A lot of negativity surrounds ageing in our country. With easy access to the internet, family members of seniors tend to consult the web, trust in hearsay and unfounded health-related rumors’ that end up branding a hale and hearty senior as someone who needs medical attention. As a senior you need to be aware of common myths regarding ageing, so that you do not fall in the trap many unfortunate seniors find themselves in.
Old age and senility go hand in hand. Almost always, senility and old age are spoken of in the same breath. But the truth is that only a very small percentage of seniors actually end up with the disease. And the good news is that age-related decline in mental functions can be prevented and even reversed. A study has shown that many symptoms of senility are linked to vitamin deficiencies. In fact, vitamin inadequacy has also been linked to irritability and forgetfulness. So make sure you’re eating nutrient- rich food or taking supplements in line with your doctor’s advice.
Old age means no teeth. Wearing dentures and forever losing the pleasure of digging into your favourite food depends entirely on how well you have maintained tooth and gum health up until now. It is true that the gum disease Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults, but dental hygiene and regular cleaning by your the dentist can help fight gum infections. Look out for signs that indicate something is wrong like tooth sensitivity, pain, swollen gums, sore or bleeding in the mouth, dry mouth, difficulty in chewing, tasting and swallowing, etc. Don’t miss visiting your dentist on a regular schedule. He will guide you regarding the type of toothbrush, floss and mouthwash you should use.
Diseases increase as you get older. You do experience changes in your physical and mental abilities as you grow older and that’s only natural. What is true for every young also applies to an older adult and that is, when immunity levels dip, infections are successful in their attack. So make sure you keep your immunity levels up always. This can be done by making lifestyle changes like giving up smoking, dietary changes, a suitable exercise regimen, taking vitamin supplements, sound sleep etc. Discuss these with your doctor in detail and also other suggestions that he may have.
There’s not much benefit in exercising at this age. A sedentary life is more likely to damage your health. So switch off that television, go out there and start those exercises recommended by your doctor. Don’t be reluctant to exercise, physical activity is what boosts health. Elderly individuals who exercise regularly reap rich benefits-they enjoy improved cardiovascular health which in other words means a stronger heart, their muscles are fitter and more flexible, their bodies successfully stave off chronic disease, they have better balance and strength.
Learning new things becomes difficult with age. Haven’t you watched a senior use a mobile phone? Don’t you have a pal who’s constantly discussing his Facebook friends? All this goes to show that modern gizmos have found their way into the daily lives of the elderly and they are enjoying every bit of it. Learning is about how willing you are and nothing will be too hard to master. Get started by asking your tech-savvy friends about the internet, cell phone and other devices you are not comfortable with.
Now that you have become familiar with these myths, the next time you hear something about senior- health that is incorrect, speak out. This will greatly benefit those who blindly trust anything and everything they hear and follow every bit of advice given to them without delving deeper.
