Many age-related changes in the gastrointestinal tract aren’t life-threatening, but they can significantly impact your senior loved one’s quality of life. Living longer makes it more likely for seniors to encounter changes in the gastrointestinal tract, which relates to the stomach, esophagus, colon, and intestines. Any condition that affects swallowing, eating, or the digestion of food may be considered a…
Issues with self-esteem are most commonly observed in the teenage demographic, but recent research is beginning to note increased incidences of poor self-esteem among the elderly. With age, seniors undergo many changes to their bodies and minds, affecting both their appearance and abilities. These changes can give rise to negative emotions, impacting how seniors perceive themselves. Here are a few…
Depression can occur at any point in a person’s life, so it’s important to watch for signs of depression in your aging loved one. Older adults often experience periods of prolonged sadness that may be related to significant life changes, but depression can also occur for no obvious reason. While it can be difficult to watch your loved one experience…
As they progress in age, seniors may experience weakened arms due to the loss of muscle mass. As a caregiver, you can assist your senior loved one in performing one or more of the following arm-strengthening activities. 1.Gardening Pulling a water hose, hoeing out weeds, and picking ripe fruits and vegetables all require the use of different arm muscles. Seniors…
One of the most crucial aspects of caring for a senior loved one is making sure he or she eats healthy foods. Many experts on senior nutrition recommend including different kinds of beans in a senior’s meals because of the wide array of nutrients these foods contain. Beans can provide your loved one with many benefits, and here’s a list…
To ensure they remain as healthy as possible, seniors should get routine physical examinations and laboratory tests as recommended by their physicians. In addition to keeping your aging loved one updated on vaccinations and checkups, take additional preventative measures by encouraging him or her to undergo regular cancer screenings. Importance of Cancer Screenings As people get older, many medical conditions…
Mobility loss is a common concern among senior citizens, and it can greatly impact their quality of life. If your elderly loved one can no longer get around as well as he or she once did, it’s important to understand why. Knowing the reasons for mobility loss can help your loved one seek treatment, look for underlying health issues, and…
Family caregivers take on their new responsibilities while also needing to continue to serve in their current roles. Many caregivers are also spouses and parents of young children. Caring for a senior loved one comes with its own rewards, but it can also be stressful to try to balance multiple family roles. Figuring out how to get everything done is…
Did you know having a pet can drastically boost a senior’s health? It turns out that a furry friend can do more than just be adorable. Research published in Anthrozoös found that keeping pets has multiple benefits for senior owners. Something as simple as adopting a senior cat or a puppy can boost your aging loved one’s physical, mental, and…
All body systems undergo changes secondary to the aging process, and the eyes are no exception. The California Optometric Association recommends seniors take preventive measures by eating a healthy diet that includes fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc. There are many types of visual impairment disorders that affect seniors, and some of these conditions are preventable. Becoming familiar…