aging

 

Age might just be a number, but as we age and that number gets bigger, our bodies begin to change. The older we get, the more prone to health problems we become. A lot of us dread the ageing process because of this. I mean, there’s nothing fun about being old and sick, is there?

 

Although we dread it, what we need to understand is that like it or not, we are constantly ageing. With every second, we get that little bit older. The important thing isn’t to dwell on the downsides of ageing; it’s to think about what changes and how we can manage those changes. Your golden years might be decades away, but it never hurts to plan in advance.

 

This year, at the ripe old age of 23, I plan on starting my pension, but what else should I be thinking about?

 

What are the most common ailments that affect older people?

 

The older we get, the more prone we are to all sorts of health conditions and problems. From cancers to joint and bone problems, with each year that passes, we become more prone to problem after problem.

 

The most common conditions that older people suffer from are arthritis, dementia, and heart problems. The good news is that while we can’t stop these altogether, there are treatments for most of them. We also know that the healthier and more active we are when we’re younger, the less likely to develop these problems we are.

 

Let’s talk mobility

 

An issue that a lot of older people have is with their mobility. As we age, our muscles and joints deteriorate, making us a lot less mobile. This means that we can no longer do the things that we used to and often become a lot less active.

 

That being said, that doesn’t have to be the case. Although we become less mobile as we age, there are things we can do to stay active. While you may not longer be able to go for a run each morning, swimming, cycling and meditational exercise are all good ways to stay healthy and mobile. A little bit of exercise can have a big impact on how mobile you are, so it’s more than worth making the effort.

 

What about care – is a nursing home the only option?

 

The thing that most of us dread about getting older is having to leave our homes to live in a nursing home. I’m not a fan of hospitals as it is, and to me, a nursing home is like a hospital, just one that you live in. When I get older, I hope to stay self-sufficient for as long as possible. Then, when I am no longer able to look after myself, I love the idea of getting 24 hr Live In Care. I mean, why leave your home if you don’t have to?

 

Or, if I don’t need full-time help, I would look at getting a nurse to come in each morning and evening. I would also look at getting healthy, ready-made meals delivered to my door. Why cook when there’s a service for that? Getting older may not be all that fun, but it does come with a lot of pampering. From meals delivered to your door to the help of a daily nurse, life can be good as you age.

 

So there you have it, a guide to the health changes and effects that come with age.