it just fine by making the right decisions and adaptations.Just remember that you dont have to go through it alone.You can learn from other inspiring seniors and lean on the wisdom of healthcare professionals.

If you decide to age in place, then consider getting the services of a home care aide for your peace of mind.