1. Chronic Pain can and Should be Treated
Many elderly individuals suffer from chronic pain. Either as a disease process by itself or in conjunction with other debilitating illnesses--heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis--the pain itself can be unbearable. Unfortunately, many elderly people (and their younger care takers) assume that pain is an inevitable piece of aging and disease processes. It is not. Pain can and should be treated. There are also many misconceptions about addiction and abuse with the use of medications (narcotics) to control pain that prevent people from seeking out help. In reality, medications used for pain relief have a small risk for abuse--elderly people suffering from chronic disease and pain should and can have their pain treated.
2. Obesity and Chronic Disease
Of people aged 65 and older--one in five are obese and nearly one in three is sedentary. These individuals are reporting no physical activity in the past month and only 30 percent are eating at least five fruits and vegetables a day. Insufficient exercise and poor diet can both ultimately lead to obesity--and also chronic disease. Chronic disease can be prevented or reversed in some circumstance with adequate exercise and nutrition. Be physically active, eat a well balanced diet and see your doctor.
3. Find out And get Screened
Research suggests that more than one third of elderly Americans have not been screened for colorectal cancer and one quarter of women over the age of sixty-five have not had a mammogram in the last two years. Ask your health care provider what screenings and preventative testings are appropriate for you and get them done. Managing your health as you age can be very challenging. Find a doctor's office that will work with you on keeping up to date with needed procedures and enlist your friends and family to help you to interpret the results and follow treatment plans created by your health care providers.
4. What you can do to stay Healthy
Staying healthy may help you avoid chronic disease. You can do that with a few simple steps. Staying up to date with your vaccinations (pneumonia and flu among others) is important in staying healthy. As you age your immune system may fade, having these immunizations on board will help you to more successfully fight off infection. Be physically active and eat well balanced diet. Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake as well. Make and keep appointments for regular checkups and other tests and screenings that need to be done
5. Learn How to Prevent Falls
As you age your center of gravity changes, as does your weight, strength and balance. Falling can cause a downturn in health due to the immobility caused by injury. Keep the pathways in your home free of clutter. Throw rugs should have non-skid pads underneath them to prevent slipping. Keep the house well lit and use night lights in the evening and night time. Keep walkways free of snow and ice and wear shoes with a solid base of support and tread. Use assistive devices as needed and learn to ask for help when the physical task may be too much.
