Although we’ve all experienced creaky joints and soreness at some point in our lives, these experiences can transition from seasonal pains to a more serious condition: arthritis. Today, around 50 percent of people 65 years and older have had a doctor diagnose this illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Arthritis can cause serious problems for seniors, from reduced mobility to serious rashes and thinning bones, the Arthritis Foundation shared. It’s important for family members to provide as much assistance to loved ones with this condition as possible:
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Avoid Certain Foods
The key to living with arthritis is finding a level of comfort people can handle. To help, doctors may suggest patients with this condition change their diet to include items that lessen the chance of inflammation. That means reducing intake of salt, sugar, gluten, alcohol, and trans and saturated fats, according to the Arthritis Foundation. This can be a challenging endeavor, so seniors should focus on cutting out the ingredients they know tend to cause the most serious problems. Older family members dealing with this disease can ingest these items in moderation but should be aware that reintroducing them into their systems after a period of complete elimination can result in sickness.
Find the Right Exercise
Arthritis is marked by joint pain, swelling, tiredness, and reduced overall flexibility. Medication can help with these side effects, but so can the right kinds of physical activity. Since fatigue is always possible in seniors, especially those with this condition, the Mayo Clinic recommended exercises that are fairly low-impact on the body and focus on range of motion, endurance, body awareness, and strength. Activities such as yoga, stretching, walking, swimming, and light weightlifting are good places to start.
Use Temperature-Based Treatment
There’s a reason why a warm or hot shower feels so wonderful after an intense workout. The heat can reduce stiffness in a person’s joints and leave them feeling refreshed. According to Healthline, seniors with arthritis can use temperature-based techniques as therapy for their condition. While high-temp baths in the morning can set them up for success for the rest of the day, a heating pad or electric blanket can work wonders at night.
Don’t forget the benefits of cold on inflammation. An ice pack on especially inflamed joints or painful areas of the body can reduce the aches and provide a sense of relief to seniors with arthritis.
“Assisted living communities can deliver the care necessary for people with arthritis.”
Consider Assisted Living
Whether family members have arthritic seniors living in their homes or are simply visiting on a regular basis to provide care, the situation can become challenging – especially if the condition continues to worsen. People could consider an assisted living community to ensure loved ones receive the level of help they need. These homes offer seniors a group of neighbors dealing with similar issues and the medical assistance necessary to ease the pain of arthritis. Depending on the severity of the condition, older loved ones can live in a more independent community or one that provides more around-the-clock care.
Arthritis is a tricky condition. Some days are worse than others, and side effects can become increasingly aggravated due to certain activities or foods. Talking with a doctor is a good first step for seniors experiencing this illness, but asking for assistance from friends and family can also help family members feel supported.
If loved ones and seniors struggle to balance care, assisted living provides a community of caregivers and peers that can also aid seniors.
