I wrote my first blog Bone HealthCare for Elders on the subject a few days ago and it was appreciated by viewers across the globe. Some readers gave valuable suggestions and one veteran member has written a letter to me appreciating the effort and asked to share his views with the readers of this blog. He also had a fall 4 years ago and falls in the category of 80 years plus age group. He had a fracture at the hip joint and was operated on by a renowned orthopedic Surgeon of Pakistan based abroad. Luckily the Doctor was in Pakistan those days on vacation. The doctor took half a million rupees but was treated well.
Guidelines:
Here I am adding more suggestions keeping the lead from the respected veteran member. Even if a single reader or his family member is saved from any injury the aim of this blog has been achieved:-
➤Indoor walk with a walker is a must, if space is not available for this then use your bedroom for the purpose. Moving your body parts is necessary for joints.
➤ Women are more prone to falling injuries as opposed to men because of obesity, osteoporosis (a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes) and joint pains, etc.
➤A healthy balanced diet and weight should be maintained. As most of the time, one has to sit and lie for sleep.
➤Keep some hobbies like reading, playing music, gardening. If you have been a good reader or writer it is a good time to write a biography may it be yourself or with the help of some caring grandchild.
➤Spend time with your grandchildren so that you remain mentally busy and active.
➤At night, avoid going to the bathroom alone. Keep a stool/bedside table near your bed along with other desired arrangements including water so as not to go to the washroom. It’s a must for males over 70 and similar arrangements can be made for females.
➤Your daily diet should have a good percentage balance of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Use of Red meat should be minimized.
➤Keep your sugar and blood pressure levels balanced and under control.
➤ At least half a Kilometer daily brisk walking is advised.
➤Thirty minutes of physical activity should be sufficient.
➤Take care of your eyesight and visit the ophthalmologist(a specialist in the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye) once a year at least for a thorough visual examination.
➤Keep a good amount of money saved for rainy days. Medical emergencies can not be predicted it’s better to stay well-prepared financially at a later stage children get engaged in their own responsibilities.
➤Do not fully depend on your sons/daughters for old age. Help yourself financially if possible, and keep savings. However on the other hand it’s the responsibility of the younger family members to take care of their Parents and not to throw them in old homes.
➤ While bathing, keep someone outside the bathroom to be called in case of an emergency.
➤ Avoid going out unattended even to the car etc. A helping hand must be near you to keep you stable.
➤Always wear good quality shoes, these may be costly.
➤It is necessary to improve your posture in daily activities.
➤It does not require a fall to create a fracture in old age. Even overuse or repetitive motions can tire muscles, put increased pressure on bones, and result in a stress fracture.
➤Look around your home and remove any things you can trip over resulting in bone injury.
Happy Living.
3 Comments
Jazzak Allah