Elderly seniors and the disabled need to socialize regularly. Participating in multiple social activities keep older adults healthy, happy, and active. According to a study from the University of Texas, an active lifestyle may help prolong your life. A trip to the neighborhood coffee shop daily and going to and giving parties often sounds like a lot of fun. However, it’s not that easy for our aging population.
“Adults often grow less physically active and more sedentary as they age, and these behaviors pose a risk factor for disease and death,” says Karen Fingerman, author and professor of human development and family sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. She goes on to say, “It is difficult to convince people to go to the gym or commit to working out on a regular basis, but they may be willing to reach out to acquaintances, attend an organized group event, or talk to the barista who serves them at their favorite coffee shop.”
It may be more appealing to attend an organized group event, but as stated, maintaining an active lifestyle may not be an option if you’re experiencing age-related medical conditions. One of the most common medical conditions that come with age is osteoarthritis. This disease affects more than 80 percent of people 55 years and older. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the bones wears down, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can happen to any joint in your body but is commonly found in your hands, knees, hips, and spine. There isn’t a cure for osteoarthritis, but it is manageable.
Loneliness and age-related cognitive impairments are also reasons for not maintaining an active lifestyle. Both of these conditions lead to social isolation. Older adults who live alone, have lost friends and family members, experienced hearing loss, and developed medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s are more likely to become socially isolated. Statistics show that elderly seniors who isolate themselves are four times more likely to die and 68 percent more likely to be hospitalized. Don’t become a part of these statistics! Be active and get moving again! If the gym is not an option, throw a party, invite friends, family, neighbors, and the barista from your local coffee cafe.
Three things you can bring to any social events
Socializing might be the best way for elderly seniors to stay active, but how can they accomplish this if osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s, a stroke, or other medical conditions limits their ability to do so? People with osteoarthritis in their hands, hips, or back will find it challenging to get around. Likewise, people with Parkinson’s and other hand tremors may restrain from attending a dinner party because their hands uncontrollably shake. Here are five helpful products seniors can bring to help them enjoy attending social events.
1. Mobility Helpers for Seniors
There are several mobility aids for seniors that offer safety and stability when walking. These mobility devices are walking canes, wheeled walkers, rollator walkers, power scooters, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and power chairs. They are commonly used to assist with balance and help prevent falling. The two most popular walking aids for seniors needing minimal support are the EZ Fold-N-Go Walker and the EZ Fold-N-Go Rollator from TheElderExpo.com. Another popular walking aid is the Comodità Avanti rolling walker and serving tray. This special mobility aid is perfect for people recovering from a stroke or individuals using one hand.
2. Adaptive Eating Utensils for Seniors
Regular eating utensils are difficult for people with arthritis, Parkinson’s, weak dexterity, and other grasping disabilities. Consider bringing your own adaptive eating utensil. Seniors with Parkinson’s or essential hand tremors can choose between the quality stainless steel KEatlery Weighted Eating Utensils or weighted utensils with built-up, non-slip handles. If you have arthritis, bring eating utensils with extra-large soft foam handles. These unique eating aids are also bendable, turning them into left or right-angled utensils for those with little or no wrist flexibility.
3. Hands-free cardholder with low vision playing cards
This SP Ableware 15-Inch Clear Plastic Playing Card Holder with Low Vision Playing Card keeps everyone in the game. It comes with a deck of playing cards with easy-to-see, extra-large letters and numbers. The plastic cardholder holds playing cards, Mah-Jongg tiles, and recipes. It is perfect for people with arthritis and other grasping difficulties.
These are just a few ideal products designed to help elderly seniors and people with special needs maintain an independent lifestyle. For more information about these and other helpful products, visit TheElderExpo.com.