Home Safety Tips For Elderly

Home Safety As We Age

Many people prefer to stay in their homes as they age but, in order to do so safely, proper measures need to put into place. In this article we’ll discuss some ways to improve home safety as we age.

Balance Changes As We Age

As we age, we have different abilities and needs than when we were younger. Our muscles can become weaker with age which changes our ability to stay balanced as we stand and walk. Below are ways to help improve our balance:

  • Daily exercise
  • Participating in a functional strength program
  • Yoga
  • Ti Chi
  • Dance

Vision Changes As We Age

As we age our peripheral vision becomes more limited and therefore we have vision that resembles looking through a scuba mask.

Hearing Changes As We Age

Hearing loss can be a challenge where it becomes more difficult to discern what it is we are hearing, the origin of the sound and we need an increased volume to be able to hear.

Memory Changes As We Age

We may forget appointments more often and forget that we have the stove turned on. Older people are able to learn and pay attention, but as we age we often need less distractions to do so. Often we also need more prompts and cues as we age, like using calendars and reminders.

Home Safety Tips For Elderly

Below are some home safety tips to consider as we age:

Entrances and exits – should be level and free of tripping hazards.  Steps can become an issue as well as curbs, thresholds and welcome mats.  Be sure that you are still able to manage keys, door knobs, door bells, mailboxes and peep holes. The new video cameras can be used to see who is at the front door without having to open the door or look through a peep hole.

Interior stairs and hallways – Notice the width of hallways in case a wheelchair is needed, see if is it necessary to have rails to hold onto.

Bathrooms – Are you still able to manage the knobs, controls and is the depth of the sink and bath still workable for you?  Does it take stepping up to get into the bath or shower and would it be helpful to install hand rails or a shower chair?

Kitchen – Is this wheelchair accessible?  Are the height of the sink, counters, cabinets and pantry still accessible or do modifications need to be made?  Are you able to reach above and below to utilize the storage spaces?  Is the hot water heater adjusted to a temperature that is safe?  Is there adequate lighting and is the stove easy to manage?

Living room, bedrooms and dining – Can you get into and out of chairs, beds, sofas easily or do you need something to help you balance?  Is the height of your furniture still manageable? Are there tripping hazards and can you move around safely?  Is the lighting adequate and are you still able to turn on and off the TV, plug in the computer and charge your devices or are there modifications that need to be made?

Above are a few things to consider when thinking about the safety of your home and the safety of continuing to live there. Orchard at Brookhaven can be a resource to helping you determine whether it is safe to stay in your home. Contact us for more information.

Food For Better Aging

Foods That Help Us Age Well

Eating healthy is especially important with aging,  because aging affects nutritional needs. Aging is linked to a variety of changes, including nutrient deficiencies, decreased quality of life and poor health outcomes. In this article we’ll talk about foods that help us age well.

Foods To Keep You Healthy As You Age

Eating nutrient-rich foods and taking the appropriate supplements can help keep you healthy as you age. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet. 

Aging is linked to a variety of changes in the body, including muscle loss, thinner skin and less stomach acid. Some of these changes can make you prone to nutrient deficiencies, while others can affect your senses and quality of life.

Almost a quarter of the older population has a condition in which chronic inflammation which results in the ability to produce stomach acid.

  • Stomach acid helps with digestion.
  • Low stomach acid can affect the absorption of nutrients, such as vitamin B12, calcium, iron and magnesium.

Changes In Calorie Needs With Age

Older adults also need fewer calories because they tend to be less active, but also need the same, if not more nutrients than a younger person. Fortunately, eating a variety of whole foods and taking a supplement can help you meet your nutrient needs.

A person’s daily calorie need depends on a variety of factors including:

  • height
  • weight
  • muscle mass
  • daily activity

Best Types Of Food For Seniors

It is very important for older people to eat a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats in order to take in the nutrients that we need to stay healthy. Some of the nutrients that are needed as we age include:

  • Protein – it is common to lose muscle and strength as you age. In fact, the average adult loses 3–8% of their muscle mass each decade after age 30
  • Fiber – Constipation is a common health problem among the elderly, especially in people over 65, and it’s two to three times more common in women. Older people tend to move less and be more likely to take medications that have constipation as a side effect. Eating fiber may help relieve constipation. It passes through the gut undigested, helping form stool and promote regular bowel movements
  • Vitamin D and Calcium – These two nutrients help in bone density.

Calcium rich food include:

  • Cheese
  • Almonds
  • Seeds
  • Beans
  • Yogurt
  • Leafy Greens

B12 rich foods include:

  • Salmon
  • Cod liver oil
  • Canned tuna
  • Egg yolk
  • Shrimp
  • Milk

Dehydration & Aging

Another issue people may experience as they age is a reduction in their body’s ability to recognize vital senses like hunger and thirst. This could make someone prone to dehydration and unintentional weight loss. Dehydration causes a loss in strength, endurance and can also cause a decrease in cognition.  It is more difficult to move, feel well, and think when dehydrated.

Other nutrients that may be beneficial include:

  • Potassium:
  • Omega-3 fatty acids:
  •  Magnesium:
  • Iron:

Orchard at Brookhaven is a senior living community in Atlanta that’s committed to ensuring that our residents have access to a variety of foods that provide the most beneficial nutritional content. Our dietary staff works side by side with the director of wellness to provide healthy, nutritious and satisfying meals. Please visit our dining page or contact us for more information.