Things that Remind Parents to Take it Slow
For older people, certain daily actions can have adverse effects on their blood pressure, heart, coordination, and other aspects if done too quickly. Therefore, it is particularly important to slow down in some situations.
Wake up Slowly
Brain vascular accidents are more likely to occur in the early morning. Older people with heart disease or high blood pressure should not rush when waking up. Instead, they should lie down for a while and stretch to get the blood flowing slowly. When sitting up, they should not immediately move to the edge of the bed. They can rest against the headboard for a while to improve cerebral blood supply and prevent inadequate blood supply to the brain.
Urinate Slowly
Some older people do not want to get up to urinate in the middle of the night, so they feel a sense of urgency in the morning and rush to the bathroom. However, if urination is too fast, emptying the bladder quickly can cause dizziness and even micturition syncope. Therefore, older people should try to urinate slowly and not exert too much force. When standing or squatting, they should use support.
Drink Water Slowly
Drinking water too quickly can cause water to enter the bloodstream rapidly, making the blood thin and increasing blood volume. This can lead to symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath in older people or those with poor heart health. The correct way to drink water is to pour a glass of warm water, take a small sip to moisten the mouth, and then swallow slowly, drinking in small sips. Drinking 250~300 milliliters is sufficient.
Eat Slowly
For older people, eating rough food without chewing it properly can increase the burden on the stomach. Older people should chew their food slowly and swallow it. It is best to chew each mouthful of food 25~50 times to aid digestion.
Turn Slowly
Many older people experience dizziness or blurred vision when changing position due to decreased elasticity of blood vessels caused by declining cardiac function and cerebral artery degeneration. People with moderate to severe cervical problems may even faint suddenly when turning around. Therefore, when turning or looking back, the movement should not be fast and the range of motion should not be too large.
Bend Slowly
Bending down too quickly or suddenly raising the head can easily cause postural hypotension and even strain the lower back. Older people should try to avoid such movements. If it is necessary to pick something up, it is best to support the body with a table or chair to have a point of leverage.
Go up and down the Stairs Slowly
Older people have poor control and mobility in their legs. For example, even if they intend to place their feet on the steps, they may end up with their feet hanging in mid-air. When they realize that something is wrong, they may not be able to correct it in time. Therefore, older people should use handrails and walk slowly when going up and down the stairs. They should try not to take big steps. They should wait until both feet are on one step before taking the next step to reduce joint stress. This is particularly important for people with osteoporosis as it can greatly reduce the risk of falling and fractures.
