Managing Lifestyle with Vesta Elder Care

As the age progresses majority of elders find it difficult to walk and go about their daily tasks. Osteoarthritis, arthralgia, asthenia etc. tend to take away the ease of access, as a result elders gradually start shying away from excursions and socializing.

This is a vicious cycle; lack of mobility leads to disuse atrophy and this disuse leads to lack of mobility. Sooner or later there comes a stage when there is a total disinterest in any activity and their entire world is restricted to the bedroom.

In my clinical practice, I’ve come across various instances where this physical well-being affects the emotional and psychological well-being also. Watch out for certain sign and symptoms (but not limited to):

• Reluctancy in socializing
• Making excuses when asked for excursions
• Decrease in frequency and duration of regular telephonic calls to friends & family
• Bursts of anger
• In extreme cases incoherent talks

The correct approach is to manage the lifestyle and gradually introduce activities suiting the personal level of dependency. It’s never too late to start.

Making the surrounding barrier free and elder friendly improves mobility to a great extent. Various adaptation in the architecture can greatly improve the comfort and safety.

• Install grab rails
• Install anti-skid tiles
• Use adequate lighting especially in the night

• Remove all loose rugs, carpets
• Secure the ends of all  doormats;  if possible use anti-skid mats
• Remove all loose wirings, chargers; where possible make use wire of management clips

• Install anti-skid strips at the end of each step
• Where possible use lifts or install Stairlifts

The introduction of general exercises and mobility increases the muscle power and also enhances morale. Few of these exercises can be incorporated into the elder’s regimen subjected to clearance of physician/physiotherapist:

• Ankle-toe exercises
• Isometric exercise for quadriceps
• Knee range of motion (R.O.M.) exercises
• R.O.M. exercises of upper limb

Gradually encourage in getting out and interacting with peers, friends, and family; attending religious or social engagements.

The key is to make a fresh start and take the first step in the right direction. Always remember age is just a number.
Happy Ageing!!!