Does having a purpose make you healthier?
As an adult, your life is likely overwhelming you with purpose. Raising children, showing your spouse you care, coming through at work, and so on, so on and so on.
Then suddenly, the day you have worked for all your life arrives, and you retire. Hello, freedom.
Time to golf, fish, read, watch TV, whatever you want to do and none of the other stuff.
Of course, there is a catch.
A growing collection of research shows that idling away your time is not good for your health. A 2019 JAMA Study associates having a purpose with living longer and less heart, circulatory and blood conditions.
To be clear, things typically defined as purpose include:
- Connection to family and friends - Volunteering - Continuing to learn new things
- Completing a life-long dream, i.e., biking across your state, writing a book
To go further, it is not so much the purpose that leads to better health but following through on it. The purpose can motivate you, but interacting with loved ones, learning new skills and participating in hobbies will force you to be active and engage. You know the saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Want more encouragement? One study on the National Institutes of Health website shares having a purpose can decrease your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you do have Alzheimer’s disease, another study on the National Institutes of Health website reveals having a purpose can reduce the effects of the disease.
So, when you finally make it to retirement. Enjoy your time, do what you want and make sure you keep moving, learning and interacting.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
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Don’t be a fall guy
Use this checklist to prevent falls at home
Every year, thousands of older adults fall and hurt themselves. Falls are one of the main causes of injury and disability in people aged 65 and older. Those who fall once are two to three times more likely to fall again. Hip fractures are especially serious, and most of them are caused by falling.
Falls are often caused by hazards that are easy to overlook. Fortunately, these hazards can also be easy to fix. This checklist helps you find hazards in each room of your home, and it gives tips on how to fix the problem.
If you experienced a fall recently or are concerned about falling, it’s a good idea to talk with your primary care physician.
Checklist
Floors
____Move furniture so your path through a room is clear.
____Remove throw rugs on floors or use double-sided tape or a special backing so the rugs won’t slip.
____ Pick up papers, books, shoes, boxes or other things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor.
____ Coil or tape wires (such as extension cords, or lamp or phone cords) next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. If you need another power outlet, have an electrician install one.
Stairs and steps
____ Pick up papers, shoes, books or other things on stairs. Always keep objects off stairs.
____ Fix loose, broken or uneven steps.
____ Make sure you have plenty of light in stairways. Have an electrician put in an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.
____If you have burned-out lights in the stairway, have a friend or family member change the bulbs.
____Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step. You can also remove the carpet and attach rubber treads to the stairs to prevent slips.
____Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and span the full length of the stairs.
Kitchen
____Move items in your cabinets so that the things you use a lot are on the lower shelves (about waist level).
____If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold onto. Never use a chair as a step stool.
Bathroom
____Put a rubber mat that won’t slip or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
____Have a carpenter install grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet.
Bedrooms
____Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.
____Put in a night light so you can see where you’re walking. Some night lights turn on by themselves after dark. You might also turn on an overhead light in the hallway or bathroom before you go to bed.
____Change the height of your bed if you have trouble getting in or out of bed. You might try a thinner mattress or a shorter bed frame.
____Don’t use sleepwear or bedspreads that are slippery.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
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Healthy eating and older adults
Good nutrition is important for older adults to help stay strong and reduce the risk of disease. But as you get older, it can be harder to eat in healthy ways. If you have health problems or can’t be active, you may not feel as hungry as you used to. You may not plan and make meals as often.
Here are common problems older adults have with healthy eating, along with some ideas for how to solve them.
If you have a health problem that makes it hard to chew:
Try this:
Choose canned or cooked fruit and vegetables, which tend to be softer than fresh ones.
Chop or shred meat, poultry and fish. Try adding sauce or gravy to the meat to help keep it moist.
Choose other protein foods that are naturally soft, such as peanut butter, cooked dried beans and eggs.
If you have trouble shopping for yourself:
Try this:
Find a grocery store that offers online ordering or home delivery service.
Ask a family member or neighbor to help you.
Contact a volunteer center and ask for help.
Pay someone to help you.
If you have trouble preparing meals:
Try this:
Use easy cooking methods, such as a microwave oven to cook TV dinners, other frozen foods and prepared foods.
Take part in group meal programs offered through senior citizen programs.
Check for community programs that deliver meals to your home, such as Meals on Wheels.
Ask a friend or family member to help you.
If you don't feel very hungry:
Try this:
Try eating smaller amounts of food more often. For example, try having four or five small meals a day instead of one or two large meals.
Eat with family and friends or take part in group meal programs offered in your community. Eating with others provides social interaction and may help your appetite.
Ask your doctor if your medicines could be causing appetite or taste problems. If so, ask about changing medicines. Or ask your doctor about medicines that may improve your appetite.
Increase the flavor of food by adding spices and herbs.
If you think you are depressed, ask your doctor for help. Depression can make you less hungry and can make it hard to do everyday activities like grocery shopping and preparing meals.
If you are worried about the cost of food:
Try this:
Find out if there are programs in your community that offer free or low-cost meals.
Find out if you can get food assistance benefits. Contact the National Council on Aging to find out what food benefit programs are available in your area.
Look into the U.S. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Buy low-cost nutritious foods, like dried beans, rice and pasta. Or buy foods that contain these items, like split pea soup or canned beans.
Use coupons for discounts on foods.
Buy foods on sale and store-brand foods, which often cost less.
Buy shelf-stable foods in bulk or in large quantities.
Source: Healthwise, Inc.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
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