Life Expectancy vs Quality of Life
With modern healthcare advancements, the average U.S. life expectancy continues to increase. That sounds like good news, but is it? Is the quality of life for seniors keeping up with their longevity? Unfortunately, in many cases, it isn’t. In fact, according to information gathered by the Pew Research Center, only about 19 percent of people over the age of 75 believe their lives are going to improve in the next year. What are the factors detracting from our older adults’ enjoyment of their golden years? And what can people with older loved ones do to improve their quality of life?
Helping Seniors Find Purpose
If there’s nothing left to accomplish, it can be difficult to find the value in living. Having a sense of purpose is important to older people, and research indicates that it lowers their risk of cognitive impairment, heart attacks, and strokes. People who feel valued and like they belong are more likely to take care of themselves, remain physically active, and live longer. And while older adults are often dismissed as not having anything more to offer, they have plenty to give. A long life means a wealth of knowledge, and seniors can share their wisdom and creativity in ways that benefit their families and communities. Even simple things, like caring for a pet, babysitting a grandchild, helping with shopping or cooking, or tending a garden, can help give older people a sense of purpose.
Supporting Mental Health
Isolation and loneliness often affect older adults, and this can lead to depression. Losing close friends and family members, retiring from a career, and dealing with chronic health issues can all contribute to this depression, so family members and friends should pay attention to signs their older loved one may be depressed. If you notice that your older loved one is dealing with persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness, is irritable, fatigued, or has lost interest in things that used to be important, encourage him or her to seek the help of a professional. Additional signs of depression include difficulty sleeping or concentrating, as well as aches and pains that do not have a physical cause.
Promoting Good Physical Health
Regular activity is important for maintaining physical and mental health as people get older. Exercise lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, improves sleep quality, heart health, strength and stamina, alleviates anxiety, and more. Even people with limited mobility can find ways to be active, through activities like chair yoga. Talking with the person’s doctor can be a good place to start determining the best way to stay active. Proper nutrition is also a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes older people can have difficulty eating a balanced diet. To help a senior live a better life, offer support with preparing or delivering meals.
Encouraging Mental Activity
Older people who continue to learn, create, and explore can stay mentally sharp for longer, and have a better quality of life than if they allow their brains to decline. Encourage your loved one to engage in hobbies, be creative and curious, and try new things. Talk to the older adults in your life about their experiences, and help them find ways to learn new things and explore their interests. Games and puzzles can also help provide mental stimulation and ward off cognitive decline and dementia.
Facilitating Connection
Help your older loved one's combat loneliness by staying connected and encouraging them to connect with others. Even just greeting a neighbor can help assuage loneliness, but further engagement can do a world of good. Look for opportunities for your loved ones to give back by volunteering or mentoring, and help them stay socially active. Classes and community groups can help provide social circles of older people, and technology can help them stay connected to far away friends and family members. Interacting with pets can also provide connection, and older people with pets tend to have fewer mental health challenges, stronger immune systems, and lower risk of heart disease.
Creating a Support System
To enjoy a good quality of life, seniors must feel safe and comfortable in their homes. They need access to transportation and healthcare, time outside, and a system of support in place to help them thrive. To improve your loved one’s quality of life, look for ways to meet these needs, either on your own, by accessing community resources, or by enlisting the help of homecare professionals.
Quality of Life Improved Through Quality Care
At BrightStar Care® of Carroll & Frederick County, we understand the need for quality in-home caregiving, because of our own family experiences. Our founder, John Kraynak, of Frederick, experienced the realities of caregiving in his own family, when his father developed dementia and his mother became his primary caregiver. Seeing the stress it caused her, the strain it placed on their relationship, and how complicated it was to navigate the world of in-home care, Kraynak decided that there should be an easier way. A businessman in the field of engineering, he decided to look into established homecare businesses and franchises to use as a jumping-off point. Learning about BrightStar’s high standard of care and commitment to a continuum of care, he knew he had found the right option. Today, BrightStar Care of Carroll & Frederick County provides a wide range of home care and medical staffing services, offering high-quality, compassionate care for our clients and unparalleled support for the local healthcare system. For more information about how we can meet your family’s unique needs, call or contact us through our website.