Wellness: the quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal
That’s the definition Damey and I found on the Merriam-Webster dictionary website when we were discussing wellness for this month’s blog. Of course, we know what wellness is, because Damey is a nurse, and we’re in the business of Making Life Easier™ for our senior clients at Home Helpers, in our efforts to support their well-being and senior independence.
Since August is National Wellness Month, we thought we would highlight 10 steps to success for seniors on a wellness journey to help make life easier and healthier!
- See your primary care physician for well visits and recommended physical exams. Wellness visits are extremely important. Today’s wellness exams go beyond the standard physical, allowing doctors to identify preventive measures that will keep you healthier and save you money.
- Stay active and exercise regularly. As you get older, it can be easy to find excuses to let yourself slow down. However, exercise is vitally important for seniors. “Exercise improves your quality of life, meaning everything from how much activity we can do, to what kind of mood we’re in,” said Kristina Balangue, MD, a geriatrician at Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix.
- Sustain bone health. Most of us really don’t think about our bones until one breaks. However, bone health, like other aspects of your health, needs to be worked on for years. The good news is that it’s never too late to take care of your bones and slow bone loss.
- Maintain healthy joints. Aging gracefully can sometimes be a pain … in your joints, that is. Whether from disease or injury, any damage can interfere with your movement and take a toll on your entire body.
- Eat a heart healthy diet. Taking care of your heart should be a top priority for everyone. The good news is there are some easy ways to keep your heart ticking for years to come. Eating a heart healthy diet is an important first step.
- Keep an eye on your eye health. It’s important to have your eyes checked regularly to prevent eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, low vision, and even dry eyes. Set up an appointment now for a routine eye exam.
- Pay attention to hearing impairments. Don’t let hearing loss interfere with your day-to-day activities. Make an appointment with your health care provider today to see if hearing aids may be right for you.
- Keep a good footing. Your feet and ankles are put under constant pressure making them susceptible, in some instances, to inflammation, pain and limited movement and flexibility. Taking care of your feet and wearing appropriate footwear is important to maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Organization and safety are key with medications. Especially as we age, you might need to take different medications to manage different health conditions. It’s important to review your medications regularly with your pharmacist and your health care provider to make sure everything is necessary and to identify possible interactions.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Why does restful sleep get more elusive the older we get? Studies have shown that 50% of Americans over the age of 65 suffer from sleep problems; and as we age, losing sleep at night can also lead to other health concerns, like an increased risk of falling and daytime fatigue.
To help get the rest you need, Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti, MD, a neurologist and sleep specialist, gives these 10 tips for a more restful sleep. If you have put Dr. Lee-Iannotti’s tips into practice and still struggle to rest, make an appointment with your physician to find a solution.
The wellness of our clients is what we’re all about at Home Helpers. Whatever we can do to make life easier and healthier will always be our mission.
Our caregivers are background-checked, licensed, bonded, insured, and highly trained to provide a variety of in-home care services to support seniors on their wellness journey. We are happy to schedule a FREE consultation to assess specific needs and determine ways we can help make life easier along the way. 330.892.9329
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and International Franchise Association. Additionally, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton is Making Life Easier™ every day for male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
Merriam-Webster
Banner Health
