Growing older isn’t as bleak as it’s often made out to be. Though seniors can develop a number of health conditions, radical changes in health and overall wellbeing aren’t necessarily guaranteed. Following are some widespread myths about aging and the reasons you and your elderly loved one shouldn’t always believe them.
1. Bone Loss Is Inevitable
Changes in bone density are likely to occur with age, but significant loss in bone density can actually be avoided. Seniors tend to have smaller appetites and the desire to avoid weight gain as their hormones and activity levels start to change. Getting plenty of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium can prevent problems like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, as can regular strength training and low-impact cardiovascular exercise.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare services. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. All Seniors Lose Their Teeth
It’s more common to see an aging adult with dentures than it is to see a person in his or her twenties wearing false teeth. However, how long your loved one’s natural teeth last is at least partially dependent upon how well he or she cares for them. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are just a few of the things your loved one can do to retain his or her pearly whites well into the golden years.
It’s also important for seniors to take good care of their gums. Prolonged and untreated gum infections can become systemic and affect cardiovascular health. These problems can also lead to the weakening and deterioration of the underlying bone structures and eventual tooth loss.
3. Joint Pain Is Unavoidable
Studies have shown seniors who lead active lives are less likely to develop problems with joint inflammation than those who are less active. Avoiding inflammatory foods like simple carbohydrates and refined sugars can also prove helpful. Eating a diet with an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids can keep the joints lubricated and preserve overall joint mobility.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Tucson, AZ, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Seniors Are Guaranteed to Lose Their Creative Edge
How well the mind works in the later stages of life is largely determined by how mentally active and engaged seniors choose to be. Lifelong learning can keep the neural pathways responsible for creativity active and engaged. Your loved one can learn new languages, take up an instrument, paint, dance, and explore many other creative pursuits.
5. Aging Adults Are Always Cranky
Aches and pains, waning health, and inadequate levels of social engagement can cause a senior’s social skills and tolerance to decrease. However, this is a stage of life during which people can also be known for their wisdom, patience, and sage advice. With more self-confidence and less interest in superficial things, many people find their golden years are actually the happiest and most comfortable years of their lives.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Tucson seniors can depend on. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (520) 276-6555 today.