Unraveling 5 Myths About Aging

Getting older is a natural progression in life. It is one of the many stages that people go through. However, there are certain myths that surround the aging population and can make it seem less than desirable. In reality, there are many people who thrive in their golden years and make the most of this time in their life. Here are five common myths surrounding aging:

1. Being a senior is boring.

On the contrary, retirement can allow seniors to be more active than ever. They have more free time to spend as they choose, which can mean traveling, visiting family, joining clubs, and doing other things they’ve always wanted to try. There are plenty of events and groups geared toward older adults to keep them engaged and enjoying all that life has to offer.

2. Getting older means living in a nursing home.

More and more seniors are choosing to age in place as long as they can. This may mean making modifications around their home to improve safety and accessibility, but it allows them to stay where they are. In addition, Asheville senior services such as in-home care can provide them with the right level of assistance to help them maintain their independence. For many, nursing home care is not necessary until much later on.

3. Aging means developing dementia.

Only a fraction of seniors develop dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “One in nine people age 65 and older (11 percent) has Alzheimer’s disease,” and “about one-third of people age 85 and older (32 percent) have Alzheimer’s disease.” This means that there are a large percentage of people who are not affected. In addition, research continues to advance our understanding of the disease and potential strategies for slowing or one day curing it.

4. Aging brings about poor health.

With regular exercise, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle, many seniors continue to feel great. They are able to manage aches and pains and stay proactive to ward off illness. By knowing their risk factors and what to be aware of, seniors can promote better health and catch problems early on.

5. Getting older means being depressed.

Depression is not a typical part of aging. Staying involved with social groups, connecting with family and friends, and finding ways to keep busy and do things they enjoy can help ward off depression. Many seniors enjoy being able to spend time with grandchildren, take up new hobbies, and volunteer. If signs of depression do emerge, it is important to talk the doctor and get help.

Aging can be an exciting experience and allow seniors to embark on new opportunities. They see how the world has changed and where it is heading. They can pass on words of wisdom to younger generations. It does not have to be ‘doom and gloom.’ To help your senior better navigate through aging, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville to arrange for in-home care tailored to their needs. Call (828) 989-7263 to get started.

Tips for Alleviating Arthritis Pain

 Living with arthritis can be frustrating and painful. When your joints are stiff and achy, it can make it more difficult to do everyday activities and live comfortably. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are steps that seniors can take to reduce pain. What works well for one person may not be as effective for the next, so it can be beneficial to try different approaches and see what works best for your individual situation.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, so here are few strategies that you can try to alleviate pain:

Engage in regular exercise: It was once thought that exercise could make arthritis pain worse, but more recent studies have found that daily exercise can actually provide some relief. It is important that seniors are staying away from high-impact activities and focusing more on low-impact options. This could include swimming, biking, walking, yoga, and other aerobic activities. These exercises gently stretch muscles and joints and can enhance range of motion while alleviating pain.

Control weight: It is important for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. Even just a few extra pounds can put added stress on their joints and exacerbate the effects of arthritis. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help them to keep their weight in check. For those who are overweight, losing a few pounds can make a difference in the way they feel and provide some relief from arthritis pain. Seniors should check with their doctor to determine what weight is right for them and how to more effectively manage it.

Apply heat or cold: A heating pad or warm bath can soothe sore muscles and joints. It can also be a great way to relax and unwind. Make sure not to leave the heating pad in place for more than 20 minutes at a time to reduce the risk of burns. Another option is to apply an ice pack to sore spots to help reduce inflammation and temporarily ease pain. Try both and see which is more effective for your needs.

Use topical ointments: There are many topical creams and gels that can temporarily relieve pain. They often contain capsaicin and can be applied directly to areas where there is arthritis. They are absorbed through the skin and start working fairly quickly.

Take anti-inflammatory medication: There are both over-the-counter and prescription strength anti-inflammatory medications that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This can make moving and working less painful and allow you to carry on with daily activities.

Get a massage: Massage therapy can also ease pain. Let the therapist know where your arthritis is and what is bothering you. They can manually manipulate muscles to provide relief and target areas where you have the most pain. This can also help to relax stiff joints.

Seniors may find that a combination of treatments works well for dealing with arthritis pain. Keeping pain better managed can allow them to get more enjoyment out of their day. If arthritis is limiting, assistance from an in-home care provider can make taking care of their Asheville home and themselves a little easier. Find out how Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can support your senior with daily tasks and promote independence by calling (828) 989-7263 or visiting us online to arrange for your free consultation. Don’t let arthritis stand in your senior’s way.

Kitchen Renovations to Enhance your Senior’s Safety

The kitchen is most likely a central room in your aging parent’s Asheville home. It is where they prepare meals and often where some socialization occurs.  Ensuring that their kitchen meets their needs and everything is easily accessible is important to safety as they age. Trying to reach things on cluttered or high shelves or having to navigate tricky handles can be frustrating and dangerous. Making a few modifications to your senior’s kitchen can allow them to age in place more comfortably and safely. While some are relatively simple and cheap fixes, others require a little more planning.

Clear counter space so that they have plenty of room to work. This will allow them to keep necessary items close by as they prepare their meal, and they don’t have to constantly be trying to move things out of the way. Consider lining the edge of the counter with contrasting tape so that is more easily visible as they work.

Use non-slip flooring to help prevent falls. Traction is important, especially if your loved one has some balance or mobility issues. If there are rugs in the kitchen, make sure they are held securely in place and the edges are not rolled up where they can be tripped over.

Replace cabinet and drawer knobs with easier to pull handles. This reduces the need to try to grip something small in order to open the cabinet or drawer. Pull handles can be much easier to use and make things more convenient for those with arthritis. 

Install slide-out shelves or lazy Susans in cabinets so the contents are easier to reach. Your senior won’t have to try to dig to the back to find what they need. Pull-down shelving can make accessing cabinets more convenient as well. You don’t want your loved one to have to stretch and reach too much.

Side-by-side refrigerator and freezers mean less bending and stooping. More products can be kept in easy-to-reach locations. Also consider appliances that have larger displays that are easier to see and read. Bigger buttons and knobs can be simpler to navigate.

Increased lighting can also improve safety by making everything more visible. This can be valuable especially if their vision has deteriorated. Using contrasting colors for different objects can be beneficial as well. This makes them easier to pick out so they don’t blend into the background.

There are many other modifications such as pull-out counter space and raised or lowered cabinets as well if you are looking to make more extensive renovations. Planning ahead can allow you to make changes over time and better prepare for when they are needed. If your senior needs help around their Hendersonville home, in-home care through Always Best Care may be just what you are looking for. From help with planning and preparing meals to clean-up and organization, a caregiver can assist with these tasks and so much more. Support your aging parent in maintaining their independence as they age in place with high quality elder care from Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville. Call us today at (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com for your free consultation.