During this worrisome time of the pandemic it’s important to still keep a healthy senior routine. Doesn’t everyone want to keep themselves active and healthy as long as possible? Well certain lifestyle choices can keep seniors on their toes late into life. Provide yourself with a killer routine to keep fresh into the golden years!
Where to Start on Your Senior Health Grind
Sleep Tight
It might seem simple, but getting a full night’s rest is going to keep you kicking on.
How to encourage better sleep at night:
Naturally boost your melatonin levels
Artificial lights at night can suppress your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy. Use low-wattage bulbs where safe to do so, and turn off the TV and computer at least one hour before bed.
Don’t read from a backlit device at night
If you use a portable electronic device to read, use an eReader that requires an additional light source.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool, and your bed is comfortable
We often become more sensitive to noise as we age, and light and heat can also cause sleep problems. Using a sound machine, ear plugs, or a sleep mask can help.
Use your bedroom only for sleep
By not working, watching TV, or using your computer in bed, your brain will associate the bedroom with just sleep.
Move bedroom clocks out of view
The light can disrupt your sleep and anxiously watching the minutes tick by is a surefire recipe for insomnia.
Yearly Eye Exam
Most older adults know how important it is to see their doctor at least once a year for a checkup. It’s the best way to identify small health problems before they develop into big ones that can’t be treated. What few seniors are aware of is how important it is to pay an annual visit to the eye doctor. Because the risk for eye problems increases with age, older adults need to make vision health a priority.
Cataracts
A condition that causes clouding of the eye’s lens. Cataracts can usually be corrected with surgery.
Diabetic retinopathy
A condition related to diabetes, diabetic retinopathy causes damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. It is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
Macular degeneration
This age-related vision problem affects the light-sensitive tissue in the eye. It can lead to blindness.
Glaucoma
This is a term to describe a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the eye. It can lead to serious vision loss. Early intervention often helps prevent blindness.
The Victorian Assisted Living and Retirement Community
The Victorian is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.
We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional well-being. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact The Victorian today to learn more about our services or tour our community.
