“We need to become activists in promoting healthful behaviors and try our best to remain active and healthy the rest of our lives.” (Arthur Hayward, MD, Geriatrician and clinical lead physician for Kaiser Permanente.)

Loneliness and social isolation can lead to poor health, an increased number of falls and dementia.

Tips for Health:

Regular health screenings

Medicare provides annual wellness visits. Women need a mammogram regularly after the age of 40. Men need to be checked for prostate cancer. Seniors don’t hear or see as well as they should; undiagnosed or untreated hearing problems make communication difficult.

Purpose in life

Hobbies such as volunteer work at a food pantry, church, animal shelter or making sweaters for drug addicted babies are ways to stay busy. Many seniors benefit from learning new games or artistic outlets, such as bridge, bingo, or painting.

Reduce stress

Schedule lunch and fun events with family and friends. Regular exercise, yoga, or meditation are other ways to keep stress at bay. An active person has a healthy mind.

Pets

Pets provide a social aspect to one’s day. Nurturing a dog or cat relieves feelings of social isolation. Walking the dog is good not only for the pet but provides activity and purpose to the owner. Studies have shown that seniors who have a pet companion tend to be healthier.

Transportation

When adequate transportation doesn’t exist, there is social isolation. Start with short rides on public transportation. See if your town has arrangements with the local taxi company for discounted rides. Also, ridesharing services such as Uber are available.

Technology

Teach seniors to use the computer and social media for keeping in contact with friends and family or playing games. They may enjoy texting on their phone.

Support seniors who have lost a spouse

Provide extra emotional and social support for seniors who have lost their mates. Spend time with them by going to the movies, a restaurant, and including them in family events.

Personal connections

Don’t count out sexual intimacy — there is no reason to limit sexual enjoyments. Even the smallest amount of contact is beneficial, such as friendly hugs as you’re greeting or farewell.

Article Provided by:
Senior Helpers
503-990-7112
www.SeniorHelpers.com/Salem

Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths worldwide and over 27,000 falls result in death every year. Fear of falling should not rule your life.

Here are some common risk factors:

• Climbing ladders or standing on unsteady chairs
• Rushing or not using mobility devices, such as a cane or walker
• Wearing poor fitting shoes
• Walking in non-skid or loose socks or in slippers without a sole
• Medical conditions, such as neurological, or cardiac
• Medications with falls as a side-effect (talk to your doctor)
• Poor mobility (inactivity), cognition, and vision
• Uneven, slippery, or irregular walking surfaces/stairs
• Discontinuous or poorly-fitted handrails
• Inadequate or excessive lighting
• Loose carpets, rugs, cords and/or electrical wires

The key to preventing falls is recognizing risks and taking necessary steps to avoid them. Begin your fall prevention plan by making an appointment with your doctor. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about medications that may contribute to falls and get your eyes and ears checked yearly. Ask your doctor about what exercise is right for you. Physical activity can go a long way by improving your balance, mobility and reaction time. It can also improve your strength so you can stay independent. Exercising provides more energy to do the things you want to do and prevents or delays diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Keep your home hazard free. Make your home safer by removing boxes, newspaper, electrical/phone cords from hallways. Move coffee tables, magazines racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas. Clean spilled liquids, grease, or food immediately.

Article Provided by:
Wellness at Home 541-650-6200
www.WellnessAtHomeHealth.com