Dehydration is a serious issue for seniors. It’s a common cause of hospitalization, particularly in the summer, and it can cause a variety of serious health issues. Staying hydrated is also essential for certain medications to work properly. However, because of the changes in the body as we age, seniors aren’t able to retain water as easily as younger people – plus, their body may not send them signs that they’re becoming dehydrated until it’s too late.
Speech therapy is usually associated with helping children or young adults to improve communication and resolve speech difficulties. However, there are many great benefits for seniors, as well.
Puzzles of all sorts are pastimes that many seniors enjoy. Not only are they fun, but they can also provide many surprising health benefits, says Janet McNemar, NHA, MBA, Executive Director at Saunders House in Wynnewood, PA.
“There’s a real joy that comes from unplugging and focusing on a puzzle,” she says. “It helps center us, calm our minds, improve our moods and so much more.”
Remember the simple joy of coloring or drawing when you were a child? Back then, all of us were artists and were happy to spend many an hour drawing, coloring and letting our imaginations run free. For many years, the idea of coloring as a pastime was put away as a childhood thing when we reached a certain age. Then, about six years ago, coloring made a resurgence as a trendy pastime for adults – and as an optimal way to help reduce stress, improve mental health and boost your overall well-being.
Not very long ago, older adults who were recovering from an accident, illness or surgery were able to remain in the hospital until it was determined they were well enough to go home. Today, because of the way our health care system is set up, that has changed. Instead, older adults who need additional services or rehabilitation in order to get back to a normal level of function generally turn to services like short-term rehabilitation.
