The 5 Most Common Health Problems Neglected by Seniors

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Florida Senior Consulting

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Jan 24, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

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The 5 Most Common Health Problems Neglected by Seniors

Jan. 25, 2023

People love Florida - Especially Seniors

Florida's population is over 22 million, the third largest in the US, only behind California and Texas. But more people move to Florida every year than any other state. And estimates vary, but more than 200,000 people moved to Florida last year, which is a rate of about 600 new Floridians each and every day.


And nobody loves Florida more than seniors. Of all the people moving to the Sunshine State, about 40%  are seniors looking to retire and spend their later years with us here in Florida. 


Besides the great beaches, sunny weather, and friendly people, many seniors are attracted to Florida areas with great senior communities. The Top 5 are Lakewood Ranch, Ocala, The Villages, Tampa, and Port St. Lucie. Click here for the complete list of the 25 Best Places to Retire in Florida for 2023.

Senior living in Florida can be active and fulfilling as friends and family visit. But even the most active seniors experience the changes that come with aging.

Keeping your senior loved one active and engaged is the best way to ensure their continuing healthy lifestyle as they age.

But far too often, seniors neglect health issues, leading to a decline in their wellness.

Don’t Neglect Health Issues


As we age, even the healthiest bodies and minds undergo changes that can affect our overall health and well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, some common changes as we age are stiffening of blood vessels, decreased bone density, and more sensitive digestion.

In their article "10 Myths About Aging," the National Institute of Health states that depression and loneliness are not a normal part of aging. Nor is it inevitable that all seniors eventually get dementia or have severe cognitive problems. The NIH also believes that exercise and physical activity contribute to a healthy aging process and a sedentary lifestyle does not.


Some Florida seniors choose to age at home, with a little help from home health caregivers. Others decide assisted living communities are a better choice to manage developing health issues.


But whatever you decide, awareness of developing health issues is the first step in maintaining the healthiest lifestyle possible as you age.

Below are the 5 Most Common Health Problems Neglected by Seniors. Help your senior loved ones address these issues now, so they can live their best and healthiest lives as they age.


  1. Falls

Falls are a common and serious problem among seniors. Statistics show that one in four adults aged 65 and older will fall each year. And the CDC states that falls are the leading cause of death among seniors. Falls also cause serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma. Increasing falls lead to a decline in overall health and quality of life. 


Assisted living communities can play a crucial role in preventing falls among residents by implementing several safety measures. To reduce fall risks, assisted living communities typically have non-slip flooring, handrails in common areas and residences, ample lighting, and other safety features. 


Many medications cause side effects such as drowsiness, which can also increase the risk of falls. Staff members and professionals can reduce these risks by monitoring and managing seniors' medications. 

  1. Increasing Memory Issues

Some memory issues seem natural as we grow older. But if your senior loved one is experiencing increasing memory issues, getting an evaluation is a good idea. 

Memory concerns can cause anxiety for seniors and their families. Forgetting your keys is one thing. Eventually, forgetting where you live, who your family members are, or if you turned off the stove is another. 

Families rightfully worry about dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Evaluation provides an objective measure of whether a person is cognitively impaired and can uncover treatable causes of decreased brain function, such as medication side effects or thyroid problems. 

Most seniors never get dementia, but the risk increases with age. About 3% of those between the ages of 70-74 have dementia. But that number rises to 22% for those aged 85-89.

Determining the seriousness of cognition and memory issues is crucial if your senior loved one wants to age at home. For dementia diagnoses, assisted living communities with specialized memory care units can give your senior loved one the best care possible. 

  1. Depression, Isolation, and Loneliness

Unfortunately, depression is a common mental health issue among seniors. And it can have a significant impact on health and well-being. As people age, they may experience the loss of loved ones, physical limitations, and changes in their roles and social networks. These changes can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to depression. Untreated depression can also lead to a decline in physical health, affecting sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels.

An active senior can lead a richer and more fulfilling life, but often seniors live alone at home. This isolation and lack of community often cause many difficulties, including safety issues, loneliness, depression, and more. 

Depression is a problem that is easily missed. It is important to spot and treat depression, as treatment can lead to greater involvement in social activities and a better quality of life overall. Assisted living communities provide social activities and a sense of community which can help alleviate depression and loneliness.

  1. Pain

Surveys suggest that about 50% of adults aged 65 and over experience pain monthly. Persisting pain can lead to decreased social and physical activity, depression, and poor self-care. 

