Do you know how life expectancy in the U.S. compares to other countries?
While there was a decrease in life expectancy in 2020 due to COVID-19, the trend is mostly upward in the U.S. However, the increase is slower for both men and women compared to other countries. The disparity is more apparent when focusing on people belonging to the older age group.
So what does this tell you? Even though there’s higher health spending in the U.S., older people’s life expectancy is still low. You may worry about this if you have aging parents, especially if you think they’re doing things that make them age faster.
That being said, let’s talk about the common mistakes people make that keep them from staying young.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Working out, eating right, and getting enough sleep are all necessary for optimal health.
Unfortunately, many people over 65 experience sleep difficulties. If your parents complain about not getting enough sleep, it’s time to take action. First, ensure they don’t consume alcohol and caffeine before bedtime.
It’s also crucial to stop using gadgets because tablets and mobile screens emit blue light that could disrupt the normal sleep-wake cycle. If your parents are at a senior living facility, you can discuss their sleep issues with the staff members involved in their care.
Being Inactive
As mentioned, working out is one of the essentials for good health and wellbeing.
However, exercising may not be as easy for older individuals. If your parents aren’t fond of working out, remind them of the benefits, including more energy, better balance, improved brain function, and better cardiovascular health.
The trick is to find activities they love doing so they don’t get bored and stop working out. Some safe exercises worth considering include water aerobics, chair yoga, and walking.
Smoking
If there’s one thing that speeds up the aging process like no other, it’s smoking.
Smoking slows the body’s collagen production, resulting in wrinkly skin, and it also raises one’s risk of getting cancer. So if you’re determined to get your parents to quit smoking, you’ll be glad to know that older smokers are more successful at quitting.
Of course, you should do everything to help them out. Get help from a doctor or enlist the aid of a smoking counselor. Be sure to ask about nicotine patches, gums, and nasal sprays, and help your folks find a quitting method that suits their lifestyle.
Not Drinking Enough Water and Eating Well
Dehydration is a problem among older adults because they have reduced thirst signals. Some seniors also have issues with urinary incontinence, which makes them hesitant to drink lots of fluids. Others also contend with mobility issues and swallowing problems.
To prevent dehydration, offer fluids throughout the day in smaller quantities. You may also supplement with fruits with high water content (e.g., watermelon). You can also provide more fluids when the individual is sick or when the weather is hot.
Besides hydration, be sure your parents’ diet is healthy and balanced. Avoid fast foods loaded with sugar and additives. You can also get them on a Mediterranean diet for heart health and longevity.
Are You Worried About Your Aging Parents?
You want to spend more years with your parents, and you want them to enjoy their golden years more.
While access to what the healthcare industry offers is essential, don’t forget what you can do for your aging parents. By helping them avoid the mistakes listed here, you can help them live longer.
For more tips on senior care, check our other posts.
