The older that we get, the more vulnerable we become. That’s why preventing accidents is important if you hope to stay healthy into your retirement years.
Remember, preventing accidents over a certain age is more than just avoiding injuries, it’s also about preserving your independence and mobility. After all, if you lose your ability to get around, you may not be able to live a fulfilling life. To help you, here are some of the best tips for seniors and family members of seniors to prevent accidents.
Prevent Slips and Falls
One of the leading causes of senior accidents is slips and falls. This is why it’s so essential that you take the proper precautions necessary to avoid them. Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing the right flooring, avoiding loose rugs, and looking out for obstructions where you walk. Sometimes something as simple as being a little extra cautious with where you place things can avoid a hip replacement.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity is critical for staying healthy. It leads to muscle strength and balance. Staying active doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go for a five-mile run a day. Something low impact like yoga or even swimming can have a significant impact on your physique. Not only can exercise benefit your physical health, but it’s also important for your mental health.
Statistics show that seniors who exercise regularly have much higher levels of self-esteem, not to mention they feel less lonely. By getting out and getting active, they interact with the world more frequently and report fewer problems associated with loneliness.
Review Medications
Certain seniors may need to take multiple medications a day in order to stay healthy. It’s important that you regularly review and update medications as needed, to ensure they’re being taken correctly. If they’re causing any side effects, these side effects should be addressed as soon as possible, and if necessary change medication.
This usually involves making regular appointments with your doctor and doing a health checkup. If everything is going great, then continue as you are, however, if you’re having any adverse drug reactions, take action immediately. One of the biggest causes of senior health issues is incorrectly taking medication, so make sure you keep an eye on your prescriptions.
Get Enough Sleep
Preserving your memory is incredibly important the older that you get. After all, being able to look back on your life fondly and remember everything that you’ve experienced is one of the joys of getting older. This is why it can’t be stressed enough how important it is to sleep enough every night.
If getting enough sleep is an issue for you, then try to practice sleeping a more regular nighttime routine. In other words, try avoiding screens after a certain hour, and engage in sleep-inducing activities like reading or drinking a nighttime tea. Be strict about your routine, and eventually, your body will start to adapt.
Getting enough rest ensures that your brain recuperates itself so that it’s able to function at its best. Studies show that seniors who get at least eight hours of sleep a night are much less likely to experience memory-related diseases like dementia.