Pain can also signify a new health problem or a chronic problem that is not being adequately managed. Assisted living communities have trained staff who can help manage pain and provide additional support and resources.

  1. Chronic Conditions

Conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis can worsen with age and significantly impact the quality of a senior's life.

It is essential to work closely with healthcare providers to manage symptoms and maintain independence as much as possible. Assisted living communities have staff trained to manage chronic conditions and provide additional support and resources.

Your Next Best Step

Florida senior living is about enjoying your best life and aging as healthily as possible. If your senior loved one is neglecting their health issues, it is best to take action now.

If you notice falls, pain, memory issues, loneliness, isolation, or depression, it is time to get professional help. And if your senior loved one has a chronic condition like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer's, finding the best care possible is crucial.

However, deciding if your senior loved one can age at home or needs qualified assisted living can be overwhelming.

Let us help.

We are a Florida-based company with expert knowledge of the Florida senior market. We know how to help with the move to assisted living while ensuring a smooth transition into the new community.

While senior options can seem confusing, this is all we do. 

Florida Senior Consulting helps seniors decide their next best steps so they can live their best lives with safety and security.

We have certified staff, licensed nurse advocates, and decades of experience in the field.

Senior living should be on your terms, and the choice should always be yours.

Call us, and we will answer all your questions and help you decide what is best for you or your senior loved one.

For peace of mind, call us at (941) 661-6196 or visit us at FloridaSeniorConsulting.com.

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The boundaries of aging are constantly being rewritten. Retirement is no longer synonymous with slowing down. Instead, its a chapter that beckons us to discover the abundance of life in new and exciting ways.An active adult lifestyle embodies the spirit of curiosity, the joy of movement, and the richness of human connections. Its a lifestyle that celebrates the freedom to engage with the world, cultivate passions, and create lasting memories.Read on to learn more about the freedom of an active adult lifestyle and how Riverpointe can help you get the kind of life youve dreamt of.Your Gateway to Vibrant LivingRiverpointe is a testament to an active adult lifestyle. Offering a range of amenities that cater to diverse interests and passions, this community is a sanctuary for those seeking vitality and connection:Diverse Fitness ProgramsAt Riverpointe, the journey to active living begins with tailored fitness programs. From the tranquility of yoga to the energy of low-impact aerobics and the vitality of cardiovascular exercises, residents can move at their own pace. The community recognizes that each individuals journey is unique, and the fitness programs reflect this understanding.Group Excursions and EventsFor those who seek adventure beyond the communitys bounds, RiverPointe offers an array of group excursions. Whether its exploring museums, attending theater performances, or embarking on shopping trips, these outings infuse life with new experiences and shared moments.Cultural and Social EventsStaying within the community doesnt mean missing out on cultural and social engagement. With a Full-time Activity Director at the helm, Riverpointe orchestrates a tapestry of events with everything from concerts, dances, book reviews, speaker programs, movie nights, and more. This vibrant calendar ensures that theres never a dull moment.Onsite AmenitiesRiverpointes onsite amenities are designed to enhance every aspect of life. From garden spaces that invite reflection to an in-house foot clinic that prioritizes well-being, every amenity is a testament to the communitys commitment to holistic living.Apartment ComfortsThe embrace of an active adult lifestyle extends to the very living spaces at Riverpointe. Innovative floor plans offer breathtaking views of the Front Range, immersing residents in the beauty of their surroundings. Meals are more than sustenance; theyre an opportunity to connect over casual lunches or elegant dinners.The apartments at Riverpointe are designed for comfort and convenience. From weekly light housekeeping to basic cable TV, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, and complimentary laundry facilities, every amenity is aimed at enriching the living experience.Embrace Freedom, Embrace LifeThe freedom of an active adult lifestyle isnt merely about the absence of limitations; its about the presence of opportunities that empower us to live life to the fullest. RiverPointe encapsulates this essence, providing a canvas upon which residents can paint their stories of vitality and connection. Its a community that encourages exploration, nurtures connections, and celebrates the beauty of every moment.With Riverpointes offerings, an active adult lifestyle becomes a journey that unfolds with every step. Find joy in a morning yoga session, the thrill of a museum excursion, the laughter shared during a dance night, and the comfort of a thoughtfully designed living space. Find the true embodiment of freedom: the freedom to choose, to connect, to move, to be, and to live.If youre ready to embark on a journey of active living and embrace the freedom to thrive, Riverpointe welcomes you to a community where every day is a canvas for new experiences and cherished memories. Contact us today to get started!

