Exercise is key to this and while you don’t necessarily need to be some kind of maniac muscle man to ensure your independence down the road, working out a little each day can help. Some people, when they reach their senior years, are so physically and mentally tired – world weary – that they are ready to let age and retirement slide over them and that’s fine too. I’m just saying you can keep your independence and still live on your own without being a danger to yourself and others and all it takes is some consistent running, maybe a little fitness training and a healthy diet. Turn on the ADT home security and get out of the house for half an hour, or hit the gym. If you take care of your body early on, you won’t have to suffer the consequences when you reach your senior years.

A diet that is rich in nutrients such as vitamin B12 and B6 will ensure the elderly person does not suffer from neurological changes such as confusion and loss of memory. Foods that are softer, easier to swallow and digest are important as stomach acid amounts are decreased as well as gastric mobility. Constipation is a common occurrence in the elderly individual.

Taste buds become desensitized as a normal part of the aging process. This is a problem because it makes the elderly person want foods that are saltier or spicier. Salty foods can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure and spicy foods can lead to an increased production of gas which can cause heartburn. The elderly person needs a diet that is high in flavor but low in sodium and spicy food. Also, calcium requirements increase with age as bones tend to become less dense. Find ways to add foods that are rich in calcium as well.

Many seniors rightly complain about how much of their meager funds health care – especially medications – absorb. Much is heard about the infamous “donut hole,” which is the gap in prescription drug coverage in Medicare Part D. Health care reform is closing this gap, with the donut hole being completely closed by 2020, patients getting help with it every year until then.

Health care reform seeks to promote quality, affordable care for seniors by investing in improvements to the quality of care seniors receive in nursing homes. It will improve care coordination including the delivery of care for senior patients with one or more chronic conditions. It also promises to eliminate costs for preventative care, such as x-rays, MRI’s, CAT scans, etc. Already, people can receive a free wellness checkup once a year.

Finally, health care reforms seek to improve the quality of care for seniors confined to a nursing home.

Licensed health care providers enjoy the oversight of regulators who insure that certain standards are met, and that excellent care is being provided regularly. Choosing a home health provider without licensing opens the door to abuse, neglect or simply loved ones receiving something less than ideal care. Home elder care services should ideally employ only licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants and qualified home health aids, all under the supervision of a registered nurse or other qualified manager. Licensing and standards for employees both serve to insure that seniors and beloved family members receive the quality of care they both need and deserve.

Taking vitamin supplements is a great way to try to prevent arthritis. Vitamin D is very good for women in particular in preventing rheumatoid arthritis. Calcium is also a very good nutrient to get a lot of in order to avoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

Low impact exercises such as walking, weight lifting, biking swimming, and yoga can keep the joints nice and worked without putting too much stress on them which causes certain types of arthritis. Another thing that contributes to the development of these disorders is the way that people lift and carry objects. When picking up heavy objects the weight should not go on the back but more often than not that is how people lift. Too many years of strain on the back can cause problems. Other joints are also effected by poor posture and biomechanics, so doing things safely is a must.