Saturday, May 02, 2009

Health Tips for May 2

Health Tip: Benefitting From Adult Day Care

Some seniors become lonely staying home alone all day, particularly if they can no longer drive. And for older people with memory or physical problems, staying home alone can be unsafe.

That's when adult day care may come in.

Rotary International offers this list of adult day care's potential benefits:

  • It's a safe, supervised place to be.
  • It includes enjoyable activities and an opportunity to learn new things.
  • It may allow participants to become mentally and physically healthier.
  • It promotes a feeling of staying independent.
  • It affords an opportunity to socialize, make friends and get support from other seniors.
  • It includes regular, healthier meals and snacks.

Health Tip: When Seniors Have Trouble Sleeping

Sleep disturbances -- including trouble getting to sleep or waking frequently throughout the night -- are common in elderly people.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of common reasons for sleep problems in older people:

  • Increased need to urinate.
  • Pain, particularly from arthritis.
  • Depression.
  • Neurological problems.
  • Alzheimer's disease.
  • Side effects of taking certain medications.
  • Alcohol use.
  • Not getting enough exercise.
  • Consuming too much caffeine.

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