Aging can cause the elderly to experience a variety of health issues, like poor digestive health. It is important to adopt healthy lifestyle choices to prevent digestion issues. Find out why your senior loved one should do everything possible to protect his or her digestive system.
Reduces the Risk of Peptic Ulcers
When your loved one experiences extreme stomach pain, his or her digestive system is damaged. One of the causes of stomach pain could be a peptic ulcer. When the layer of mucus is disrupted, the bacterium will cause an ulcer, which is a sore that can be found in the lining of the stomach. When left untreated, a peptic ulcer can cause internal bleeding and eat a hole in the stomach wall or small intestine, which leads to a severe infection. The digestive tract can also be blocked by the ulcer scar tissue, which is why you should help your loved one maintain good digestive health by encouraging positive habits such as eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying physically active.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Rockwall families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Diverticulitis is a common digestive condition for seniors, especially those over the age of 70. It can be prevented by staying hydrated and avoiding foods that can get lodged in the pouch during digestion. Bad eating habits, lack of exercise, and failure to manage stress can put seniors at a higher risk of this digestive disorder. Diverticulitis can cause serious abdominal pain in older adults. In extreme cases, seniors may experience a tear that leads to abscesses, nausea, vomiting, fever, and an intense abdominal tenderness that can only be fixed with a surgical procedure.
Lowers the Odds of Constipation
It’s common for seniors with chronic constipation to avoid eating to prevent the pain that accompanies this condition. However, failing to eat is a bad habit that leads to irritable and uncooperative behavior, in addition to other serious health issues. Although constipation is common among older adults because of frailty and aging, it can be controlled. Encourage your loved one to eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber foods that lead to good digestive health. Seniors who exercise and establish regular bathroom routines can also prevent digestive discomfort caused by constipation.
A professional caregiver can ensure your loved one eats healthy meals and enjoys a higher quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Rockwall, Texas, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The foods seniors eat need to be emptied from the stomach. When this process is delayed, the retention of stomach contents can lead to serious health issues, including high levels of blood glucose. Seniors may also experience vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and early satiety. High sugar levels put aging adults at risk of developing diabetes, which can damage the vagus nerve. If the vagus nerve is affected, the process of emptying food can be slowed down or even stopped. Make sure your loved one consumes the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals his or her digestive system needs to function properly.
Another way to help your loved one stave off common digestive conditions is to hire a professional caregiver who can assist with daily tasks. In Rockwall, Texas, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Whether your loved one needs minor help with daily tasks or comprehensive 24-hour in-home care, call us at (972) 722-7833 today.