INJURY RECOVERY TIPS FOR SENIORS
STORY BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
There is no escaping the fact that the human body changes as it ages . Some changes associated with aging are beneficial , such as increased wisdom and knowledge from past experiences . Others , particularly changes to health and wellness , can be disconcerting .
Generally speaking , recovering from any injury can be a time-consuming process . For those over the age of 60 , the process of recovering from injury can be especially lengthy .
According to Restorative Strength , a fitness and personal training service for seniors , elderly adults generally heal from injuries slower than young people . Caring Senior Services says there are a few reasons why healing can be delayed :
• Having diabetes is one of the most common reasons why seniors have delayed healing . The disease can negatively impact wound healing because elevated glucose levels narrow the blood vessels and harden the arteries .
• The inflammatory response in seniors drastically slows down as people age . This response is the first phase when blood vessels expand to let white blood cells and nutrients reach wounds . When delayed , the wounds heal much more slowly .
• Reduced skin elasticity and diminished collagen fibers in seniors can contribute to the body ’ s tissues not being able to return to a normal state after injury .
• Sedentary seniors may have lost muscle mass and flexibility , which help physically active individuals regain mobility after an injury . Bones also may be more brittle , particularly if osteoporosis is present .
Although it ’ s impossible to reverse the hands of time , there are steps seniors can take to recover from injuries more quickly , and potentially avoid them as well .
SLOW AND STEADY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Exercise , including routine strength-training activities , helps strengthen muscles and bones . According to Pioneer Trace Healthcare and Rehabilitation , when complete bed rest is not advised after an injury , getting up and moving even just a little each day can jump-start recovery . Regular activity prior to any injury also may make the body stronger and more flexible to help reduce the likelihood of injuries .
MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET
The mind has a role to play in injury recovery . Minimizing stress levels through meditation — and engaging in positive thinking techniques — can make healing and therapies more successful . Reducing stress can boost the immune system , which also will offer healing benefits .
IMPROVE DIET
The body needs certain vitamins and minerals to function properly . Eating a well-rounded , healthy diet can provide fuel that facilitates healing .
WORK WITH A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
Seniors should not take on exercise or recovery efforts on their own . Exercising the right way and following prescribed guidelines can speed up recovery and potentially prevent future injuries .
Recovery from injury could take longer for seniors . But with exercise , positive thinking and guidance from health professionals , there are ways to speed up the injury recovery process .
SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE 2023 31