Lung Health and Seniors
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
Lung Health and Seniors in Cupertino, CA, and Surrounding Areas
Most people don’t have to think too much about breathing or their lungs until something goes wrong. But paying attention to lung health can help seniors to keep their respiratory system in the best possible shape for years to come. Learning more about how to do that is a significant first step, and senior home care providers can offer aging adults assistance with making lifestyle changes to support better lung health.
How Does Aging Affect the Lungs?
Lungs don’t have any muscles, but they rely on the diaphragm and the ribcage to work together to allow people to breathe. As people start to age, lung function slowly declines. Once seniors notice changes in their breathing, they may have been experiencing those changes for a long time. With age, the diaphragm weakens, and bones in the ribcage become thinner. The immune system also weakens, making aging adults more susceptible to illnesses and lung infections.
Staying Active Helps Lung Health
Regular exercise is recommended for just about every health issue. It strengthens muscles, including those used to breathe, like the diaphragm. Exercise also improves circulation, which means that it’s easier for the body to get the oxygen it needs from the lungs. Seniors should always talk to their medical providers to make sure exercising is safe for them.
Watch for Weight Issues
Abdominal weight, in particular, can interfere with the diaphragm’s ability to do its job properly for the lungs. Losing just a little bit of weight can make breathing easier and can improve shortness of breath and other breathing issues. The most common recommendations from doctors to lose a little bit of weight include dietary changes and exercising more often. Home care providers can help seniors to manage both of those changes effectively.
Prevent Infections and Illnesses
Because lung infections and other illnesses are much more common in aging adults, it’s important to take steps to prevent them whenever possible. Regular handwashing is the easiest first step, and seniors should wash their hands often with warm water and soap. Hand sanitizer can work in a pinch until they can get to a sink to wash their hands. Regular checkups at the doctor’s office and getting the flu or pneumonia vaccines can also help.
Avoid Smoke, Pollution, and Other Irritants
Smoke, either secondhand or from actual smoking, damages lung tissue. Air pollution also damages the lungs. Other irritants, like household chemicals, can be equally dangerous. Seniors may want to take extra steps to avoid these triggers, including using an air purifier at home.
Aging affects every area of the body, especially the lungs. But paying closer attention to what’s going on and how seniors are feeling can help them to get the assistance they need to keep their lungs as healthy as possible. Senior home care providers can help aging adults with routines and lifestyle changes that help them to breathe better and enjoy a better quality of life as well. They can also help seniors to deal with tasks that are more difficult, like driving or taking care of light household chores.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Cupertino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.