It is a well-known axiom that preventing disease is much better than treating or curing it. That being said below is some ways in which assisted living in Odessa, FL can be used to prevent chronic conditions before they appear.
Healthier Eating
The food you eat will play a great role in how you age and your ability to avoid chronic conditions. However, it can be difficult for elders living alone to maintain a balanced diet themselves, but after joining assisted living they will have access to a cuisine rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products which are low in fat and lean protein. Ingredients such as sodium, saturated fat and sugar will be minimized to prevent heart conditions and type two diabetes.
Regular Health Screenings
Many people over the age of 65, especially men, are reluctant to visit a doctor unless they have to. The problem with this attitude is that chronic conditions can sneak up on you, remaining undetected until it’s too late. Upon becoming a member of an assisted living community you’ll gain access to regular health screenings which will help identify problems well in advance before they begin to adversely impact your life. Examples of these include prediabetes testing and cancer screening.
Know Your Familial Genetics
There are some chronic conditions that run in the family. Examples of these include osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer. If your parents or grandparents had these conditions, you may be at increased risk of developing it to. After becoming a member of an assisted living community, you’ll be asked questions about your familial history which can help identity disorders and take the steps necessary to prevent their onset.
Get More Sleep
Did you know that many elders aren’t getting enough sleep? Lack of sleep has been associated with a number of problems, including depression, heart disease, diabetes and more. Experts recommend that those over the age of 65 get at least seven hours’ worth of sleep each day. Not only do assisted living communities encourage residents to get enough sleep, they also believe in quality, which is why the beds and dwellings are designed to provide maximum comfort, peace and quiet.
Get Regular Exercise
One of the best ways to stop chronic conditions in their tacks is regular exercise. Millions of Americans are obese and out of shape, which certainly takes its toll as once advances in age. Assisted living communities encourage their residents to engage in mildly intense physical activities for a minimum of 150 minutes each week, which can consist of walking or bicycle rides, and muscle strengthening exercises are also available.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking
The dangers of alcohol and tobacco are well known to the public, but many people choose to indulge anyway. Those who do so excessively will develop conditions like high blood pressure, liver disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Smoking in particular can cause issues with the lungs, which is why the majority of assisted living communities totally ban it outright for both residents and visitors.
