You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You’re only as old as you feel.” If you’re feeling beyond your years, it may be a good time to reassess your habits.
Have you seen a doctor recently? Have you been eating fresh fruits or vegetables? When was the last time you took a walk? How are you sleeping? Living to a ripe old age is great, but feeling good while you do is even better!
Healthy Aging Must Dos:
1. Stay Connected:
A Harvard study found that the key to a happy life free of disease and enjoying reduced pain was through connections with others. Having that go-to someone who can be there for you at any hour of the day mattered a lot to life satisfaction, according to the study.
This one is tough, especially with aging and losing loved ones over the years. Getting out into the community to see what events are available is an excellent way to meet new pals. Because isolation can be as dangerous as smoking, it’s important to keep making friends as you age.
2. See Your Doctor Regularly:
At least one annual physical is a great idea to stay ahead of your health. During your appointment, be sure to indicate all of your health concerns. If this is challenging, take notes, or bring someone you trust along to the appointment to help you. Make sure you review any medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements you’re taking while you’re there, too.
3. Never Stop Learning:
Science Daily tells us that learning not one, but three new things can help increase cognitive abilities in older adults! What more reason do you need to join community education classes, library events, book clubs, crafting, or support groups? You may just meet new friends while you do, too!
4. Keep Moving:
Exercise should be for a lifetime. Make small changes to your everyday routine by moving just a bit more each day.
As we say often, if you don’t use it, you lose it. If it’s painful, unsafe, or difficult to maintain your mobility, consider outpatient therapy services. Occupational and physical therapies can be utilized after an injury or surgery, but they can be used proactively, too. If you’re feeling weak or off balance, ask your doctor about outpatient therapy. Therapy, whether it’s physical, occupational, or both, might help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.
5. Get Rest:
Proper sleep is always important, and so is listening to your body. It’s better to rest before you’re forced to take a break to recover from an illness. Consider balance when taking on commitments to help others.
6. Eat Well:
Healthy eating can be simple. Opt for the foods you peel and chop, instead of prepackaged convenience meals and snacks. If you choose what’s good for you most often, that leaves room for the fun goodies we know we shouldn’t have every day.
7. Manage Stress:
For stress management tips, look above! All of these can help reduce stress levels. Living in “fight or flight” mode opens the door to inflammation in the body. Inflammation leads to chronic and deadly diseases.
8. Don’t Smoke:
If you do smoke, ask your doctor for help to stop.
9. Limit Alcohol:
Consuming excessive alcohol is unhealthy, not to mention filled with calories, and could cause you to fall or become injured. Alcohol can also interact with medications, creating unwanted side effects or medical emergencies.
10. Stay Clean:
Practice good hygiene habits to avoid skin breakdown or other health issues related to lack of bathing. This includes practicing hand washing, especially when you’re out in public areas.
If you want to wash your hands of stress, seasonal chores, and driving long distances for what you need, come to Edgewood! Enjoy delicious and nutritious food, activities that keep you learning and moving, beautiful spaces, and amazing staff that love our residents! Did you know that we also offer on-site healthcare? Through a variety of partnerships, Edgewood is bringing options to seniors so that they can stay ahead of common health risks as they age!
Legacy Medical began offering medical directorship services at several Edgewood locations in 2021. Through this program, residents can be seen by nurse practitioners to address basic healthcare needs like routine treatments and checkups right where they live! Common curable illnesses require timely treatment so that they don’t become bigger, more complex issues. Having on-site options available reduces the wait times and possibly stops ordinary illnesses in their tracks. The best part: Legacy’s practitioners won’t replace your primary care physician; they can work with your existing doctor! There’s no need to choose one over the other.
Edgewood has also partnered with Aspire Clinical Intelligence. Aspire provides clinical software that helps Edgewood and Legacy’s nurses proactively track and manage common health conditions and risks. Aspire Clinical’s A6 division also provides on-call support to registered nurses. They can respond to staff questions and resident health issues after hours. This not only offers a continuity of care at night and on weekends, but it also offers the community nurses the work-life balance they need.
CaringEdge continues to offer on-site outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as home health and hospice. Each of these services allows Edgewood residents to receive medical treatment that enhances their comfort at home.
Edgewood continues to be forward-thinking. It’s our goal to offer preventative and proactive ways to help everyone stay in good health. The healthier our residents, the happier and more independent they will be!
Interested? Reach out to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.
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