According to the ncoa.org article, “Get the Facts on Healthy Aging,” seniors have more chronic conditions than other age groups with 95% having at least one and almost 80% having two or more. Among the most common are hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and arthritis, but others include heart disease, dementia, lower respiratory disease, cancer, kidney disease, and depression. While a chronic condition diagnosis may seem like the beginning of the end, there are preventative steps that can minimize the impact of chronic conditions and make management easier and more beneficial.
Steps to Minimize the Impact of Chronic Conditions
Stick to the treatment plan
For every chronic condition, a treatment plan should be followed explicitly. Unfortunately, however, multiple studies have found that adherence to these plans often varies, limiting effectiveness. According to the epainassist.com article, “Strategies for Improving Patient Adherence to Treatment Plans,” the reasons can be as diverse as costs, lack of understanding, fears of side effects and dependency, lack of symptoms, depression, confusion over multiple medications, forgetfulness, and poor social support.
To best narrow this list of potential problems seniors should ask their physician to thoroughly explain their treatment plan including medications and side effects and provide them with a written plan to follow each day. Many seniors find it helpful to have a caregiver or family member accompany them to the appointment to help ask questions and clarify concerns upfront.
For those with memory problems and/or multiple medications, there are tools such as apps like those described in the care365.care article, “Top 5 Medication Management Apps for Elderly Health.” These go beyond providing simple reminders to warn about drug interactions, helping with refills, keeping a medication list handy, and even facilitating communications with health care providers.
Get educated about chronic conditions
Seniors don’t have to have a medical degree to gain enough knowledge to manage a chronic condition. While many seniors start with their physician, the next step is often the internet which is rife with misinformation, scams, and quacks. However the nia.nih.gov article, “How To Find Reliable Health Information Online,” explains how to avoid trustworthy and up-to-date information on government sites as well as educational institutions, legitimate medical societies and associations, advocacy groups, and some commercial organizations. It is also essential to always check the date of the information and never provide personal information, pay for information, or visit sites that do not start with https:// which signifies they are secure.
Get help coping
While many chronic conditions are fairly easy to manage, others can be difficult and impact daily life and mental well-being. Not only can a chronic condition cause stress and physical and mental challenges, but it can also elicit fears about the future, financial difficulties, disabilities, and other problems. According to the clevelnadclinic.org article, “Chronic Illness,” signs that it’s time to get help include anxiety, depression, sadness, relationship problems, poor sleep and fatigue, body aches, headaches, loss of interest in favorite pastimes, and problems with cognition.
To get the right help, ask a physician for a referral, join a local help group specific to the condition or locate a chronic illness therapist through the Psychology Today tool “Find a Chronic Illness Therapist.”
Make healthy choices for good senior health
Overall, one of the best preventative measures to take with any chronic condition is to adopt a healthier lifestyle. In addition to quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, start with diet and follow medical instructions as well as basic information provided in the USDA’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.” In particular, seniors should zero in on nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, eggs, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Keep in mind that “fresh is best” and avoid processed foods, foods with added salt and sugar, and those high in saturated fats.
Next ramp up physical activity as much as possible. The cdc.gov article, “Chronic Conditions & Disabilities Activity,” notes that exercise is important for people with a range of chronic conditions including dementia, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, type 2 diabetes, hypertension/stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activities each week and muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week. Learn more in the cdc.gov article, “Older Adult Activity: An Overview.”
In addition, the health.harvard.edu article, “10 habits for good health,” recommends drinking enough water, using sunscreen, flossing regularly, taking an afternoon nap, taking up a hobby, socializing, and practicing breathing exercises to reduce stress.
Enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle every day at Ganton’s Countryside. For more information about Countryside, please call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.
