Changes due to the aging process also need to be addressed. Calcium reabsorption increases especially in women after the menopause, this decreases bone density. Lean tissue decreases as fat increases with age; there is also a decline in the percentage of body water meaning that body temperature is more difficult to control. Thirst decline and decreased renal function means that older people can become dehydrated (Copeman 1999). The function of the bowel reduces, meaning that the elderly are more susceptible to indigestion and constipation. The risk of constipation is also increased with Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s UK 2011). The final consideration is the deterioration of the sensory system. Taste, smell, vison, pain and touch all decline meaning that food may not be as appealing (Copeman 1999).
Some elderly individual choose to go on day outings organised by the care home. This can be a form of platform for individuals to meet new friends, have new stimulating conversation and discussions.
Many of the elderly find themselves living in isolation. There are many reasons why the elderly will find themselves living alone and in isolation. Many times caregivers have difficulty intervening. Social isolation can have many effects on the health status of the elderly. When alone the mental, physical and even the nutritional status of the older person can be affected. Trying to get the person to accept that they are being isolated can be difficult. There are a few resources that can have a positive impact on the elderly. This paper discusses issues of isolation and the elderly.
When understanding the personal and social identity of a person who has Alzheimer 's, the place of residence is an important influence on their identity. When interviewing two separate employees of different Alzheimer 's care facilities, each had different perspectives on the stay at home versus facility living identities.A staff member at New Dawn Memory Care, Sky, thought patients who continued living in their home had the greatest control over their environment, as they were probably in the home in which they had lived in for many years, if not most of their life.They still retained control over their daily routine, from when they woke up in the morning, their meal times, and activities in their free time. Sky suggested that there were more objects around the home to aid them in remembering their lives. She also saw that patients in a facility were forced to lead more regimented lives having less free time. Along with only receiving on bedroom and bathroom, common spaces are used for the rest of their daily activities. In addition, there are limits on the number of personal belongings a patient could have. In contrast, Heather at Morning Star at Bear Creek believed patients staying at home were more prone to becoming isolated, and are sensitive to shame about having Alzheimer 's. Additionally, there is only one caregiver with a patient at home, leading to the caregiver to experience burnout. When a patient is surrounded by peers who share the same struggles, shame is less
Social isolation can be a major health problem for many older adults (Dickens, Richards, Greaves, & Campbell, 2011). Social isolation involves, individuals lacking social connections and engagement with others (Nicholson, 2012). Depression in elderly populations has become more prevalent with the aging population (Pittock, 2012). Depression has negative effects on many facets of an elderly persons life, including quality of life and functional abilities (Ell, 2006). Depression rates in those 65+ living alone has been found to be between 1% - 4% (Mojtabai & Olfson, 2004). A recent meta-analysis found, those with strong social networks had a 50% reduction in the
Senior people, just like everyone else, need to eat properly to maintain health. Eating well can improve mental acuteness, resistance to illness, and energy levels. You have to maintain a healthy diet to have a positive outlook and being emotionally balanced. We, ExPO Signature Home Care, a home health care agency in New Jersey, helps our senior maintain a healthy diet is by providing them with of Go, Grow, and Glow foods.
Families often tend to be isolated from the community. This means that it is important to extend dementia services and supports to the home.
It is inevitable that as one ages their physical and mental abilities begin to deteriorate, however this is avoidable by simply making the time to perform regular moderate exercises. Such examples include walking, jogging, dancing, hiking, and swimming. Common aerobics such as these, are effective in providing physical strength, balance, and overall wellness. Additionally, the individual will be less likely to struggle in preforming his daily tasks independently, and will be able to prevent accidents such as falling. Furthermore, maintaining a proper diet is an essential quality required for successful aging. Older people living alone are usually unable to get their proper nutrition due the their lack of independence. Fortunately, if they have a caregiver, there is someone to provide nutritious and appealing meals. Also, they are more prone to dehydration, therefore, they should be drinking at least one and half to two liters every day. Well-balanced meals that incorporate all the essential nutrients will more likely give older person energy to sustain their physical exercise. As a result, when one integrates exercising and eating nutritiously, he will live longer and stronger by keeping his muscles, bones, organs and other
Approximately one third (1/3) of older people with dementia live alone. (de Witt et al.,
As we get older, our social connections often gets smaller, only having things or people that are extremely important to us. In this paper we will be examining the social-psychological problems; social isolation and loneliness that are faced by elderly by facilitating the response to five main discussion topics. The following discussion will facilitate the understanding of social isolation and loneliness, the risk factors, explore the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness in long term care facilities and the role of occupational therapist assistants and physiotherapist assistants have this emerging issue of social isolation.
A lot of older people live independently and are able to maintain relationships with family and friends. It is common for older adults to experience
Correct eating choices made in early adulthood and youth makes great impact on future health and wellness. Like men, women should include variety of foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, low fat dairy and lean protein in their diet. As special nutrients help reduce combat stress, PMS, boost fertility, make pregnancy and nursing easier and ease symptoms of menopause should be included in their diet.
Women in midlife may be at a higher risk of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels or diabetes. A healthy diet requires that you avoid excessive intake of sugar and salt, keep your weight within normal range, and consume adequate amounts of fiber and whole foods in their unprocessed state give you nutrients without unnecessary additives. Fiber rich foods may help you lose weight, and to keep your cholesterol levels under control, going for a walk after lunch or dinner will aid in increasing your metabolic rate and burn calories.
Although calorie needs decrease, the elderly have an increased need for certain vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is especially important for the elderly to eat foods that are nutrient dense (6). They should eat an array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish, poultry, low-fat milk, and dairy products while reducing intake of sweets.
Public health is now fasing a major threat due to adulterated food. Food adulteration is the process of adding chemical substances with foods, which should not be contained within food and beverages. Adulterated Food is food that is generally unsafe, impure and toxic.