Benefits of Socialization for Seniors

Seniors tend to feel lonelier in comparison to the younger generation. There are several reasons for their loneliness, such as loss of a spouse, separation from companions, physical constraints to get out and meet people, and health issues. In this situation, it becomes crucial for older adults to make an effort to socialize and stay connected with others.

According to experts, older adults who can retain social connections experience a better quality of life than those who are isolated.

Some more benefits of socialization for seniors are described below:

• Feeling of Belongingness When you meet people who have similar interests to yours, it gives you a feeling that you belong somewhere. This need for belongingness is more intense in those who have lost their partner or a close friend. Doing something meaningful with others also helps to develop new bonds of friendship.        

• Improve Mental Health:Where isolation leads to depression and creates the feelings of despair and worthlessness, socialization helps seniors feel loved or cared about by those with whom they interact. Doing something good and rewarding in the company of other people helps to develop a positive outlook on life and keeps their mental state in a healthy condition.     

• Enhance Self-Esteem: Seniors can often feel humiliated when young family members do not pay attention to their advice or suggestions due to the generation gap. If older adults contribute something towards the welfare of society or participate in activities with others, they feel confident and respected. Positive interactions with friends and neighbors can also help to develop positive attitudes in them.      

• Improve Physical Health:  While interacting with others and doing activities of interest in a group, our bodies release health-promoting chemicals that boost the immune system, which further keeps away diseases. Socialization also promotes a healthy lifestyle in older adults.    

If you are looking for Home Care Assistance In Birmingham for your aging family member, consult the experts of Always Best Care. Their caregivers are thoroughly screened and trained to provide the safest and highest level of care to seniors. Talk to their experts at (205) 874-9730 to find out how they can assist you.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Cough in Old Age

A chronic cough is one of the most common issues that needs to be assessed and treated in seniors. If we understand the underlying reasons and symptoms of a cough and the reason behind it, it is often easy to cure or treat.

When the passages between the nose and mouth to the lungs are irritated by the substances entering through the inhalation of air, the body tries to get rid of them through a cough. A cough is when the air in the lungs is forced to expel under high pressure.

Signs and Symptoms of an Acute and Chronic Cough

Acute Cough
Coughs mainly occur due to infectious and noninfectious causes. Viral upper respiratory infections or common colds, acute bronchitis, sinus infections and pneumonia cause an acute cough. These are often curable or treatable.

1. Infectious cause
Symptoms that point to an infection are body aches, sinus pressure, chills, fever, vomiting, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, postnasal drip, headache, night sweats, phlegm, and sputum.

2. Noninfectious cause  
Noninfectious coughs occur when a person is exposed to certain irritants or chemicals in the environment. It can often be improved with inhalers or allergy medications.

Chronic Cough
It is not easy to find the major signs and symptoms of a chronic cough. Many seniors get this type of cough due to environmental allergy or prior smoking habits. It can be treated to a great extent by medication and quitting the habit of smoking.

Chronic coughs or noninfectious coughs can also occur due to chronic lung diseases like emphysema, asthma or chronic bronchitis.  
   
If your aging loved one is suffering from any type of cough, take them to an experienced specialist who can correctly diagnose and treat an acute or chronic cough. 

If your loved one needs Elderly Assistance, get in touch with Birmingham’s leading senior care agency – Always Best Care. They provide all the senior care and non-medical services your loved one may need to lead a healthy life. For a free consultation, call (205) 874-9730.