Do you think that your elderly loved one will get osteoarthritis? Maybe their parents or someone else in the family had it. They may have seen how painful it was for that person. While there are times when this disease can’t be prevented, there are always things someone can do to lower their risk of getting it. Keep reading here today to find out how you can help your elderly loved one to reduce their risk of osteoarthritis.
Being a Healthy Weight
One of the best ways for your elderly loved one to prevent osteoarthritis is being a healthy weight. People who are obese have more pressure on their joints. This added pressure can put a strain on these joints which can lead to osteoarthritis. If your elderly loved one is currently overweight, you should work with them to lose some weight. This might include hiring an elder care provider to be with them when they exercise. It might include you taking a walk with them in the mornings before you go to work. It might also include helping them to create a healthier grocery list. These are just some ideas of how to help your elderly loved one be at a healthier weight.
Physical Conditioning
Another way that your elderly loved one can prevent osteoarthritis is through physical conditioning. The body needs exercise to prevent certain diseases. When it comes to this disease, the joints need to be moved often. The tissue surrounding the joints need to be stretched. If you can get your elderly loved one into a regular physical conditioning routine, it can help them to prevent osteoarthritis.
Quit Drinking
Does your elderly loved one drink? There are some studies that show people who drink alcohol have a higher risk of getting injured. This is because when most people drink more than a couple of alcoholic beverages, they lose their balance. This increases their risk of falling. The more your elderly loved one falls, the more they are likely to injure their joints. This can lead to osteoarthritis later on. If your elderly loved one quits drinking, they can reduce their risk of falling. This also lowers their risk of getting this disease.
Conclusion
Are you or your elderly loved one worried they are going to get osteoarthritis? If so, there are some ways that they can reduce their risk of getting this disease. If they are at a healthy weight, get enough physical conditioning exercises into their daily routine, and quit drinking, they will have a lower chance of getting osteoarthritis. While none of these things can 100% guarantee that your elderly loved one won’t get this disease, they can lower their risk quite a bit.
If your loved one won’t do these things on their own, you and/or elder care providers might have to motivate them to do so.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis-prevention
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in East Millcreek, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
