Living a Healthy Life in Old Age (Part 2)
Once people enter their old age, they pay more attention to health and well-being. There are many things that need to be taken care of in different aspects of life in old age. Below, we will provide you with 8 key points that elderly people should remember in their later years.
Line of Defense 5: Have a check-up every six months after the age of 60
After reaching the age of 60, the body functions of the elderly start to decline. Therefore, it is recommended to have a check-up every six months to timely understand their physical condition. Nowadays, there are regular medical institutions that offer customized check-up packages for elderly people of different ages and genders. Depending on their own situation, the elderly can choose the appropriate package. In general, in addition to routine tests such as blood and urine tests, electrocardiograms, abdominal ultrasounds, chest X-rays, blood glucose and lipid tests, fundus examinations, and bone density tests, the elderly should also pay attention to cancer screenings, as well as heart, brain, and gastrointestinal examinations. It is also important to consult a doctor for interpretation of the check-up results and follow their advice for adjustments. The check-up results should be kept for comparison with future results and can also be used as a reference for treatment when needed.
Line of Defense 6: Get an annual flu vaccine
Although the common cold is not a serious illness, it should not be ignored for elderly people. The elderly often have weaker physical constitutions and suffer from chronic diseases. Once they catch a cold, it can easily lead to inflammation, aggravate existing conditions, and even cause acute attacks of chronic diseases, posing a threat to their lives. Colds can be classified into common colds and influenza. To prevent common colds, it is important to adjust clothing according to temperature changes, eat more fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamin C, maintain a regular diet, and engage in appropriate exercise to increase resistance. To prevent influenza, it is necessary to pay attention to annual flu vaccinations. This is because the influenza virus may mutate every year, and monitoring data suggests that influenza antibodies can only last for about a year. In addition, it is best to stay indoors on days with heavy smog. If going outdoors is necessary, wearing a mask to protect the respiratory system is essential.
Line of Defense 7: Carry a first aid kit and emergency ID card at all times
Elderly people are most afraid of accidents, especially when they are outdoors without family members. This requires them to carry a first aid kit with their basic information such as name, address, and contact numbers of their children on the cover. The kit should contain commonly used emergency medications, such as nitroglycerin for coronary heart disease patients, asthma inhalers for asthma patients, a small amount of oral hypoglycemic drugs, biscuits, and candies for diabetes patients, and some antiepileptic drugs for epilepsy patients. The emergency ID card should indicate the disease the person has, possible symptoms, the location and instructions for using the first aid kit. For example, hypertensive patients are prone to stroke, leading to unconsciousness. The emergency ID card can be marked with instructions such as "do not move the body casually, call for emergency assistance immediately." For asthma patients, sudden acute attacks can cause severe breathing difficulties, and the emergency ID card can indicate "need assistance to sit up and use inhaler." For elderly patients with diabetes, sudden hypoglycemia may lead to fainting, and the emergency ID card can state "need some sugar water or a piece of candy," etc.
Line of Defense 8: Take a trip every year
Elderly people should not stay at home all the time. Only by integrating themselves more into society can they avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation caused by their children being away. Whether it is chatting with old friends, taking walks, or traveling with companions, these activities have a positive effect on brain and heart health, and can contribute to a longer life. For example, going out for morning exercises, going to the supermarket to buy groceries in the morning, chatting with old friends in the afternoon, and taking a walk after dinner to aid digestion. Setting a travel plan for oneself, going on a trip once a year, either domestically or internationally, to appreciate the beautiful scenery and cultivate a positive mindset.
