Senior Health data in America.
There are so many people who are in need of tips about senior health! Did you know that the number of seniors in America was almost 56 million in 2020? 1 Likewise, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving (Kaplan, 2023) as of 2020, around 14 million seniors live alone in the community. 2 Furthermore, from the Administration for Community Living, the number of seniors continues to grow. By the year 2040, it is projected there will be over 80 million seniors in America! 3 With the population growing, and so many people living alone or struggling with caregiving issues, there is a huge need for knowledge, understanding, and improved followthrough to maximize health!
This blog is part 1 of a 3 part senior health series encouraging healthy choices all day long!
Knowledge is key to improving senior health.
As a senior or a caregiver, you need to have the correct knowledge in order to make the right decisions for your best health. After spending over 30 years in healthcare, I have seen first hand many challenges that families and seniors face. Being knowledgable is key to good health. However putting that knowledge into action and following through can be difficult. The following 3 part post contains 100 senior health tips- to celebrate my 100th blog post! Please remember this is educational information, however I am not your physical therapist, and you should be sure to follow any instructions from your personal health care team! See the medical disclaimer.
1 Ask your health care team for written instructions, or take notes in a health notebook . 2 Be open and honest with your physician regarding health struggles to get access to the right information. 3 Stay regular with annual and routine testing for your age and health history. 4 Follow through with recommended specialist appointments.
Being organized will improve your health.
5 Have access to emergency and health numbers, and call or email when you need information. 6 Keep a colorful folder with all important health paperwork, in a place where you can easily see it. 7 Keep your health data organized and updated- especially your medication list. 8 Click here to access a Medication List freebie. 9 Having a medication list with the diagnosis you take the medication for can improve your followthrough with the med. 10 Use calendars. logs. safety reminders, etc. to promote daily habits and follow health care instructions. 11 Have a copy of signed legal paperwork available for family and health directives. 12 Use a medication organizer– one of the most important important safety tools you can have! (affiliate link) 13 Set a daily timer for your medications. 14 Keep a clock with day, date and time where you can see it. (affiliate link) 15 Make a habit to check your calendar every morning to make sure you stay on track with appointments. 16 Set a calendar for changing batteries and lightbulbs before things stop working and create problems. 17 If you live in your own home, schedule on a calendar all your home upkeep and spread the jobs/ appointments throughout the year. 18 Write a list of all the regular health appointments you need and schedule them out through the year as well. 19 Have a scheduled day and time for family phone calls.
Start with a small packet of wellness printables to increase your organization and followthrough!
Healthy choices are easier to make when you plan ahead.
20 Perform some gentle active exercises before getting up out of bed in the morning to reduce stiffness. 21 Hydrate first thing in the morning. 22 Use an electric toothbrush if you have shoulder pain. (affiliate link) 23 Participate in positive activities like devotions or uplifting music to start your day. 24 Set a routine for checking vitals, blood sugar, weight or other health needs at the same time of day. 25 Record the measurements on a health log. 26 Plan a few healthy breakfasts that you can rotate through regularly. 27 Do some strengthening exercises seated in the chair mid morning. 28 Keep a clear readable copy of recommended exercises and activities handy to follow. 29 Take a walk or use a stationary bike for some cardiovascular exercise. 30 Hydrate throughout the morning. 31 Have a healthy snack like fruit. 32 Mornings are great for appointments, but make sure to rest afterward if it is tiring. 33 Take time to play some memory challenge games. 34 Lastly, consider early in the day what you might plan for a healthy dinner! Pat yourself on the back for making the hard but good choices to take care of yourself.)
Treat your body like it belongs to someone you love.
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If you want to be an organized senior caregiver or clinician check out these packets filled with evidence based info and instant downloadable handouts!
Other posts you might like:
10 Tips to be an Organized Caregiver
What other thoughts do you have to schedule a healthy morning routine? If you are ready to boost your health organization, subscribe to the blog for a packet of printable FREEBIES, and a weekly senior health email (with frequent printable freebies for health and wellness organization)!
- 1 U.S. Older Population Grew From 2010 to 2020 at Fastest Rate Since 1880 to 1890. (2023, May 25). Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/05/2020-census-united-states-older-population-grew.html2 Kaplan, D. B. (2023b, September 2
- 2). Older adults living alone. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/social-issues-in-older-adults/older-adults-living-alone
- 3 Projected Future Growth of Older Population | ACL Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). https://acl.gov/aging-and-disability-in-america/data-and-research/projected-future-growth-older-population
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