For seniors, respiratory problems can get in the way of leisure activities, spending time with friends and family, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, seniors dealing with respiratory difficulties can take action to reduce risk factors and improve their health. Let’s talk about some of the common health problems that impact breathing in seniors, with an eye toward smart lifestyle choices that can create a better future for you or the ones you love.
Common Illnesses
As we get older, the more likely we are to experience a variety of respiratory illnesses. Commons conditions that affect seniors include chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (better known as COPD).
If you are suffering from one or more of these conditions, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Medical professionals can help you devise an individualized treatment plan, but in the meantime, try to follow these common-sense preventative steps:
Don’t Smoke
The importance of staying smoke-free when dealing with respiratory issues may seem obvious to many, but many of the problems seniors face come from smoking habits past and present. Seniors over 65 are particularly vulnerable, as they might have taken up smoking during a time when the health effects of smoking were not fully understood.
Make sure you or the seniors in your life have the support they need to quit smoking. Nicotine gums, patches, and prescription medications can all assist with smoking cessation.
Exercise Regularly
Regularly exercise strengthens and clears the lungs, not to mention all it does to benefit your general health. Seniors should exercise to get the heart rate up and the lungs pumping, like walking, jogging, biking, tennis, and other aerobic activities.
Get to Know Your Doctor
You know what they say: a doctor a day keeps the wheezing away! Okay, that may not be exactly right, and seeing your doctor every day could be a bit excessive, to put it mildly. But when you’re contending with respiratory illnesses, visit your doctor regularly to stay ahead of the curve and keep track of your progress. He or she may also recommend helpful medical devices like air purifiers or nebulizers.
Respiratory conditions may be a hurdle to overcome, but they don’t need to sink your quality of life. Be sure to protect your health first and foremost, and check out Medical Supply Depot to ensure all your medical needs are met!
