Health Challenges In Seniors And Practical Strategies to Manage Them
Redlands, Calif.. – Our bodies undergo various changes as we age, making us more susceptible to specific health challenges. Older adults often face multiple issues that can impact their quality of life. However, understanding and overcoming these challenges can significantly improve well-being in the golden years. Let’s explore 12 common health challenges in senior adults and practical strategies to tackle them.
12 common health challenges in senior adults
Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that can make your joints hurt and feel stiff. Exercising regularly, protecting your joints, and taking medications can help you handle arthritis better. Activities that are gentle on your body, like swimming or tai chi, can make you feel better if you have arthritis. Actions like these can help relieve joint pain and discomfort.
Osteoporosis: Our bones deteriorate with age, putting older adults at an increased risk of fractures. Seniors need enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet to help keep bones strong and prevent fractures. These nutrients help maintain bone strength. Along with a good diet, exercises that make your bones work harder, like walking or dancing, can also help keep bones strong.
Heart Disease: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health challenge for seniors. It is a significant cause of illness and death for older adults. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and managing blood pressure are essential. Regular checkups help catch issues early and help keep them in check so they don’t worsen.
Diabetes: Managing diabetes is a common challenge for many seniors. To effectively handle this condition, it’s essential to focus on a few key aspects: eating right, staying active, keeping an eye on blood sugar levels, and following the medications prescribed by the doctor. These elements work together to help seniors manage their diabetes and lead a healthier life. It’s essential to stay committed to these practices as they are crucial in keeping diabetes in check and promoting overall well-being.
Cancer: Cancer risk significantly increases with age, making regular checkups for seniors vital. Routine screenings can detect cancer at early, more treatable stages. Early detection helps with successful treatment, ensuring a longer, healthier life. Don’t underestimate the importance of proactive healthcare for seniors.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: As people age, cognitive decline is a natural expectation, but seniors can take proactive steps to keep their minds sharp and vibrant. Engaging in mental exercises and acquiring new skills can be remarkably beneficial. A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables contributes to brain health.
Staying socially active through interactions with loved ones and community involvement are crucial. Furthermore, challenging oneself with new hobbies and activities reduces the risk of cognitive decline and promotes overall senior well-being, offering a fulfilling and enriched quality of life.
Depression and Anxiety: Seniors often encounter mental health issues because of changes in their lives or health conditions. It’s essential to seek help from friends, family, or professionals. Enjoying hobbies and staying connected with others can be helpful. Being around people and doing things you love can brighten your mood and make you feel better. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust or seek advice if you’re feeling down.
Vision Problems: As we age, certain eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma become more common. Seeing an eye doctor regularly is critical to spot any problems early on. Furthermore, shielding our eyes from dangerous UV rays by wearing sunglasses or hats when out in the sun can help us maintain excellent eye health. These simple steps can help keep our eyes in good condition as we age.
Hearing Loss: Prioritizing good hearing health is essential for seniors. Regular checkups for your ears are a proactive step in catching issues early. Avoiding loud noises is equally crucial, as they can harm your hearing gradually. If needed, hearing aids can significantly enhance your daily life by improving your ability to hear. Caring for your ears ensures a vibrant connection with the world throughout your golden years, making every moment engaging and fulfilling.
Respiratory Issues: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make breathing hard. It’s essential to quit smoking, exercise regularly, and take medications as prescribed by your doctor to control breathing issues better. By quitting smoking, staying active, and following your prescribed medications, you can effectively manage respiratory problems associated with COPD. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice to ensure you take the proper steps to manage your condition effectively.
Obesity: Seniors often encounter weight issues because their bodies have a slower metabolism. This means they might gain weight more quickly. They must eat a balanced diet and keep moving regularly to manage this. Seeking help and guidance from a healthcare professional can help. These experts can offer personalized advice for each person’s unique needs and health situation. Remember that even modest changes to your lifestyle may have a significant impact on how you feel!
Chronic Pain: Seniors often face persistent pain for many reasons. Seeking advice from a doctor, getting physical therapy, or trying alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage therapy can help reduce this discomfort. Finding the proper treatment that works best for you is essential, so don’t hesitate to explore different options until you find relief. Consulting with healthcare professionals is critical to managing and finding solutions for ongoing pain.
Albert Arteaga, M.D., President of LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is Improving Health Outcomes In Seniors
Join LaSalle Medical Associatesin empowering seniors toward better health! It starts with a holistic approach: staying active, eating well, and prioritizing regular checkups. Let’s rally around seniors—encouraging them to engage socially, join clubs, and connect with healthcare professionals to combat loneliness and stay mentally sharp.
