7 Secrets to Aging Well
Kansas City Home Care • October 18, 2018
It’s no secret that some people age better than others. They have fewer wrinkles, more muscle tone, flatter stomachs, and fewer chronic illnesses. Scientists have conducted multiple studies to discover the keys to aging well. Here are some tips based on their findings:
- Don’t smoke. Nicotine can lead to a whole host of chronic illnesses, including COPD, lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It also damages your skin, causing premature wrinkles.
- Be social. An active social life will help ward off depression and also reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you’re having a tough time meeting new people, try joining a club (e.g., book club, gardening club), doing volunteer work, joining a church group, and/or meeting people who have similar interests via a Meetup group.
- Exercise. Regular exercise reduces stress, improves brain function, builds muscle, and can help you maintain a healthy weight. Take a brisk 30-minute daily walk around your Kansas City neighborhood. Add in some strength training three times a week and also some exercises to improve balance.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep your body functioning at top capacity. You’ll also want to include some “super foods” like blueberries, broccoli, fish that’s high in omega-3s (e.g., salmon, mackerel, tuna), and nuts. And make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
- Protect your skin from the sun. Stay out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays (with an SPF of at least 30) every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Sunscreen can help protect your skin from new wrinkles, and some scientists believe it can even reverse the signs of aging. It can also help prevent skin cancer.
- Get plenty of sleep. Sleep rejuvenates the body, but many people develop insomnia as they get older. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, talk to your Kansas City primary care physician.
- Laugh. Laughing is good for the heart and lungs. It also reduces stress and boosts your immune system. For a good laugh, attend more social outings, go to a comedy show, and/or watch comedies on television.
If mobility issues are preventing you from aging gracefully, you may want to enlist the help of a Kansas City home health agency.
The post 7 Secrets to Aging Well appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
REQUEST FREE
IN HOME ASSESSMENT
REQUEST FREE IN HOME ASSESSMENT
If you have an elderly parent or grandparent who needs healthcare support, patient advocacy strategies and services may be able to help navigate the journey.
Dementia is an illness that affects people’s cognition, memory, and behavior. Dementia is a progressive condition; therefore, symptoms may be mild at first and worsen over time. People with dementia can require professional dementia care, which varies depending on symptoms. Those with severe dementia symptoms can require 24-hour care. However, the question is, at what […]
The post At What Point Do Dementia Patients Need 24-Hour Care appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
According to a 2016 report, 17.7 million Americans provide medical assistance to an elderly relative or friend. As we age, we may experience a decline in physical or mental health, adversely affecting our ability to live independently, which will leave us questioning when is it time for assisted living. Over half of those aged 85–89 […]
The post When Is It Time for Assisted Living? appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
Here at Kansas City Home Care, we know that when it comes to choosing private care services for your loved ones, you likely have many questions. And that’s perfectly normal! Choosing a private care service is a big decision, and we want to do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and confident in […]
The post Private Home Care Services: Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
As our parents age, we often find ourselves taking on new roles to ensure they’re well taken care of. If your parent is living with dementia, it’s important to understand how to best provide for them. Caring for a parent with dementia can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier. First, you […]
The post How to Care for a Parent with Dementia: Caregiving Tactics for Elderly Parents appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
Post-surgery recovery can be challenging for any person, but it can be especially so for seniors. To help you make the best of the situation, here are some tips from Kansas City Home Care on how to make your post-operative recovery period less stressful and more successful. Follow Your Physician’s Instructions Following your physician’s instructions […]
The post Respite Care Kansas City: Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Seniors appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
Are you the primary caregiver for an elderly loved one who lives far away? If so, you know how challenging it can be to manage long-distance caregiving. You may feel like you’re not doing enough or that you’re unable to be there for your loved one the way you want. But don’t worry – you […]
The post Long-Distance Caregiving: 6 Tips for Making Your Caregiving More Effective appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
Alzheimer’s is a devastating form of Dementia that robs people of their memories and eventually their ability to function independently. For families dealing with Alzheimer’s, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. One of the most difficult decisions families face is whether to keep their loved ones at home or place them in a […]
The post Understanding the Costs of In-Home Care for Alzheimer’s Patients appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
For many older adults, social interaction is an important part of life. When caring for an elderly loved one, many families feel the tug to take on the caregiving responsibilities themselves. But there are benefits to home care that can be worth considering. By bringing in outside help, families can give their loved ones the […]
The post Benefits of In Home Care Services To Consider appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
Nothing improves the quality of life for seniors than being active. Staying active helps older adults avoid or delay health issues associated with aging. Seniors may require help from relatives or professional caregivers to perform some activities. For instance, an older adult needs help from a trainer to engage in yoga. The best activities for […]
The post Activities for Seniors in Kansas City appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.