According to the WHO, between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 will nearly double from 12% to 22%. Because of this, the UN declared 2021-2030 the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.
Healthy aging doesn't just mean that you focus on living for as long as you can. After all, you want quality over quantity, so you should be honing in on the factors that improve your quality of life.
These things actually have a name: protective factors.
What are protective factors, and how can they help seniors in Oroville, CA? Keep reading to find out.
Protective factors are the conditions, habits, and supports that reduce health risks and build resilience in older adults. They're unlike risk factors, which increase the likelihood of illness, injury, or decline. In fact, protective factors do the opposite; they serve as buffers, helping seniors maintain their independence, safety, and emotional well-being, even when challenges arise.
Protective factors work in three main ways:
The more protective factors older adults have in place, the greater the overall benefit to their long-term wellness.
Now that you know what they are, let's go over protective factors that help seniors thrive.
Social connection for seniors is of the utmost importance since they're prone to loneliness and isolation. In fact, Michigan Medicine says that 33% of older adults experience both things, so it's a major problem.
Strong and regular social connections can help:
Not only can companionship encourage healthy behaviors, but it also gives a safety net for emergencies.
Some of the best healthy aging strategies involve regular physical activity, and for good reason. Exercise can preserve:
It can also improve mood and sleep, as well as lower the risk of many chronic diseases. And more importantly, it can lower your fall risk.
You don't have to go crazy with physical activity either. Aim for activities that are tailored to your ability; the goal is 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
Group classes can be great for motivation if you're finding it difficult. Not only will you and your classmates hold one another accountable, but you'll also make new friends and enjoy the social aspect of things.
According to a study done by Norman et al., published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, older adults are at a higher risk of malnutrition. They're also more prone to dehydration, as there's a decreased thirst sensation.
The following also make things hard:
But good nutrition supports immunity, muscle mass, wound healing, mood, and cognitive function. So if you eat a balanced diet and get adequate hydration, you'll see a world of difference, and you'll maintain your strength and resilience.
Here are some practical ways to strengthen your nutrition:
If your home has tripping hazards, poor lighting, slippery bathrooms, and difficult stairs, these can all increase your risk of falls and injury. Luckily, with a few senior safety tips, simple modifications, and assistive devices, you can dramatically reduce those risks.
Conduct a home safety walk-through to find and fix things. You should:
To detect treatable problems early, you need regular primary care, eye, ear, and dental checks. Chronic disease monitoring, screening tests, and age-appropriate vaccines can also help immensely.
If you're having trouble remembering your annual wellness visits, then book them ahead of time and have them make the appointments recurring if possible.
Often, older adults take multiple medications. While they may have a positive effect overall, the medications may raise the risk of adverse drug events and interactions, as well as dizziness and falls.
This makes it important to have regular medication reviews where medical professionals can deprescribe when appropriate to improve safety. Seniors can be proactive by keeping an up-to-date medication list and reviewing it annually with their doctor.
For optimal senior mental health, you need regular mental activity. This can involve:
Good sleep hygiene is vital too. Good sleep habits support cognitive reserve and emotional well-being. So make sure you do the following:
Emotional well-being for seniors means having a sense of purpose. Not only does this improve your mood, but it can also boost your physical health and longevity.
Suggestions here include:
Make sure you match the tasks to your strengths and energy levels, and set achievable goals. If you find the right activities, then you'll gain structure and a reason to stay active. In addition, it'll reduce isolation and support your emotional well-being.
Now you know the answer to the question, "What are protective factors?" They're a set of things that boost your quality of life and reduce health risks.
If you focus on these factors, then you'll be better able to maintain your independence. As a result, you'll live the best golden years possible.
Are you interested in senior living in Oroville, CA? Then get in touch with us today. Marbella Oroville offers concierge services so our residents don't have to struggle with arranging things themselves. They can handle various tasks, including arranging for transportation, buying concert tickets, sending and receiving packages, and more.