How To Manage Chronic Conditions In The Elderly
Managing chronic conditions is a crucial part of elderly health care because, while life expectancy is increasing, it is outpacing healthy life expectancy (HALE). Managing chronic diseases and health conditions in older adults allows them to enjoy their golden years without suffering from the impacts of chronic health issues. Reducing and managing chronic conditions in the elderly also increases their safety, enables them to remain independent, and improves their overall quality of life.
Understanding Chronic Diseases In The Elderly
Common chronic conditions affecting older adults include the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
In some cases, it’s possible to prevent chronic conditions. Losing weight, consuming a healthy diet, and staying active can prevent diabetes. For those with type 2 diabetes, these actions can send diabetes into remission. Although this isn’t a cure, those in remission do not need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Most conditions, however, must be managed because they aren’t curable. Taking steps to manage chronic diseases can reduce symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life. For example, preventing weight gain and staying active, while avoiding repetitive-motion exercises, can help reduce arthritis pain.
The Role Of A Healthy Lifestyle In Elderly Health Care
Healthy lifestyle choices significantly impact the health of older adults. For example, consuming a healthy diet ensures the body has all the nutrients it needs to function effectively. A healthy diet supports the body’s immune system, helping it fight off infections, and keeps bones and muscles strong, reducing the risk of falls-related injuries. Consuming a healthy diet also helps prevent unhealthy weight loss or weight gain.
Getting enough sleep is another way to strengthen the body’s immune system. It also promotes brain health, helps regulate moods, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
Staying hydrated also promotes health in older adults. Low water consumption increases the risk of chronic conditions, such as diabetes. Good water intake can help older adults stay healthier and live longer.
As noted, staying active and avoiding weight gain can help older adults with arthritis reduce their pain. It can also help prevent joint stiffness, which can limit mobility. Eating healthy foods and getting enough rest boosts the body’s immune system, helping older adults fight off viruses and stay healthy. Being well-rested also reduces the risk of confusion and falls-related injuries.
An effective health routine includes staying mentally and physically active, which protects older adults’ mental and physical health. Avoiding injuries is also crucial because injuries can reduce mobility, contribute to weight gain, cause social isolation and depression, and ultimately, increase the risk of chronic health conditions.
Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity helps older adults prevent and manage chronic health conditions. It promotes weight maintenance, helps people maintain their balance, and strengthens bones and muscles, reducing the risk of falls. Regular physical activity also helps older adults stay mobile and independent by preventing joint stiffness.
There are many safe exercises older adults can enjoy, including the following:
- Chair yoga
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Stretching
- Swimming
- Walking
- Water aerobics
Therapy Services: Physical, Occupational, And Speech
Occupational, physical, and speech therapy effectively help address senior care needs. These therapies can prevent some health issues or help restore functions after a health event, such as an injury or stroke.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists focus on restoring or maintaining fine motor skills, enabling people to perform daily living tasks, such as dressing and tying their shoes. People with dementia benefit from occupational therapy because it helps them perform tasks independently.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists use exercises to help people strengthen their muscles and improve balance, enabling them to regain or maintain mobility. For example, a person recovering from a broken leg may need physical therapy to regain their balance and strength so that they can walk. People with heart disease can benefit from physical therapy by performing exercises that improve their heart’s function.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapists help individuals learn or improve their swallowing and communication skills. Speech therapy also helps individuals with dementia communicate and helps strengthen their memory, reducing some of the symptoms of dementia.
Supporting Mental Health In Older Adults
There is a clear link between an older adult’s physical and mental health. Consequently, the most effective approach to managing chronic health conditions is one that focuses on the body and mind. Chronic health conditions can impair a person’s ability to enjoy preferred activities and stay socially active, which can cause anxiety and depression.
Older adults can maintain their mental health through counseling and social interaction. Developing or maintaining hobbies can also help older adults prevent depression.
How Monument Health Group Helps
Monument Health Group has several centers in Utah where older adults can receive expert, personalized care to help them manage chronic conditions.
Our facilities offer the following:
- Occupational therapy
- Mental health care
- Nutritional guidance
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
We prioritize each person’s independence and dignity, while working with patients and their family members to manage chronic illnesses and improve the patient’s quality of life. Our team ensures each patient receives effective treatment that helps them regain their health and as much independence as possible.
