How to Maintain Your Independence

There is a direct correlation between exercise, nutrition and independence. A good reason to take up a regular exercise habit is to improve mobility. Are you concerned about hurting yourself during a fitness class? Even those who suffer from chronic illness or people who are recovering from a recent injury can find ways to stay active. Dr Chhanda Dutta, PhD at The National Institute of Aging says, “Exercise is good for people of all ages in most cases.”

Exercise not only helps keep you strong, it enhances memory and fights depression. Setting a schedule to exercise and making a promise to yourself to keep it is important. Try and find classes or groups with instructors who are attentive. Most of all, listen to your body and don’t overdo it. You know yourself best and if you aren’t comfortable doing a certain movement, don’t strain your body.

How to Choose a Fitness Program

If you are looking for a fitness program, use these guidelines. The program should:

·       Address balance, strength, coordination and flexibility

·       Include light impact aerobics, not intense exercise

·       Include plenty of stretching

·       There should be exercises done on the floor

If you are worried about performing floor exercises because you have difficulty getting up, you should still choose a program that includes it. If you exercise regularly, you will be less likely to fall down. Yet if you do fall down, you will need to be able to get back to your feet.

Wondering where to start? Check local senior centers or aging services programs. They will have listings for walking clubs and exercise programs. Find out if your health plan covers things like gym memberships or personalized classes. You may be able to supplement the costs of a personal nutritionist or a fitness advisor through insurance.

Healthy Diets Can Cure

What you eat is just as important as how much you exercise. There are many good books that can help you get on the right track. A popular choice among many fitness oriented seniors is the Mediterranean diet. It includes lots of fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. There are countless research studies that indicate this type of diet lowers blood sugar and improves cholesterol levels.

If you aren’t ready to completely change your diet, try starting with small steps. Give up eating junk food late at night, or replace your morning coffee and bagel with oatmeal, fruit and tea. These changes can make a noticeable difference. Generally, try to reduce your intake of simple carbs like bread, pasta and processed foods. Meeting with a nutritionist can give you guidelines ideas for healthy meals and what to shop for.

Become Your Own Health Expert

When you were growing up, good patients trusted their doctors without asking any questions. Even today, some doctors get frustrated when patients ask questions. Geriatricians recommend that you become an active participant in your health care plan. You need to become an expert on the conditions that affect you, as well as any treatments or medications. Find out how essential the medications you are prescribed are. Always find out other forms of treatment available.

Avoid Overmedication

It’s a common for doctors to prescribe seniors with medications more frequently than other groups of people in the United States. The problem lies in the fact that standard doses are based on younger bodies. The way the body metabolizes drugs changes as we get older. Certain drugs can have dangerous interactions with others. Dr. Alex Stern told Total Home Health “Your kidneys, liver and organs that process drugs is less efficient as you age, so medication can build up in the body.”

Avoid Overscreening

There are risks to being a patient. Just like medication can be overprescribed, overscreening for early detection of illness can take a toll on the body. For the elderly, the evidence for overscreening has been mounting for years.

Geriatricians try and keep medications to a minimum. They only prescribe you with the essentials. Even if you have a regular primary care physician, you can take control. Auditing your medicine cabinet is a fundamental part of monitoring your treatment. Total Home Health is a great resource to find answers for questions about drugs and their potential harm for older adults. Contact one of our experts for more information or any questions you have.

Stay Engaged

Isolation is one of the biggest risk factors for depression and health decline. Studies show that things like spending time online can help reduce depression and increase mental alertness. If you can engage yourself in any kind of project, do it. This includes volunteer work, hobbies and even employment. Visiting with friends and family is also important.

Your health care provider will work with you to determine a strategy to enable you maintain your independence. Total Home Health can connect you with experienced health care experts who are ready to help you live a long, healthy and fulfilling life. Take control of your future and start living healthier today by joining Total Home Health today.