Every day, millions of seniors get diagnosed with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, and arthritis. In fact, 68% of them have two or more chronic conditions that reduce their ability to live a quality and fulfilled life.
Chronic illnesses make life more challenging than it already is, forcing older adults to have a restricted and less independent lifestyle. With no definite treatment yet, seniors need to rely on effective management tips to control its symptoms and slow down their progression.
To help you take charge of your health, here are three smart tips for managing your chronic disease while living independently or in assisted living in Oceanside.
1. Coordinate With Your Doctor
Getting diagnosed with a chronic health condition is only the start of a long and challenging battle. However, you can make this journey easier and faster by partnering with your doctor and other healthcare providers.
Your GP will help you create a treatment plan, give medications, and educate you about your disease. With that being said, it’s also essential to put in the effort for your own care and not leave everything to your physician. You can do this by:
Ï Regularly attending doctor’s appointments.
Ï Obeying your doctor’s orders faithfully (e.g., taking medications on time or doing blood work tests).
Ï Learning home monitoring techniques like taking your blood pressure and checking your pulse.
2. Pair Exercise with Proper Diet
Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are important for seniors, but more so if you have a chronic disease.
According to Harvard Medical School, one of the best ways to combat your chronic condition involves adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as eating healthily and exercising regularly.
Both of these healthy activities will significantly improve your body’s strength and immune system. Thus, allowing you to manage your symptoms and prevent the development of another disease.
This is why most assisted living in Oceanside prioritizes these healthy behaviors, so residents reduce their risk of having a chronic illness.
3. Get Help and Support
Unlike colds and fevers, chronic illnesses don’t heal with time and usually last a lifetime. It would be better to have a trusted loved one or partner you can rely on during hard times.
A spouse, friend, or family member can be your co-advocate in medical appointments, medication management, and adopting healthy habits. They can help you in every aspect of your struggle--from sharing sweaty morning exercises to helping you recover from an invasive medical procedure.
Help and assistance can also come from support groups or caregivers in your assisted living in Oceanside. Some of the best benefits of reaching out and getting support include the following:
Ï Having someone to listen to your struggles, fears, and anxiety caused by your chronic illness.
Ï Managing stress by socializing and getting a break from your usual environment.
Ï Having a shoulder to lean on wards off the depression that usually comes with having a chronic disease.
Ï Successfully pursuing healthy habits because you have someone to share them with.
Ï Quitting unhealthy behaviors like smoking and alcohol drinking.
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