Havenly Care Solutions

MYTHS ABOUT AGING

With many assumptions about aging, it is important to understand the positive aspects that come with it. Adopting or continuing healthy habits and lifestyles can help preserve our health as we grow older. Here are some of the myths about aging that we should correct.

Dementia is a normal part of aging. Although the risk of dementia increases as we get older, it is not an inevitable part of aging. Many people live beyond their 90s without significant memory decline or exhibiting behaviors that characterize dementia. As we age, our brains may show slower processing speeds and difficulty multitasking, but this is not necessarily dementia. It is normal to occasionally forget recent events such as where you left your keys; Nevertheless, It is important to talk with your doctor if you have concerns with your memory and changes in behavior. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, Havenly Care Solutions has equipped its caregivers with skills to best care for you.

2. Depression is normal in older adults. Although depression is a common mood disorder, it is not a normal part of aging. In fact, the National Institute of Health studies show that older adults are less depressed than young adults. As people age, many feel isolated and alone; our companion caregivers may help alleviate this feeling by keeping your loved one engaged in everyday life.

3. Sleep needs decline with age. There is a big misconception that the older one gets, the less sleep one needs. As people age, they may experience difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep, which may be due to several factors including medications, diagnosis, or changes in the daily schedule. It is important to note that older adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night as all adults do. Adequate sleep is vital in preserving brain health as well as preventing falls.

4. Older adults do not need to exercise. The conception that older people should avoid exercise to prevent injury is not true. Almost anyone at any age can do some type of physical activity. In fact, Physical activity may help manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis, and chronic pain among others. Our caregivers help ensure your loved one safely participates in physical activities to help manage chronic conditions and maintain strong muscles, enhancing independence.

5. I can stop taking my blood pressure medications when it lowers or returns to a normal reading. High blood pressure is one of the common diagnoses in older adults and it can lead to serious problems if not properly managed. If you are on high blood pressure medications and your blood pressure stabilizes, it is a sign that the medicine and other lifestyle changes are effective. You should continue with your treatment and all lifestyle modifications that have led to this positive change. Havenly Care Solutions caregivers can be a great resource for medication reminders to ensure you comply with your treatment and live a healthy life.

Reference

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/10-myths-about-aging

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/dementia-not-normal-aging.html