The most common cause of death and many health problems in senior adults is smoking. Smoking has an impact on nearly every organ in the body, especially the lungs and heart.
Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older persons, as well as an increased risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, hearing abnormalities, breathing problems, bad odour, and taste abilities.
Smoking can causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Smoking also increases the risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and immune system problems, including rheumatoid arthritis.
It can also make some health problems worse in senior adults, including diabetes, osteoporosis, lung cancer symptoms, and mental health problems, such as depression and the loss of memory and concentration skills.
It can cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is nothing but breathing shortness in seniors that make them often feel breathless, cough, or generate more saliva than usual. COPD is frequently caused by smoking and other lung-damaging factors.
Prevention
Smoking is a part of daily life for someone who has smoked for a long time, and quitting may be tough.
As you become older, your bones weaken and change their form, which can impact the structure of your rib cage can cause lungs diseases symptoms. These are three critical measures for preventing serious respiratory problems:
- Break the cycle – Most smokers have a regular schedule of when, where, and even social circumstances in which they smoke. It is important to break this routine. Try taking them to the movies or visiting friends to get them out of their routine and distract them from the need to smoke.
- Remove things – Remove any ashtrays, matches, lighters, cigarette cases, and cigarettes that remind them of smoking. Clean the house thoroughly of any items that may have absorbed the odor of smoke, such as curtains, clothes, carpets, blankets, bedding, linens, and upholstery.
- Encourage each steps – Create encouraging posters and leave encouraging notes to remind them of their goals. When they successfully progress, celebrate and record their accomplishments.
- Distraction – Breathing fresh air and doing some exercise will remind them how much less tired they are today. Distracting them from their craving and supporting them as they go through this period is priceless.
- Meditation – Look for alternatives to replace their smoking habit with healthy options. Meditation may be a great technique to focus on positive change while also naturally calming your mind.
Healthy foods for senior adults
Having a well-balanced diet is essential for remaining healthy as you get older. It can assist you in maintaining a healthy weight, being motivated, and getting the nutrients you require. It also reduces your chances of getting chronic health disorders like heart disease and diabetes.
Consume meals high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to satisfy your nutritional requirements. To maintain a good healthy diet with healthy food, follow the given senior health tips below:
- Calories – To maintain a healthy weight, you’ll usually require fewer calories as you get older. Eating more calories than you burn leads to weight gain and obesity raises the risk of illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Calcium – Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium. Sardines and other canned fish with bones contain calcium as well. Calcium may also be found in green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and spinach), soya beans, and tofu.
- Iron – Seniors should consume enough iron-rich meals to help replenish their body’s iron stores. Red meat is the finest source of iron. It’s also in pulses (like peas, beans, and lentils), oily fish like sardines, eggs, bread, green vegetables, and morning cereals with extra vitamins.
- Hydration – You may not realize you’re thirsty as you get older. Drink plenty of fluids on a regular basis. Water can also be obtained via juice, tea, soup, or water-rich fruits and vegetables. Senior adults’ bodies require sufficient hydration to function correctly and to prevent constipation.
Vitamins
Vitamin C – rich foods and beverages help in iron absorption, so combine some fruit or vegetables or a glass of fruit juice with an iron-rich meal. Citrus fruits, green vegetables, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes are rich in Vitamin C.
Vitamin D – is important for everyone because it helps to grow and maintain healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Sunlight, meals, and vitamin D supplements are the three primary sources of vitamin D.
Folic acid – rich foods help in the maintenance of excellent health in old age. Green vegetables, brown rice, bread, and breakfast cereals that have vitamins added are foods that contain folic acid.
Visit Athulya Assisted Living
Athulya senior care is one of the best assisted living in Chennai, they have the best palliative care centers in Chennai. The nurses are quite skilled, and doctor visits are regular. As a result, Athulya guarantees a secure place for older persons with no room for error. To know more, visit Athulya at Athulya Assisted Living.
