Senior and elderly wellness programs are put in place on a national, state and local level to help the elderly maintain the best quality of life possible during the changes that take place through aging. Most programs are free and give the elderly resources such as disease screening, diet and exercise support, and even help with prescription medications and doctor's appointments. By understanding what's available to you, you can better take advantage of the programs designed to keep you healthy.
Illness Prevention
Certain national and state programs allow free or low-cost screenings for certain diseases to help prevent, maintain and discover disease early in its progression. This helps seniors without health insurance to get the preventative care that they need to stay healthy. The American Heart Association sponsors clinics and screenings across the United States to help lower-income seniors get the care they need, and they are run through your local American Heart Association division.
Drug Support
Seniors can be on a variety of prescription medications for various conditions, without really understanding the purpose of the medication or its potential side effects. By seeing a community Senior Care Pharmacist who is endorsed by the National Council on Patient Information and Education, you can receive free advice concerning your prescriptions, how to take them and when to stop. The National Council on Patient Information and Education also offers information on its website for seniors taking prescription drugs.
Physical Activity
Staying active throughout your advanced years can help you feel and look younger. Many recreational facilities, community centers and elderly care centers offer physical activity programs that allow you to meet others your age and stay active via low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming. For instance, San Francisco offers The Active Aging Community Task Force Project, which has classes for seniors. Contact your city's sports and recreational department to inquire about options for the elderly to help you stay in shape and make the best of your years.
Elder Abuse
As of 2005, between 1 million and 2 million seniors were abused by someone they counted on for care and protection, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. The Institute on Aging offers classes and training for the elderly to help you recognize the signs of abuse and know where to find help if you are being abused. Having this informationcan empower you to stay safe, even if you depend on others for your daily care.
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