First Choice In-Home Care Blog

Brain Power & Seniors: 4 Ways Home Health Care Can Help

[fa icon="calendar'] Oct 18, 2016 7:25:00 AM / by First Choice posted in In-Home Health Care, Caregiver, Keeping Active

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According to the CDC, one in five seniors is dealing with a mental health issue of some sort. Baby Boomers, now entering their retirement years, list mental decline as a significant source of concern as they age.

However, studies indicate that there are ways to bolster brain power in seniors and help stave off mental decline in the process. This means that seniors do not necessarily have to experience major mental decline as they age. Lifestyle factors can greatly reduce the rate or incidence of mental decline.

If your loved one is worried about declining mental health, home health care can do much to help create an environment in which your senior can flourish both mentally and physically. Consider these ways home health care can bolster mental health in seniors:

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In-Home Senior Care Can Help Your Loved One Avoid Social Isolation

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 22, 2016 8:30:00 AM / by First Choice posted in Aging, Senior Care, Keeping Active

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Social isolation, defined loosely as the absence of social interactions, contacts, and relationships with friends and family, with neighbors, or with society at large, is a serious issue for many older adults.

Andrew Steptoe, lead researcher of a study on the effects of social isolation on health outcomes among the elderly, states: "Social contact is a fundamental aspect of human existence. The scientific evidence is that being socially isolated is probably bad for your health, and may lead to the development of serious illness and a reduced life span."

The study found that the most socially isolated subjects had a 26 percent greater risk of dying than their socially connected counterparts, even when sex, age, and other factors commonly linked to survival were taken into account.

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A Home Healthcare Worker Can Help Your Loved One Live a More Active Lifestyle

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 15, 2016 3:30:00 PM / by First Choice posted in In-Home Health Care, Caregiver, Keeping Active

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The process of aging takes an undeniable toll on a body. Does that mean, however, that an active lifestyle is no longer an option for your loved one?

The answer to that question is a definitive "no." In reality, leading an active lifestyle can be more important than ever as people age.

 

The Benefits of Exercise and an Active Lifestyle

HelpGuide.org's "Exercise and Fitness as You Age" observes: "Regular exercise can help boost energy, maintain your independence, and manage symptoms of illness or pain. Exercise can even reverse some of the symptoms of aging. And not only is exercise good for your body, it's also good for your mind, mood, and memory."

In addition to structured exercise like weight training or cardio, seniors can derive much benefit from simply maintaining an active lifestyle. Taking a walk in the park, gardening, and generally moving more are all ways to tap into the body's potential to heal and support itself both physically and mentally.

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8 Ways a Home Health Care Worker Can Provide Socialization Opportunities for Your Loved One

[fa icon="calendar'] Apr 19, 2016 1:56:00 PM / by First Choice posted in In-Home Health Care, Caregiver, Keeping Active

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Loneliness and social isolation are serious issues facing many seniors aging in place at home. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Primary Prevention defines social isolation as "a state in which the individual lacks a sense of belonging socially, lacks engagement with others, has a minimal number of social contacts and they are deficient in fulfilling and quality relationships."


The Effect of Social Isolation on Health

Stating that social isolation is a major health problem for older adults living in the community, leading to numerous detrimental health conditions, the study estimated that as many of 43 percent of older adults living independently in the community at large are socially isolated.

Poor health outcomes for seniors who are socially isolated include:

  • dementia
  • an increased risk of falls and their associated injuries
  • an increased risk for re-hospitalization
  • an increased risk in all-cause mortality

Why does social isolation pack such a big punch for seniors? The article "Aging at Home: How Your Social Life Keeps You Healthy" points out that social isolation plays almost as much of a role in dying early as poverty does. Social isolation raises blood pressure, increases the level of stress hormones and inflammation in the body, and contributes to poor sleep and depression.

WebMd's article "Loneliness May Complicate Chronic Illness for Some" points to the results of a recent Canadian study which demonstrates that loneliness is a complicating factor among those who suffer with chronic illnesses.

The study's first author Meaghan Barlow notes: "The quality of our social ties plays a role when it comes to coping with the effects of serious disease in later life."

However, she further notes a positive finding from the study, saying: "The fact that loneliness can lead to further complications means that measures can be taken to prevent the effects from looping back around."

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