If you repeat an action enough times, it will become a habit. Habits enable seniors to practice good actions, such as cleaning their teeth as if it were second nature. However, habits may also be bad behaviors that might affect your aging loved one’s health and shorten his or her life. While smoking, overeating, and drug or alcohol abuse are plainly detrimental to your loved one’s health, the following activities may also have a life-shortening impact.
No Bedtime or Sleep Routine
Sleep deprivation not only saps seniors’ vitality but may also impair their cognitive capacities. Sleep-deprived seniors have weaker memory abilities than those who receive enough sleep. Inadequate sleep may weaken the immune system, affect hormone levels, and make weight loss harder.
Eating In The Late Evening
The major reason why eating shortly before the night is hazardous is because seniors are more inclined to make bad dietary choices. Late-night munching may also cause heartburn since being prone or supine causes stomach acid to back up into the throat. If your senior struggles to stick with a routine, it is time to find companion care at home that can help them with meals and preparing for bed.
Not Eating Vegetables and Fruits
Sticking to a meat-and-potatoes diet can eventually harm your loved one’s health and lower their chances of living a long and healthy life. Fruits and vegetables include nutrients that heal and protect damaged cells. Consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables every day may lessen the risk of heart disease by up to 20%.
Not Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Flossing not only gives your loved one a bright smile and healthier teeth but also protects against gum disease, which raises the chance of developing heart disease and pancreatic cancer. Every senior should continue practicing good oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing. This is even true for seniors who have dentures. If they have questions about oral hygiene, it’s time to get your companion care at home and drive them to the dentist.
Watching too Much TV
Few things are as bad for an elderly person’s health as a sedentary lifestyle. Activities that keep your loved one seated for long periods, such as watching television, raise the risk of stroke, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Not Socializing Enough
Being alone may make elderly people more sensitive to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a negative result on their health and well-being. Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline, according to research.
Not Paying Attention to Nutrition
No matter what you read online, elderly people need to pay attention to what they consume. Eating packaged foods is convenient but can drastically shorten their lifespan. Having the right companion care at home can allow your senior to focus more on getting fresh foods but also allow them to get help meal prepping if necessary. This is a professional that a senior can rely on regardless of when you’re with them or not.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Companion Care at Home in La Crescenta, CA please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890