Author: lw@adm22

Is your loved one lonely?

Social isolation and loneliness are strikingly common, and they will only increase as our older population continues to grow. Although many older adults would prefer to live at home, one study found that around 43% of seniors who live at home were socially isolated. As you can see, loneliness and isolation are major problem for older adults in the United States, and unfortunately they can lead to mood disorders, like depression, that have been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy aging is about keeping the body and the mind healthy, and that’s why our in home care professionals in Chapel Hill have come up with these tips to help your loved one become more social:

#1. Make transportation readily available for your loved one.

One of the biggest reasons why seniors tend to be so isolated is that many of them don’t drive anymore. Without transportation, it’s incredibly difficult to get out and about. Make sure that your older loved one has plenty of people to contact for a ride, and if they are well enough, it is a good idea to teach them how to use public transportation.

#2. Find group activities your loved one will enjoy.

Whether your loved one loves to play bridge or go birding, you can bet that there is a community group that they will enjoy. Not only will this get your loved one out of the house, but he or she will also have the opportunity to make friends with other seniors who have similar interests and hobbies.

 

 

Falls are a major problem, but they aren’t inevitable!

Although it is all too common for older people to fall, there are certain steps that you can take to minimize your risk. One great way to minimize your risk for falling is by improving your balance. In our last blog, our in home care providers in Raleigh went over a few exercises that can help you balance. Keep reading to learn about more easy exercises that can improve your balance:

#4. Heel to Toe Walk

Practice walking in a straight line by placing the heel of one foot directly ahead of the toes of the other foot. Hold your arms up and out to the side and pick a spot on the wall or in the distance to focus on as you breathe and walk slowly across the imaginary line.

#5. Reaching for It

Place a light, easy-to-grip item on an elevated surface, like a table or a chair. Stand with your right side parallel to the item with your feet hips-width apart.  Keep both feet planted firmly into the floor and then bend at your waist while you reach for the item. Practice the exercise on the other side, and then repeat both sides up 10 times.

For all of the exercises that we’ve gone over, it is important to stabilize your spine by activating your abdominal muscles. If you are looking for more exercises to help improve your balance, consider taking a Tai Chi or yoga class designed for seniors. Regular exercise, like going on walks or working in the garden, can also help to build muscle, which can also improve your balance.

Falls are a huge problem for older adults in the United States.

Have you had a chance to read our Durham in home care professional’s latest blog? If you have, then you already know that millions of older adults fall each and every year. Although there are many reasons why people fall, improved balance can decrease your risk for falling. That’s why we have come up with this list of exercises to help improve your balance:

#1. Single Leg Balance

Start by standing with your feet directly under your hips. Lift your right leg, bend your knee and hold it to the side of your body for 30 seconds. Repeat the exercise with your left leg.

#2. Heel to Toe

Start by standing with your feet hips-width apart. First, rock back on your heels and lift up your toes, then rock forward until you are standing on the tips of your toes. Repeat this exercise 10 times to start, and once you feel comfortable with it, increase to 30 repetitions.

#3. Wand Balancing

Select your “wand”, this can be a cane, yard stick, umbrella or even a wooden spoon with a long handle. Start by sitting tall in an armless chair. Hold your dominant hand out flat with your palm facing up, then balance your “wand” on your hand. Once you get used to balancing with your dominant hand, try balancing with the other hand or with both hands at the same time!

Keep in mind that any of the standing exercises we mentioned should be completed near a wall or a sturdy chair that you can lean on for support. Stay tuned for our next blog to learn about more exercises that can help to improve your balance.

 

Millions of older adults fall every year in the United States.

Falls are a major problem for older adults (people who are 65 or older). In fact, 1 out of every 3 older people will fall every year, and once you fall, your chance of falling again doubles. Falls are a major concern, especially for older people who live at home by themselves. Falls cause broken bones, head injuries and anxiety, and more than 700,000 older adults are hospitalized each year because of fall-related injuries. Falls are incredibly common, but some older adults are more likely to fall than others. Certain health conditions make you more likely to fall.

Health conditions that put you at a higher risk for falling:

• Weakness in the lower body
• Deficiency of Vitamin D
• Problems with vision
• Poor footwear
• Painful feet
• Difficulties ambulating or balancing

Health conditions aren’t the only thing that put you at a higher risk for falling. Certain medications, like sedatives, antidepressants and tranquilizers, can increase your risk for falling. There are even several over-the-counter medications that could affect your balance, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start taking anything new. Home hazards, like uneven or broken steps, throw rugs, clutter and a lack of handrails in the bathroom, also cause many falls every year.

As you can see, there are many things that can cause falls, and most falls are a result of a combination of them. In our next blog, our in home care providers in Chapel Hill will be talking about a few exercises you can do to improve your balance, so stay tuned!