At LaSalle, we emphasize the importance of routine health checkups. Help seniors stay ahead by advocating for regular visits, ensuring early detection and timely care.
Small changes yield significant results! Promote a healthy lifestyle—guide seniors to add more fruits and vegetables, take short walks, and practice relaxation techniques. Let’s make these changes together for a vibrant life.
Encourage seniors to embrace these changes for an enhanced quality of life. Stay informed, seek support, and adopt a holistic approach to health. Together, we can ensure seniors lead fulfilling and vibrant lives in their later years. Join uson this journey to better health!
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to more than 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
“The Beautillion Knightsprogram guides young men to ensure that our youth are college-bound and equipped to succeed in life and to realize their full potential as young men, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive outstanding citizens,” said Social Lites spokesperson Marlene Davis.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. — The Social Lites, Inc. will award scholarships to deserving Black high school senior young men at its Beautillion Knights event on March 30 at Cal State San Bernardino. The Inland Empire nonprofit has provided scholarships for 54 years to young men attending college or technical school.
The 2024 Beautillion Knights are Ali Dphrepaulezz of Etiwanda High School; Daniel Rivera of Cajon High School; Destyn Maurice of Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy in Moreno Valley; Frank Cox III of Summit High School; Solomon Moore of Citrus Valley High School, Syncere Brackett of Centennial High School in Eastvale, Darvion McGee, The PAL Charter Academy in San Bernardino.
“College-bound 11th and 12th-grade students who are enrolled in the Beautillion Knights program participate in a five-month extracurricular program. During that time, they gain practical knowledge and experience that grounds them with lifelong foundations that benefit their academic and career success,” said Social Lites spokesperson Marlene Davis.
Subjects include leadership development, life skills, and health education. Mentor-tutors work with young men to develop their talents and skills, exposing them to real-world experiences that give them insights into how to solve problems and prepare themselves for success as career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive citizens.
“The program guides young men to ensure that our youth are college-bound and equipped to succeed in life and to realize their full potential as young men, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive outstanding citizens,” said Davis.
“The Social Lites organize weekly training sessions for their Knights and Court, which feature guest speakers who provide education on various important topics such as public speaking, dressing for success, resume writing, college applications, and business skills. The program also encourages Knights to participate in extracurricular academic activities, attend cultural events, engage in community service projects, and refine their social skills,” said Davis.
“We have given out approximately $4.5 million in scholarships to more than 500 college-bound local young men. We have seen young men transformed into responsible adults through our program over the years. We encourage you to meet with us at our weekly meetings held every Sunday in downtown San Bernardino,” said Davis.
“We encourage you to join us on March 30th for our 57th Annual Beautillion at Cal State University San Bernardino’s Student Union North. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with scholarship award presentations to our Knights starting at 7:00.”
Please contact Marlene Davis for more information at (909) 709-5502.
Rhoda and Gochin – who have operated a small family-style board and care home in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles) for the last 22 years
“Our Governor and Legislature must take immediate action to prevent the seriously mentally ill and seniors from becoming homeless and to avoid the devastation of this critical housing resource for some of the most vulnerable residents in the State,” said Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA) will travel to Sacramento August 22-23, in coordination with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Los Angeles County to advocate for fair treatment for Los Angeles County’s seriously mentally ill.
Low-income people living with serious mental illness in LA County and across the State are at risk of becoming homeless. The Department of Social Services recently reported the closing of 27 facilities in Los Angeles County in the first quarter of 2023, that provide care and housing for some of the States most vulnerable residents.
More facilities are expected to close before the end of the year. LARCA Members are urging Governor Newsom and State Legislators to move quickly to provide immediate emergency funding to prevent millions of low-income seniors and adults living with serious mental illness from becoming homeless. Residents diagnosed with a serious mental illness receive approximately $44 a day.
The are too many Homeless seniors on the streets. This person is sleeping on the handicapped ramp of the LA County Board of Supervisors Boardroom.
LARCA members are requesting an immediate infusion of $2,000 for each bed in a state-licensed facility with 70% of their residents receiving the Social Security Income (SSI) payment, living with serious mental illness, and receiving no other supplemental assistance.
Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), more commonly known as “Board and Cares,” provide housing, 24/7 care, staff assistance to help residents meet their basic daily needs, three meals a day snacks, medication management and more.
The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA) represents over 400 Los Angeles County licensed ARF’s and RCFE’s, many of whom are struggling to keep their doors open and more than 15,000 low-income Los Angeles County residents living with serious mental illness.
Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.
About The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA)
LARCA is a nonprofit community-based membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and/or living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles County (NAMI GLAC).