Self-Care for Seniors

Chances are, most senior citizens have spent much of their lives taking care of others. From raising children to caring for their spouses to eventually helping their own parents, caregiver has probably been one of the big titles theyve held. But what about caring for themselves? In the past several years, the phrase self-care has become a part of the English lexicon. While it might seem self-explanatory - caring for oneself, it can go a little deeper than that. Self-care is not only doing things such as caring for your body; it also means caring for your own mental health and taking care of your overall well-being. Some seniors, whove spent their lives working to help others, might view it as selfish. But it is the opposite. It is important for the enjoyment and health of their lives. For example, for seniors, it can mean making decisions that improve the overall quality of their lives, their health care and their living situation. Prioritizing this can be especially important for seniors who are facing many changes in their lives, many highs and many lows along their aging journey.Here are some ideas for self-care for senior citizens.Relieve StressWhether it is a walk through nature or a steaming hot cup of tea, finding something that helps relieve stress is important for senior citizens. Maybe your stress relief is watching a funny television show. Take an afternoon to binge-watch one of your favorites and help relieve some of your stress as you laugh it away. Dont feel selfish for taking time for yourself that will make you feel better.Saying No When NeededWhile many seniors jump at the chance to have some fun with family or friends, sometimes they just dont feel like it. While they might love Fishermens Village on a normal day, sometimes the thought of leaving the house and all of that activity might be too overwhelming. It is okay to say no once in a while. If the idea is overwhelming, you can skip some events or tasks. Maybe your grandchildren are asking you to help sew their Halloween costumes, but you just cant do it because of your painful arthritis this year. It is ok to ask for some help with the task if you arent feeling up to it or if it will stress you out too much. Instead, maybe suggest doing it together and teaching someone else in the family to do the task and the parts that might be hardest for you to do.ExercisingA wonderful form of self-care is exercising your body. It makes you feel better afterward when you do it both physically and mentally. Take time out of your day for a leisurely walk or to splash in the pool. Getting your body moving is self-care.Hobbies for FunMaybe there is a hobby youve always wanted to try, such as photography. For you, picking up a camera and shooting beautiful pictures is a way to soothe your artistic soul and a form of self-care. Or maybe there is a hobby youve always loved but never had the time for while the kids were growing up. Take it up again to make your soul happy. Go fishing and spend hours on the water. Or start making mosaics again like you used to. Do something that you enjoy doing.Time OutsideTake some time to feel the sun and warmth on your skin. Feel the breeze in your hair. Maybe even slip off your shoes and ground yourself in the sand or on the grass. Getting outside is a form of self-care. Put the tasks you feel you need to complete that day aside for a bit, and take some time to enjoy the outdoors and the scenery of beautiful Southwest Florida.We Can HelpAt Visiting Angels, our professional and compassionate caregivers can help the seniors in your life focus on self-care, and anything else they might need help with. If you are looking for help caring for your senior Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to help. Our in-home caregivers provide a variety of home care services, including helping seniors get ready each morning, helping them do the things they enjoy each day, and helping with specialty care, including fall prevention and dementia care.Our highly-regarded team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Granda, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To use our services or to learn more, call us at 941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here.

Holiday Fun With Your Senior Loved Ones

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Local Services By This Author

Florida Senior Consulting

Transition Specialists 8130 Lakewood Main Street, Bradenton, Florida, 34202

Senior living on your terms.Whether you are looking for care at home or senior living options, Florida Senior Consulting is here to help.Our approach is different. We are the only senior service provider in Florida that:Provides direct care management at homeCoordinates senior living placement at no cost to youEmploys licensed nurses as senior advocates for optimal careAnd stays connected with you for up to 90 days after move-in to help you acclimateCall us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help with your senior living choices and assure your quality of care. The choice should be yours.

Florida Senior Consulting

Geriatric Care Management 8130 Lakewood Main Street, Bradenton, Florida, 34202

Senior living on your terms.Whether you are looking for care at home or senior living options, Florida Senior Consulting is here to help.Our approach is different. We are the only senior service provider in Florida that:Provides direct care management at homeCoordinates senior living placement at no cost to youEmploys licensed nurses as senior advocates for optimal careAnd stays connected with you for up to 90 days after move-in to help you acclimateCall us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help with your senior living choices and assure your quality of care. The choice should be yours.