The numbers of people over 45 are growing every year. Although we may think primarily of baby boomers when we consider an older generation, that’s starting to change. There are over 76 million baby boomers today over 50 and the first of the 82.1 million GenX-ers reached that milestone in 2015 (source).
Many of our patients are older people, and this month is a great opportunity to think about how we can help making the aging process a more healthy and rewarding one. So here are some tips for those who are caring for, interacting with, or seeing older people on a regular basis. (It’s also great advice for all of us, no matter our ages!)
Stay social.
Don’t be afraid to make new friends no matter what your age. Make an effort to see your old friends too. Learn something new by taking a class or playing games. Give back by volunteering, even if it just means listening to someone else for twenty minutes.
Be Positive.
Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. As much as you can, try to surround yourself with people who have positive attitudes and a sunny outlook on life.
Stand Tall.
Stand up straight (or as straight as you can)! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. And great posture doesn’t just help your appearance, it’s great for your health, too - it improves your balance, strengthens your core, and protects your back.
And finally…
Do something that helps you grow.
It’s never too late to learn something new, and when we keep growing and learning, we live better, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. September is also back to school month, so maybe it’s time to finally sign up for a painting class, or to try something new. If your mobility is limited, take advantage of the many resources available for free online - learn a new language, watch YouTube videos that teach you how to acquire a new skill, or push your comfort zone and try gentle yoga!
Skilled Wound Care is a mobile surgical practice committed to transforming the chronic wound care model in nursing facilities. Wound care experts make weekly bedside visits to patients in long-term care facilities, avoiding transfers to hospitals or clinics. Our expert physicians give patients the most up-to-date and effective wound treatments, and educate facility staff on how to help patients continue to heal quickly and effectively between visits. This model of collaborative care allows SWC’s physicians to improve patients’ lives and health outcomes, to empower nursing staff, and to raise public awareness. Skilled Wound Care, along with its nurse and nursing home partners, is working every day to positively transform traditional nursing home wound care.