Seniors eager to make their homes at the new Arboleda Senior Apartments in La Puente have already signed up to rent many of the brand-new apartments at the Senior Housing Community. Fortunately, there are plenty of one-and-two-bedroom apartments still available, according to Resident Manager Selina R. Chavira
There are spacious common areas including a fitness center, computer center, community room and library. Plus, for convenience and peace of mind, the apartment community has a gated entrance, controlled-access entryways, and on-site management.
(La Puente, Calif.) The Arboleda Luxury Senior Apartments in La Puente, California, offer attainable, quality independent living for residents 62 and better. Located in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, the new retirement community is ideal for residents searching for luxury comfort, peace, and tranquility at an affordable price.
Skilled crafts men and women are putting the finishing touches on the luxury apartment community, and Resident Manager Selina R. Chavira said she’s already impressed.
“Everything already looks really beautiful inside and out,” Chavira said. “Each unit has a refrigerator, an electric stove and a small dishwasher. And the flooring has a real wood look.
“Plus, the central courtyard outside with shade trees and lush landscaping is very inviting,” she said. “There’s still more to do, but it looks amazing already.”
Seniors eager to make their homes at the new Arboleda Senior Apartments in La Puente have already signed up to rent many of the brand-new apartments at the Senior Housing Community. Fortunately, there are plenty of one-and-two-bedroom apartments still available, according to Resident Manager Selina R. Chavira
The 74-unit luxury apartment community features one -and two-bedroom apartments that come with fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. Each apartment home has either a patio or deck where residents can sit and read, or just spend some time enjoying the outdoors.
Comfort is key at the Arboleda Senior Apartments, which have climate-controlled central heating and air conditioning. Several of the units are handicapped-accessible for seniors who use wheelchairs and walkers or have other special needs.
There are also spacious common areas such as a fitness center, computer center, community room and library. Plus, for convenience and peace of mind, the apartment community has a gated entrance, controlled-access entryways, and on-site management.
Additional senior-friendly amenities include an interior mail room, laundry rooms on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors, corridors with secure handrails and two elevators.
The outside of the beautifully landscaped Arboleda Apartment Community features a central courtyard with a large shade tree and a community garden. The building exteriors have striking Spanish-style tile roofs and decorative wrought iron accents.
Residents are invited to enjoy a wide range of social and educational events at the Arboleda Senior Apartments as they make friends with their new neighbors. It’s also close to everything seniors need — medical offices, stores to shop, public transportation, a Post Office, pharmacies, and restaurants.
Construction continues at the Arboleda apartments. High quality wood cabinets are installed with not just luxury in mind but practicality. While wood cabinets cost a little more in construction, they last for 30 years noticeably reducing maintenance and repair costs.
The Arboleda are additionally pet friendly. Each apartment can have one small cat or one small dog weighing no more than 20 pounds
Apartment leasing is robust yet, there are one-bedroom units available for $1,276, and the two-bedroom units are available for $1,527, said Chavira.
For more information on Arboleda Senior Apartments, go to ArboledaSeniorApts.com or call Chavira at (626) 423-6695.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-to-late August, with move-in dates shortly thereafter, says Resident Manager Selina R. Chavira said.
(La Puente, Calif.) Seniors eager to make their homes at the new Arboleda Senior Apartments in La Puente have already signed up to rent many of the brand-new apartments at the Senior Housing Community. Fortunately, there are plenty of one-and-two-bedroom apartments still available, according to Resident Manager Selina R. Chavira. “We’re continuing to process applications,” she added; “therefore, interested individuals should apply right away.”
The 74-unit luxury apartment community features a mix of one-and-two-bedroom apartments for seniors, 62 and Better. The Arboleda Senior Apartment community also includes a large community room, fitness center, computer center, and library. Other senior-friendly amenities include an interior mail room, laundry room on each floor, corridors with secure handrails, and two elevators.
The Arboleda Senior Apartment community also include a large community room, fitness center, computer center, and this is the library. This is an arts concept of the final library.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-to-late August, with move-in dates shortly thereafter, Chavira stated.
“We walked the property recently, and the construction looks great,” she continued. “The landscaping is starting to be put in. Trees are going in with all the plants. There’s still more to do, but it already looks amazing.”
Chavira, who will live and work at Arboleda, says she loves the historic old-California feel of the buildings and courtyard.
Arboleda Senior Apartments Resident Manager Selina R. Chavira
“The design of the property is so beautiful with Spanish-style tile, balconies and iron work. The design is amazing,” says Chavira.
Builders are still putting the final touches on the apartments and community rooms, but Chavira said she’s already impressed with what she’s seen.
