Chronic pain can be a serious problem for aging family members. It can make it more difficult for them to get around and participate in the activities they enjoy most. Chronic pain has been linked to depression and other health issues that may affect the quality of life. However, there are many steps you can take—both as an individual and as part of a resident in senior living in Fish Hawk, FL —to help reduce your risk of developing chronic pain and improve your quality of life.
Schedule Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is important for everyone, but it can be especially beneficial for senior living residents with chronic pain. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels, which can help you feel more energetic throughout the day. Exercise also helps manage weight, which can be an issue for some adults in their golden years who are dealing with chronic pain.
Additionally, regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce depression in people suffering from chronic illnesses like arthritis or back problems.
Give Yourself A Massage
One of the best ways to relieve pain is by massaging the muscles. You can do this yourself or have a family member or friend massage you. The key is to avoid using too much pressure and keep it gentle so as not to aggravate any tender spots on your body.
If you’re having trouble reaching certain areas of your back (like between the shoulder blades), try lying down with a pillow under each arm, so they are elevated above heart level. This will help relax those tense muscles!
Keep A Positive Outlook
This can be difficult when you’re struggling with daily life and feel like your health is slipping away, but it’s important to remember that there are still things in your life that make you happy.
Find activities or hobbies that give you joy. These can include anything from gardening, volunteering at church, learning to play an instrument, or taking painting classes. You might even want to consider joining an activity group; these may include local clubs for the elderly (such as bridge clubs), arts organizations like theater groups, or art classes offered at senior centers near where you live. If none sound appealing right now, pick one thing and try it! The point here is that having something new and exciting can help distract us from the pain while also giving us something else besides our condition on which we can focus our energy.
Eat Well
Eating well is one of the most important things you can do to manage your pain. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your body healthy and strong.
Avoid foods that trigger pain or worsen it, such as spicy or fried foods, caffeine-containing drinks (such as coffee or tea), and alcohol and tobacco products. Try to eat small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals; this way, your stomach will have time to digest each bite before you take another bite!
Try Aromatherapy To Ease The Pain
Aromatherapy is a great way to manage your pain and stress. The smell of certain scents can help you relax, sleep better, and feel better overall. Some common smells known for their relaxing effect are lavender, vanilla, and chamomile. If you need help determining which scents will work best for your needs, talk with your doctor or therapist about how aromatherapy might benefit you!
Conclusion
In summary, many ways to manage chronic pain in golden-age adults exist. You can try therapies like massage and aromatherapy, exercise regularly or eat well. If you feel overwhelmed by your pain or need help coping with it, talk with your doctor about finding a treatment plan that works best for you.
