What do you need to know about senior’s health that could be helpful for your aging parents.

As one progresses in age, he retreats in health and sometimes in fitness. Though senior citizens are counseled to stay fit, it is barely the case. Numerous natural transformations occur in the body as it moves towards fragility in our senior years. For instance, the bones and muscles lose their potential which reduces the stamina of the body, the kidneys and other internal organs which in turn start malfunctioning and the vigor of the skin starts to recede.

But the fact is that health is wealth at every stage of life. It is more crucial when one enters into the senior citizens category because there are fewer caretakers during those times. So, our elderly should concentrate on fitness as much as possible. There are quite a few ways in which the senior can enjoy a good physical and mental health position.

1. Health Insurance- it is the first and foremost requirement of every senior citizen. A medical insurance can be the greatest friend in the time of need. It can provide you and your family the financial aid during the worst times of your life. But one should be careful in purchasing a health care policy. Choose a plan that facilitates maximum benefits while maintaining as little cost as possible.

2. Diet and Exercise- the diet of seniors varies with other factors. But at an older age, a person should be extra careful in their food choices. This is due to the antibodies or the immunity system receiving a setback during this age and one becomes more prone to all sorts of illnesses not normally problems. The diet therefore should be high in vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. Fats should be strictly avoided as they make one susceptible to numerous diseases but particularly heart problems. There must be an extra intake of calcium to support the continuing failure rate of their bones. But eating just a rich diet is not enough. Some exercises should also be a part of daily routine in this age category. Individuals need to be extra cautious about movements of their limbs for the natural strength.

3. Family health issues- Those who have a family history of ailments like prostrate and colon cancer, the diseases that most likely hit men in fifties and above, should get regular medical check ups completed annually. They must follow the doctor’s advice and suggestions for any issues they might have.

4. Breast cancer- Women are more likely to be affected by breast cancer than their male counterparts. They also are vulnerable to other diseases due to menopause.  There are some medicines that women should take after menopause in order to minimize the risk factor.

5. Alzheimer’’s disease and Dementia- are even more threatening for women. Alzheimer’s is a fall in certain cognitive brain functions. It is a type of dementia. Dementia impedes an individual’s intellectual functioning and capability to work. These diseases mostly affect women in sixties and above. Such women gradually become forgetful and incompetent in doing skilled work that they had done many times during their lives. As soon as some symptoms are evident, a doctor should be consulted without delay. Drugs at early stage might delay the worsening of the disease.

6. Avoid stress- Easier said than done. Stress is as harmful if not more harmful to a senior as any contagious disease. Don’’t be fooled into believing that drugs such as the so called stress busters will help. Consult a physician or psychiatrist if conditions continue to worsen.

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