What does everyone on the planet have in common? Well, in case you didn’t know, as we live and breathe each of us is getting older. Many people dread the prospects of getting older and losing their independence and possibly their home. It is important to us that we are in control of our everyday lives as long as possible.
The future begins today! There are promising technologies that can help us to stay safely in our own home. Please click on the following link and let’s take a walk into what very well might be in our not too distant future!
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/video/aging-at-home
In addition to technological advancements, there are simple measures you can take to stay safe as you grow old in your home. Among the most important are those taken to prevent falls, which are a leading cause of disability and death for seniors. The National Institute on Health and Aging recommends these actions:
- Stay physically active. Plan an exercise program that is right for you. Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger. It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Mild weight-bearing activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis.
- Have your eyes and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight and hearing may cause you to fall. When you get new eyeglasses, take time to get used to them. Always wear your glasses when you need them. If you have a hearing aid, be sure it fits well, and wear it.
- Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
- Get enough sleep. If you are sleepy, you are more likely to fall.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your balance and reflexes.
- Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop. That can make you feel wobbly.
- Use a walking stick if you need help feeling steady when you walk.
- Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces. They can be very slippery! Try to have sand or salt spread on icy areas by your front or back door.
- Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet. Don’t walk around on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.
- Keep your telephone by your bed and keep the floor free of clutter.
- Keep a night light by your bed.
- Consider wearing a medical alarm necklace.
Source: http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/falls-and-fractures
