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3 Things to Consider as You Age

When you age, many aspects of your life and body will change. It is helpful to be prepared and understand some of the steps you may have to take at certain points in your life. The best way to keep on top of your health and wellbeing is to regularly visit your doctor for check-ups, as well as other specialists such as dentists and eye doctors. These are the best people to consult regarding any questions or queries you may have about your health, and they will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information, make recommendations and answer any questions you may have. Here are a couple of things to consider as you age.

Senior Living Facilities

As you age, it may be harder to perform certain daily tasks. You may need assistance or prompting to remember to do them. This is when senior living facilities may be appropriate for you. There are many different options available, so you will be able to find a community that fits your needs, requirements, and levels of independence. At Belmont Village, senior living options include independent and assisted living, memory care, and short stays.

There are several different factors that your physician or adult social care worker may use to assess the level of support and care you require, such as your physical and mental health. Furthermore, there are a number of different daily self-care tasks that most people can perform independently and unprompted. These are called the Activities of Daily Living and are:

  • Bathing
  • Eating
  • Moving
  • Dressing
  • Toileting
  • Continence

A further set of tasks called the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living can also help to spot disabilities that the ADLs may not, and they are:

  • Using the telephone
  • Driving/using public transport
  • Food preparation
  • Shopping
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundering clothes
  • Managing finances
  • Managing medication

In general, the more support you need to complete these tasks, the higher the level of care you will need, affecting the kind of senior living facility that you choose. It is incredibly common to require more help as you age, with nearly 7% of older adults in the United States requiring personal care from other people for things such as transportation and meal preparation. Senior living facilities have a big focus on maintaining independence for as long as possible and often have different amenities such as outdoor areas, restaurant-style dining, social activities, and different kinds of therapy services.

Teeth

As you age, it is common to experience tooth and mouth-related problems, such as tooth loss, gum disease, and a dry mouth. Your teeth are very strong and experience a lot of wear and tear throughout your life. It is vital to regularly visit your dentist and get them checked, as they will be able to spot any new dental problems, manage existing ones and answer any questions you might have. Common oral procedures include dental implants, crowns, and dentures. You can also use mouth guards to help protect your teeth against bruxism or teeth grinding. Your gums can also recede as you age, making you more prone to certain dental problems.

Having a good oral hygiene routine is important to make sure your teeth and mouth stay healthy for as long as possible. There are plenty of different types of food and drink that can help your teeth and damage them. Food that can help keep your teeth healthy when consumed as part of a balanced diet includes leafy greens, fish, and products that are high in calcium. You should avoid consuming large amounts of sugary food and drink, as they can contribute to plaque. Brushing at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, and regular flossing will also help keep your teeth healthy and gleaming, as well as the whole of your mouth.

Eyes

You may also find that your eyes deteriorate as you again, which is again very common. Eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma are some of the most common causes of vision loss among elderly individuals. It is incredibly important to regularly visit your eye doctor so that they can check your eyes, find any new problems and help you deal with existing ones. They will also be able to answer your questions, give you advice and make recommendations regarding the health of your eyes and vision.

Vision problems can be treated or managed in a variety of different ways, such as glasses, lenses, or surgery, and your eye doctor will be the best person to consult about this. You can also help to keep your eyes healthy, as well as regular check-ups. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, being physically active, and quitting smoking is beneficial for your eyes as well as your whole body. Dark leafy greens and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are all are just a couple of types of food that can help your eye health.

Protecting your eyes is also important. Wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation is very important, even on cloudy days. Protective eye gear such as safety goggles is designed to protect your eyes during certain construction work or sports activities. Giving your eyes a rest from staring at a screen is also a good idea, and you should do this every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Understanding your family’s history when it comes to vision and eye health can also help you understand whether you are at a higher risk of developing certain eye problems.

These are just a couple of things to consider about your life and body as you age, and it is not medical advice. There are many ways in which aging can affect you, and medical professionals are the best people to consult regarding any questions or concerns you may have. Keeping on top of your health and regularly attending appointments and check-ups is incredibly important.