December 14th, 2020

​3 Big Health Challenges You’ll Face While Aging
Younger adults take their good health for granted, but as we get older, we can’t ignore the impact that health has on our daily lives. It’s what leads many people to slow down starting in their 60s and 70s. Within a few years, the effects of age can have a serious impact on quality of life.

While you can’t escape age, you don’t have to age in ill health. Many of the health problems that seniors face are preventable through lifestyle changes.

Are you ready to tackle the challenges of aging? These are three health problems you’ll face and how you can overcome them for better health while aging.

You get sick easily
Aging immune systems are more susceptible to infection and disease. It’s why older adults get sick more often and more seriously than their younger peers and why vaccinations are so important for older adults. Vaccinations don’t protect against everything, however. A weakened immune system also increases a senior’s risk of developing cancer and autoimmune disease.
 
Vaccinations aren’t the only thing seniors can do to support their immune systems. Not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, taking a multivitamin every day, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a healthy breakfast, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods are habits that strengthen the immune system so your body can fight off illness and disease.
 
Of course, even if you live the healthiest lifestyle possible, you’re bound to feel under the weather at some point. In your older years, it’s more important than ever to make sure you visit the doctor if you fall ill, but these appointments can be costly without the right insurance. Capistrano Premier Insurance Services is here to help. We can help you find the right coverage for your needs, including individual, group, and self-insure plans as well as Medicare. Contact us today to find affordable healthcare coverage for your Golden Years.

You’re feeling lonely and depressed?
Depression often goes untreated in seniors, whether because people think depressed moods are a normal part of aging or because older adults are resistant to mental health care. However, depression inhibits seniors’ ability to properly care for themselves and can have long-term consequences for health.
 
A healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet focused on whole foods and getting regular exercise, is key to a healthy mind in old age just like in younger adults. It’s also critically important for seniors to avoid social isolation. When you don’t keep in touch with friends and family, you’re more likely to develop depression, get sick, and lose the ability to care for yourself.

Seniors who are isolated at home should work toward a more robust social network, whether by moving in with family or roommates, volunteering, or moving to an independent living community. The beauty of independent living is that you have a built-in social outlet, on top of having access to help with housework and no more lawn or home maintenance. Note that prices for these communities vary significantly, and you may have to dig into your savings or sell your home to help pay these costs. You can estimate how much you can expect to earn from selling your home through an online home-value estimate or looking at listings for similar homes in your area. In San Juan Capistrano, for example, one-bedroom condo homes are currently being listed for an average of $350K and two-bedrooms for $430K, so if your property is larger, you can expect to pull in even more to help fund your new living arrangement.

You’re having trouble getting around
Mobility problems give seniors trouble at home and make it challenging to get out of the house. Staying physically active is the most important thing anyone can do to prevent and manage age-related mobility problems. Unfortunately, some seniors develop a fear of falling that stops them from exercising and worsens frailty.
 
A fear of falling keeps seniors from participating fully in life. A senior who is afraid of falling may rely on others at home and fear leaving the house. Again, exercise is the answer. A senior with a fear of falling may want to work with a physical therapist or personal trainer to regain confidence on their feet.
 
While exercise helps manage and prevent mobility problems, it’s not always enough to overcome them. If physical changes have made it difficult to care for yourself, it’s time to consider assisted living. You don’t have to pack your things just yet, but you should start researching assisted living in your area so you know your options and what it will cost.
 
A changing body is an inevitable part of aging. However, that change doesn’t have to lead to poor health. For more vibrant senior years, take charge of your health by taking action against these challenges of aging.
Image via Unsplash
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