“Some hallways still need flooring, and there are some other things to complete inside the units, but they look really beautiful,” she says. “Each unit has refrigerator, an electric stove and a dishwasher. And the flooring has a laminate wood look.”
“Also, the community rooms are spacious and inviting. I can’t wait for them to be furnished,” she says.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-to-late August, with move-in dates shortly thereafter, Chavira stated.
Arboleda Senior Apartments are located at 1040 N. Unruh Ave., in La Puente, close to everything seniors need — medical offices, stores to shop, public transportation, a Post Office, pharmacies and restaurants.
Chavira smiled when she said she’s not the only future resident eagerly tracking the builders’ progress “. Those residents who have been approved, are driving by the community pretty regularly, like me; they are eager to move in and spend time at the property,” says Chavira.
Seniors eager to make their homes at the new Arboleda Senior Apartments in La Puente have already signed up to rent many of the brand-new apartments at the Senior Housing Community. Fortunately, there are plenty of one-and-two-bedroom apartments still available, according to Resident Manager Selina R. Chavira. This is an arts concept of the final project.
Of the apartments that are still available, the one-bedroom units rent for $1,276, and the two-bedroom units go for $1,527. As the property construction wraps up, for safety reasons you are asked not to visit the construction site. However resident manager Selina R. Chavira can reached at (626) 423-6695.
“The Spanish-style buildings are beautiful, the coverings over the windows are really quaint and I like all the iron decorations on the property,” said Selina R. Chavira, resident manager of Arboleda Senior Apartments. “The iron-work designs are very striking.”
(La Puente, Calif.) As the builders put the final touches on the luxurious new Arboleda Senior Apartments in La Puente, it’s clear that these skilled craftsmen are working closely with the apartment community’s management to create a special place for seniors 62 and better.
During a recent walk-through, visitors were impressed by Arboleda’s beautiful Spanish-style architecture, featuring a skyloft tower, red-tile roofs, white exterior walls, wrought-iron patio railings, tile vents, iron exterior lamps, and other distinctive decorative touches.
Construction continues at the Arboleda apartments. High quality wood cabinets are installed with not just luxury in mind but practicality. While wood cabinets cost a little more in construction, they last for 30 years noticeably reducing maintenance and repair costs.
“The Spanish-style buildings are beautiful, the coverings over the windows are really quaint and I like all the iron decorations on the property,” said Selina R. Chavira, resident manager of Arboleda Senior Apartments. “The iron-work designs are very striking.”
In a nod to the San Gabriel Valley’s citrus-growing heritage, Arboleda, which means grove in Spanish, also has a large central courtyard that will be shaded by a large tree inside a circular planter.
“I really can’t wait for the big tree to be put in the front,” Selina Chavira said. “It will really be beautiful!”
Bath tubs and showers at Arboleda are very accessible with built in shower seats, several handrails and adjustable shower heads to aid seniors in comfort and necessity.
The upscale 74-unit Arboleda Senior Apartment community includes a large community room, fitness center, computer center, and library. Other senior-friendly amenities include an interior mail room, laundry room on each floor, corridors with secure handrails and two large elevators.
Chavira said she thinks the library and sky loft will be her favorite places at Arboleda Senior Apartments.
“The library and the sky loft are going to be amazing places for residents to unwind, relax, and spend time with a book,” she said. “The library includes a fireplace, and the sky loft will have a trellis with planters off to one side.”
“The library and the sky loft are going to be amazing places for residents to unwind, relax, and spend time with a book,” she said. “The library includes a fireplace, and the sky loft will have a trellis with planters off to one side.”
The well-designed apartment community offers one – and two – bedroom apartments perfect for seniors who enjoy high-quality living. The units come with refrigerators and safe, electric ranges, Selina Chavira said.
Arboleda Senior Apartments also feature controlled access to the building, and a first-floor management office.
Chavira said she’s looking forward to helping residents plant a thriving community garden.
Arboleda Senior Apartments are scheduled to be completed by early July, with move-in soon afterward.
The Apartments are close to medical centers, parks, shopping and dining and many other services that seniors regularly need and enjoy, Chavira said.
Area Seniors who want to make Arboleda Senior Apartments their home have begun the application process. “The Community is starting to come together, don’t wait to apply,” said Chavira.
The upscale 74-unit Arboleda Senior Apartment community includes two types of balcony with wrought iron railings, a large community room, fitness center, computer center, and library. Other senior-friendly amenities include an interior mail room, laundry room on each floor, corridors with secure handrails and two large elevators.
For more information go to ArboledaSeniorApts.com or call Resident Manager Selina Chavira at (626) 423-6695.
