How Seniors can Combat Health Problems They may Face?

Even if we are reluctant to accept the fact but we have to admit it, that is, people will grow old one day. As we get older, our bodies degenerate faster and faster, and our body functions are no longer as good as before. At this time, various health problems will follow, such as cancer, osteoporosis, and so on.

So how do we combat the health problems we may face? Here's a look at some of the health problems older adults may face and how to combat them.

What health problems may older adults face?

1. Cancer

Although the medical level continues to develop, some diseases have been completely conquered by us, but there are still some diseases that we cannot completely solve, such as cancer. Some data show that starting from the age of 40, as the age continues to increase, the probability of getting cancer will also increase. 

2. Osteoporosis

After the age of 50, the bone density will decrease due to changes in hormone levels in the human body, and bone loss will also become more and more serious. At this time, osteoporosis may occur. Your bones may become sore and intensify because of it. What's more, with this disease,  if you fall accidentally, you may be fractured and have to lie on the bed forever.

3. Overweight

You may feel that being overweight is not a health problem. But in fact, being overweight is one of the important reasons for hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Sleep problems

Many elderly people will suffer from insomnia, which will affect the body's self-repair function. Over time, the body's organs and immunity will be affected, thereby increasing the risk of other diseases. In addition, frequent insomnia can also make people's memory decline.

5. Influenza

After getting older, the body's immunity will decline, and the physical quality will not be as good as before, and it is easy to be invaded by the influenza virus. The recovery ability of the elderly is poor, and if the disease is not effectively prevented, it may worsen and cause other complications.

In fact, there are many other seniors who may face health problems, such as nutritional imbalance and so on. So how should older adults cope with the health problems they may face? Here are suggestions:

How can older adults combat health problems they may face?

1. Eat Healthy and Balanced Diets

Eat a healthy, varied and balanced diet. The elderly should consume at least 12 kinds of foods every day, including grains, vegetables, meat, fruits and so on. If your appetite decreases or you feel full quickly, you can eat smaller meals more often. In addition, drink more water, the daily water intake should not be less than 1200ml.

2. Control Weight

The elderly are of appropriate weight, neither too fat nor too thin. Excessive weight may increase blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular disease. Being underweight may lead to a weak metabolism and a lack of energy. Don't eat fattening foods such as chicken and fries on a regular basis.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Adequate sleep is very important for the elderly, and it is necessary to maintain 7-9 hours of sleep every day. Try to get regular sleep, such as getting up and going to bed at the same time every day. If you suffer from insomnia, try to avoid napping during the day. You can aid sleep in other ways, such as listening to soothing music, etc.

4. Do Proper Exercise

Exercise is important at all ages. Appropriate exercise in the elderly can delay the occurrence and progression of various chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

It can also improve the ability of bone joints and muscle system, delay osteoporosis and joint disease. It also helps with sleep and boosts immunity.

Yoga, swimming, running, etc. are all beneficial exercises for the elderly. It is worth mentioning that even if you have bad legs and feet and cannot do strenuous exercise, you can still use walking aids such as rollators to assist in walking exercise. For more sports for seniors, click here: 7 Best Age-Friendly Sports You Need to Know

5. Supplemental Nutrition

Dietary intake of nutrients is limited. Therefore, in daily life, it is necessary to rationally use nutritionally fortified foods or nutrient supplements to make up for the lack of food intake. For example, if you are deficient in calcium, you can take vitamin D, which can increase the body's absorption and utilization of calcium. If you are not sure what nutrients you need, you can consult your family doctor or others.

6. Get Vaccinated in Advance

Older adults should consider using vaccines to prevent certain diseases, such as the Flu vaccine, and the Pneumonia vaccine, Shingles vaccine, tetanus vaccine, and more. The elderly also need to be vaccinated against a pandemic, such as the COVID-19 vaccine.

 7. Pay attention to the physical condition

If you feel pain in any part of your body, you should consult your family doctor in time. Although sometimes we feel that the symptoms are mild and do not need to worry, but small symptoms may also be a harbinger of serious illness, so we cannot ignore it. In addition, you can also use apple watch to monitor your physical condition in daily life.

Ending

That's all there is to it about how older adults can cope with the health problems they may face. Health is the most important thing for the elderly, if we can combat the health problems we may face in advance, then we may not suffer from diseases and live a happier life.