All About Seniors - Colorado Springs

With more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease, there's a good chance that you have a friend, a family member or friends' family who is dealing with this disease.Caring for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia is definitely not easy. It can be physically and emotionally draining. These dos and don'ts will help make the job of the caregiver easier and ease the patient's anxiety.DOsEstablish a routineShort term memory can be a problem with many dementia patients. They won't have trouble recalling events that took place decades ago, but they usually have a hard time remembering recent events and doing everyday activities such as personal grooming, dressing, and feeding. A daily routine may help them cope with the short-term memory.People with dementia thrive on familiarity. It prevents them from becoming distracted and forgetting what they're doing.Remain calmMore often than not, people with dementia behave aggressively, either verbally or physically. They may throw, bite, hit or kick when angry, fearful, confused or in pain. But please understand that they do not intend to cause harm. They are having a hard time communicating their feelings, which is why they tend to exhibit aggressive behaviors.Even when you encounter aggressive behaviors, try to remain calm and be patient. Do not respond with anger or frustration.DONTsLose hopeAlthough there is still no cure for certain types of dementia, you shouldn't lose hope. There are medications and non-drug therapies that may help improve symptoms. Keep a positive attitude, especially when interacting with them.Forget the good timesIt's easy to feel stressed and frustrated when caring for someone with dementia. You're tired, you're sleep deprived, and you no longer have time to go out with friends.Even when you're taking care of someone, you also need to take care of yourself. It's important to take time to rest and have fun. During a stressful and emotional, painful time, being in the company of friends and having a good laugh can help. Don't forget the good times.

Getting older involves a lot of changes. Your skin loses its elasticity, your senses aren't quite sharp as they used to be, your bones may become thinner and more brittle. These changes do not necessarily mean you'll have poor quality of life.Here are some tips for staying happy and healthy as you age.SocializeAs we get older, factors such as lack of energy, mobility limitations, and health conditions can keep us from being as socially active as we once were.Whether living at home or a senior living community, older adults often experience depression due to loneliness and isolation. Socialization helps maintain seniors' sense of worth and self-esteem. Also, it reduces the likelihood of depression. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with family and friends and meet new people.Get enough sleepA good night's sleep is important for good health. The problem is that most seniors often get less sleep than they need. Many of them have trouble falling asleep and would wake up more often throughout the night.Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and improve your sleeping environment to encourage better sleep at night.Eat healthyEating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of staying healthy. It reduces your risk of developing certain diseases and help you maintain a healthy weight. Plus, it has a huge bearing on memory and mental health.It's not always easy to eat healthy. Try your best to incorporate protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and fiber-rich foods into your daily diet.Focus on preventionSeniors are at a greater risk of contracting diseases. But that doesn't mean that aging means poor health. In fact, there are lots of older adults who enjoy longer and more fulfilling lifespans.Preventative care visits, vaccinations, diet, and exercise are effective in reducing an older adult's risk of contracting a disease. Focus on prevention to help you stay healthy in your senior years.Remember mental healthOlder adults are more vulnerable when it comes to mental health. Staying physically and mentally active can help improve your mental health. Not only will it help prevent depression, it can also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.Keep your brain stimulated by playing games like Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and crossword puzzles. Caring for a pet is also beneficial for seniors. Remember, a challenged brain is a healthy brain.