As we age, certain things become less socially acceptable. The older generation is plagued with restrictions and limitations on their behavior and appearance, leading to feelings of frustration and bafflement. If you don’t know what we mean, here are 17 things people over 60 are discouraged from doing.
Risky Diets
While young people are often tempted by fad diets promising quick weight loss, older people are advised against such decisions. If not managed effectively, these can lead to muscle loss and negative health effects. Instead, older people are encouraged to maintain a balanced diet and limit processed foods.
Overlooking Regular Exercise
Exercise is important for individuals of all ages, but the older generation, in particular, is encouraged to focus on low-impact exercises like walking and swimming. They’re also being influenced to incorporate strength training to maintain muscle mass, but nothing too intense!
Ignoring Cognitive Health
Harvard Health highlights that older people have the power to prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia with some basic good health habits. These can range from engaging in cognitive activities such as puzzles as well as staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and socializing. They certainly shouldn’t be neglecting their brains!
Skipping Regular Health Check-Ups
Older people who are physically or mentally limited find it difficult to visit their doctor or a medical professional. However, it’s essential for senior citizens to stay up-to-date with routine screenings for conditions such as cancer and heart disease so that they can catch the warning signs early.
Neglecting Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is a valuable habit to form for everyone, regardless of age. For older people, it’s imperative to establish a consistent sleep schedule. This can be achieved by forming a relaxing bedtime routine and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, especially before bedtime!
Overlooking Medication Management
Many older individuals rely on medication for their plethora of health issues, and therefore, society is shaming older people who do not keep an updated list of medications and their dosages. This can be made easier by using pill organizers or consulting with a pharmacist or doctor who can provide more information.
Disregarding Safety Measures
Senior citizens are increasingly being spurred not to neglect their safety. To combat this, grab bars and non-slip mats are installed in bathrooms. They are also being told to use mobility aids like canes or walkers, as the National Library of Medicine states that a fall can have serious health consequences for older people.
Ignoring Hydration
While drinking water is essential for every age group, elderly people are being judged more for failing to focus on hydration. A good way for older people to determine if they are drinking enough water is to check their urine color. Dark urine typically means they aren’t as hydrated as they should be!
Disregarding Eye Care
Trips to the optician are being reinforced as important for the older generation to monitor conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. Older people who struggle with their eyesight should wear protective sunglasses to protect themselves from UV rays while also avoiding prolonged screen time.
Neglecting Sun Protection
Wearing sunscreen isn’t just for those who don’t want to age visibly; it’s one of the best ways to protect your skin’s health at any age! People who have been around longer should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to avoid sunburn or, worse, skin cancer.
Overlooking Financial Planning
Although many elderly people may have stowed away savings for their retirement and may have a pension that they rely on, it’s still vital to manage their expenses. This means planning and budgeting for emergencies or unexpected bills that threaten to put them in financial danger.
Neglecting Socialization
Psych Central points out that elderly people may find it difficult to socialize, as it seems harder for them to reach out to people. However, it’s important to try your hardest because connecting with others positively influences mental health, especially in old age, making you feel better internally.
Disregarding Hearing Health
It’s now more common for society to bash older people who neglect their hearing health. Instead, they are nudged to use ear protection when necessary and to get regular hearing screenings. Hearing aids are another great way to deal with hearing loss, but frustratingly, many older folks aren’t willing to try them!
Overlooking Mobility
As people age, they become frustrated that they’re unable to move like they used to. To help ease their minds, senior citizens are being incentivized to engage in regular physical activity to maintain their strength and flexibility and use assistive devices. There should be no shame in getting around safely!
Criticize the Younger Generation
It’s commonly known that as you grow older, you become more critical of younger generations as habits and trends start to change. However, this only causes bitterness and resentment, so older people are encouraged to keep an open mind and engage with younger generations with patience whenever possible. They can both learn a lot!
Neglecting Dental Health
Dental issues are common with older people, especially those who lose their abilities. Business Insider suggests that those who neglect oral health can lose their teeth as they get older, so if older individuals want to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer, they should brush their teeth twice daily.
Disregarding Driving Safety
Finally, many elderly people are still driving, even though they’re being dissuaded from doing so, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night. Reaction times tend to slow down as we age, meaning that older people may not be as alert on the roads as the younger generation, who have a quicker response. It’s for your own safety!
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