Joint pain is a common complaint among seniors, and while some may have serious medical conditions like arthritis, others may simply have aches and pains that come with aging. While seniors may not be able to fix their joint health overnight, there are some things they can do that will have a long-term impact on how they feel. Read on to learn what seniors can do to boost their joint health in safe, smart ways.
Lose Weight
Being overweight can put a lot of stress on joints, particularly the knees. Individuals who are more than 20 pounds overweight are likely to feel some pain in their joints as they age because they’re carrying excess weight. A simple weight loss plan that replaces high-fat, high-calorie foods with healthier, more nutritious ones is ideal for seniors.
By making positive lifestyle choices, especially eating nutritious foods, many older adults can delay the impacts of aging on their joints. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Do Aerobic Exercises
Seniors may not be able to do strenuous exercises, but in most cases, they can do things like basic aerobics and walking. Regular exercise can ease joint pain in many seniors, especially if they’ve been sedentary in the past. Exercise can also help overweight seniors slim down.
Try Strength Training
Most seniors aren’t going to be lifting heavy weights, but light free weights can build valuable muscle mass. Building a little extra muscle through strength training can bolster the ligaments around the joints so they don’t do all the work.
Weak and painful joints are only one of many age-related conditions older adults may experience. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Maintain Good Posture
Standing up straight reduces pressure on joints by spreading body weight evenly over a person’s whole frame. Seniors who take time to correct their posture will have less joint pain in the long run.
Reduce Sugar Intake
Sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to aching joints. Processed sugars like those found in cookies and cakes should be avoided whenever possible. Refined carbohydrates like those found in white bread, pasta, and pastries should also be replaced with whole grains that cause less inflammation.
Severe joint issues can make it difficult for aging adults to handle the basic activities of daily living on their own. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Oshkosh, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Senior Stride Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at 920-717-1767 today.