Health and Wellness

When you envision aging, what do you see? Do you see someone who is strong and independent well into their hundreds? Do you see a frail individual unable to care for themselves or walk? The spectrum for aging is quite wide, so what truly is “normal?” The answer to this question is complex, but there are some things we can do to put ourselves on the right path to enjoying our Golden Years to the fullest.

With time, it is normal for our bodies to begin slowing down. Vision can start to blur, and our ability to hear can decline. We might fatigue more quickly, and find ourselves in need of rest breaks throughout the day. Our thought processes begin to slow, and you might notice you aren’t as sharp as you once were. Bones can become weaker, and strength can decline. These changes may sound frightening, but are subtle over time. This allows you to continue to enjoy day to day life with mild adjustments. These changes can also be managed with good communication and regular visits with your healthcare team.

Normal aging starts to transition to abnormal aging when these concerns appear suddenly, and begin altering your ability to maintain a normal lifestyle.

It’s extremely important to regularly assess any changes to how you feel or move around and look for some common red flags that you may be transitioning into abnormal aging.

1. Fatigue should not be so severe that you begin restricting activities to household only or begin declining invitations to partake in activities you once enjoyed.
2. Mild forgetfulness is normal, but it is abnormal if you or your loved ones start noticing you are forgetting conversations, events, or regularly misplacing routine objects.
3. If you begin noticing that you are becoming so weak that it is difficult to stand up or walk, make sure to contact your doctor right away. Weakness becomes even more concerning if you begin feeling unsteady on your feet, which leads you to fall or become fearful that you may fall.
4. Feeling depressed or anxious for weeks at a time, or to the point that it is preventing you from living life as you had previously.

All of these are signs of abnormal aging but are commonly left untreated because of beliefs that this is normal aging, and there is nothing that can be done. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

So, what can be done if you find yourself having some of these red flags? The answer to slowing down most of these changes is maintaining regular physical activity. Regular physical activity positively impacts each and every system in the body. Safely maintaining or advancing your physical activity can help slow or reverse all of the negative effects of aging. Physical activity and exercise can look different for everyone. You don’t have to go to a gym and lift weights, run/walk miles per day, or do complex activities to be physically active. If you are someone who is noticing abnormal aging, but aren’t used to being regularly active, it’s never too late! It is important to communicate any changes you may be experiencing with your doctor because they can assist you in managing these concerns.

Management can include diet changes, medication adjustments, and/or recommendations for physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Grant Regional Health Center has the ability to provide therapy through every level of care needed. If abnormal aging and/or illness/injury leads to a need for a hospital stay, therapy can be provided while admitted to the hospital. If that weakness leads to concerns regarding you immediately discharging to home from the hospital, swing bed therapy can be offered without moving locations or rooms. If you have to go to a different hospital to receive specialty care, you may still transition to Grant Regional for your swing bed or therapy needs. The swing bed program was built to offer quality short term rehabilitation close to home. The ultimate goal of the program is to improve your strength to a level that you can safely return to home as quickly as possible. Once home, outpatient therapy can be offered to ensure you are on path to living a healthy and active life. No hospital stay is required to participate in outpatient therapy, simply contact your doctor for a prescription.

We believe that your journey to better health should start close to home. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch care, no matter what stage of life or health you are in. If you or anyone you know has concerns regarding abnormal aging, please reach out to your primary doctor or your Grant Regional rehabilitation department at any time!