Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. The disease is more common in people over the age of 60. However, there are steps seniors can take to reduce their risk of Parkinson’s, including the tips mentioned below.
1. Limit Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals
Where your senior loved one lives, the foods he or she eats, and the things he or she comes into contact with can increase the odds of developing Parkinson’s. For example, going outdoors and working in the garden can help with brain health, mental wellbeing, and hand-eye coordination. However, it could also increase the risk of exposure to pesticides and other chemicals that cause Parkinson’s. Wearing protective clothing and accessories, monitoring meals, and learning more about environmental factors that cause the neurodegenerative disorder can help your loved one stave off the disease.
2. Get More Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient that can boost the immune system and increase levels of calcium and phosphorus, which helps the body function properly. Some of the ways to get more vitamin D include eating meat and dairy products from grass-fed animals, taking supplements, and getting safe sunlight exposure.
Preparing nutritious meals is often a challenging task for seniors with Parkinson’s. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
3. Get Plenty of Rest
Even a few hours without sleep could impact dopamine production in older adults. A decrease in dopamine could lead to movement issues and affect your loved one’s cognitive health. Therefore, your parent needs to get as much rest as possible. When it comes to your loved one’s nightly routine, he or she should avoid eating heavy snacks or taking on strenuous activities before bed. Also, turn off all lights, televisions, and other distractions that could keep your parent up during the night.
4. Exercise
Seniors who stay physically active can reduce their odds of developing Parkinson’s and other health conditions. Exercise can help the elderly keep their blood pressure levels stable, boost the nervous system, and reduce cell damage. Some of the best exercises for seniors who want to lower their risk of developing Parkinson’s include dancing, boxing, yoga, and aerobics. These activities can help older adults maintain proper balance, coordination, and agility in the senior years.
Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
5. Eat More Fruits & Vegetables
Consuming foods that are high in vitamins, particularly vitamin B, could prevent conditions like Parkinson’s. This nutrient can lower dopamine loss caused by genetic mutations. Consuming more fruits and vegetables can also help your loved one stave off cognitive decline and poor bone health, which are associated with Parkinson’s disease. Some of the best foods to eat are bananas, avocados, oranges, spinach, and broccoli.
6. Manage Stress
Reducing anxiety is one of the top ways to prevent Parkinson’s and boost your loved one’s mental health. Stress damages cells, which could increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and worsen its symptoms. To lower stress and anxiety levels, your loved one should develop healthy coping strategies to manage health issues, financial challenges, the loss of family and friends, and various age-related issues.
Many seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can continue to live at home, but they’ll likely need assistance from family members or other caregivers to do so safely. For many seniors in Oakville, ON, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (905) 337-1200.