5 Ways Seniors Can Reduce Arthritis Risk

Focus on Safety

The first step is for seniors at risk of developing arthritis to focus on safety. Addressing fall risk factors can help to prevent injuries that could lead to arthritis later. Elder care providers have a lot of experience helping seniors stay safe at home, so they can quickly identify safety hazards seniors can correct. Taking precautions to stay safe, like using handrails, is also important.

Consider Whether Weight Is a Factor

For some seniors, extra weight might be a contributing factor with arthritis. This may have more of an impact when seniors have arthritis in weight-bearing joints, like the hips or knees. Sometimes what happens is that arthritis pain causes seniors to avoid being as active as they were in the past. That can contribute to weight gain, therefore also increasing the pain from overloaded joints. Talking with healthcare providers about safe ways to maintain a healthy weight is often a good idea.

Make Dietary Changes

There are no diets that can prevent arthritis, but eating a healthy and balanced diet can give seniors the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean types of protein, and healthy fats can help seniors to properly fuel their bodies. Many of these foods, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can help seniors to cope with inflammation. Home care services can make it easier for seniors to eat more of these types of foods, keeping them stocked with snacks and meals that offer plenty of nutrients.

Stretch and Exercise

If seniors are cleared by their healthcare providers to exercise, stretching and gentle exercise allows seniors to maintain both balance and flexibility. Trying strength exercises can also be a good idea because this can help the muscles around the joints to better support them as seniors get stronger. Stretching routines at the beginning and end of the day can help with stiffness and discomfort.

Keep Up with Medical Appointments

Seniors also need to keep up with their medical appointments. This helps their doctors to stay on top of changes with their joint health and make accurate recommendations to help seniors maintain comfort. If driving is more difficult because of pain or stiffness, home care providers can handle the driving and get seniors where they need and want to go.

Arthritis isn’t necessarily a given, even if seniors have high risk factors for developing the condition. But there are steps that seniors can take to keep arthritis from progressing quickly. Home care providers can help seniors notice what is working for them and what isn’t so they can adjust routines as necessary.

Source
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12061-arthritis

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Newton, KS, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas today. Call 620-603-0685.

Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas is a Trusted Home Care Agency Barton, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Larned, Lyons, Marion, McPherson, Newton, Pawnee, Rice, Reno, Salina, Sedgwick, Stafford, and the surrounding areas.