Many seniors experience various types of pain as they grow older, and when it’s not managed well, pain can become chronic. Family caregivers need to learn as much as possible about their loved ones’ persistent pain, including ways to prevent it. Below are some of the top causes of chronic pain in seniors and how to address each issue.
1. Stress
Stress negatively affects the nervous system, increasing muscle tension throughout the body. The more stress hormones your senior parent produces, the more pain he or she is likely to feel. Developing healthy habits that reduce stress could boost your loved one’s quality of life and alleviate pain. Your parent can decrease stress by participating in social activities that stimulate his or her mood and stave off negative emotions such as fear, anger, and doubt.
2. Aging
Aches and pains are more frequent in older adults due to normal wear and tear on their bodies. Their bone density begins to decrease, and it’s sometimes difficult for them to walk around or sit down comfortably. However, constant pain and stiffness can be reduced by maintaining a regular exercise routine in the senior years. Promote healthy exercises your loved one can do without exerting too much energy or increasing the risk of injuries. Keep in mind that while aging can cause the body to weaken, your loved one can slow the process and prevent or treat chronic issues such as pain.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Roseville respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
3. Heart Disease
Seniors who have coronary artery disease are more susceptible to symptoms such as chest pain. The discomfort is often substantial and may be accompanied by a burning feeling. The good news is older adults who avoid conditions such as heart disease are at lower risk for chronic pain. Your parent can boost his or her heart health by eating healthy foods and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. He or she should also give up bad habits, such as smoking, that prevent oxygen and blood from flowing freely throughout the body, clog the arteries, and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
4. Poor Bone Health
Bone issues such as osteoporosis and arthritis can lead to chronic pain in the elderly. The effects can be devastating, especially for older adults who live independently. As the pain increases and seniors are unable to complete daily tasks, they become more reliant on family and friends. Your loved one can alleviate the effects of bone disorders such as arthritis by staying in good physical shape. He or she can start by following a nutritious diet that prevents excessive weight gain and doing low-impact exercises that keep the muscles and joints healthy.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
5. Inadequate Sleep
Failing to get enough rest throughout the night can make seniors more sensitive to pain. When older adults sleep, their nervous systems calm down and prevent their bodies from producing hormones that increase the risk of emotional and physical pain. You can enhance your loved one’s sleep quality by helping him or her maintain a sleep routine. He or she should go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at roughly the same hour every morning. When it’s time for your parent to wind down, remove distractions such as smartphones, tablets, and televisions. The bed should only be for relaxation and sleep.
In Roseville, senior home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.