Make positive changes for the sake of aging family members<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The best medicine in preventing elderly family
\nmembers from falling ill is healthy living at home.<\/p>\n
A geriatrician with the University of Indonesia's School of
\nMedicine, Czeresna H. Soejono, said that meeting daily
\nnutritional requirements, exercise and participating in positive
\nactivities can ensure their physical and emotional well-being.<\/p>\n
He recommends prior consultation with a nutritionist to design
\na healthy diet that fits individual requirements.<\/p>\n
The general rule is that healthy men aged 60 years who weigh
\n60 kilograms, for instance, require 2,100 calories, while healthy
\nwomen weighing 55 kilograms need 1,850 calories. The diet should
\ncomprise 60 percent to 65 percent carbohydrates, with the fat
\ncontent not exceeding 20 percent of total calories, with 25 grams
\nto 30 grams of fiber, and a protein level at 0.8 milligram to 1
\nmilligram per kilogram of body weight. Elderly people should also
\ndrink plenty of water, ideally six to eight glasses per day.<\/p>\n
\"There's no need to consume a bulk filler if the diet
\ncomprises various food groups. High fiber consumption can
\ninterfere with mineral and vitamin absorption,\" he warned.<\/p>\n
A good diet can fulfill vitamins and trace mineral
\nrequirements. However, if a person is not sure about his intake,
\nhe can take supplements.<\/p>\n
He advises the elderly to eat steamed or boiled food, and not
\nto forget to watch sugar and salt intake.<\/p>\n
Regular exercise is important. \"The best exercise for elderly
\npeople is something not too strenuous, like a 20-minute brisk
\nmorning walk four to five times a week,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Other exercises are swimming, low-impact aerobics and Tai Chi,
\nwhich is a good exercise for breathing.<\/p>\n
Put an end to bad habits like alcohol consumption and snacking
\non food high in fat.<\/p>\n
\"Quitting smoking is very important, which can be done through
\npersuasion, especially when the person is ill,\" Soejono said.<\/p>\n
Communication<\/p>\n
Encourage good communication among family members from
\ndifferent generations. Older people are advised to socialize to
\nkeep them aware of what is happening around them. This is also
\ngood exercise for the brain.<\/p>\n
\"This would open possibilities to join in social activities
\ntoo. They may be old but they are still active. These people are
\nyoung souls trapped in old bodies,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Soejono explained that maintaining their emotional and
\npsychological well-being is important. \"It's a difficult task
\nbecause the elderly become sensitive, intolerant, even with
\ngrandchildren, and sometimes aggressive or very passive.\"<\/p>\n
Dementia and depression are major mental health problems among
\nthe elderly that can be life threatening.<\/p>\n
Soejono also encouraged people in their 40s to have regular
\nmedical checkups at least once every year, while those in their
\n50s are advised to have their health checked twice a year.<\/p>\n
\"Although someone feels fine, it can be helpful to visit a
\ndoctor just to keep abreast of their health condition or for
\nmedical advise,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Family members are told never to ignore the slightest health
\nirregularities because many serious and fatal diseases affecting
\nthe elderly are apparent in simple symptoms like loss of
\nappetite.<\/p>\n
\"Start making these changes part of daily life to help
\nmaintain stamina and avoid them from experiencing old age in a
\npainful and weak condition,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Another geriatrician from Jakarta-based Cipto Mangunkusumo
\nGeneral Hospital's geriatric division, Siti Anisa Nuhonni, gave
\nsome helpful hints on prevent falls, which can result in fatal or
\ndebilitating injury:
\n * Rearrange things that may hamper movement, such as cables, toys
\nand rugs.
\n * Make sure that all rooms are well illuminated.
\n * Put antislip carpet in the bathroom and other wet areas.
\n * Keep floors clean and dry. (lup)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/make-positive-changes-for-the-sake-of-aging-family-members-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}