Experts, drawing attention to the importance of maintaining health in old age, state that physical activity plays a critical role in preserving health.
Emphasizing that old age is a critical period for individuals to maintain their health and live their daily lives as independently as possible, Instructor Büşra Kul from the Elderly Care Program said, “Physical activity and exercise programs for the elderly aim to reduce the risk of chronic diseases while also improving their quality of life.”
Instructor Büşra Kul from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Elderly Care Program highlighted the importance of maintaining health and independent daily living in old age.
Old age is a critical period for individuals to maintain their independent daily lives
Instructor Büşra Kul, emphasizing the significant importance of maintaining health in old age, stated that physical activity plays a critical role in health. Instructor Büşra Kul said; “Old age is a critical period for individuals to preserve, improve their health and maintain their daily lives as independently as possible. During this period, regular and properly performed physical activity and exercises make significant contributions to the preservation of both physical and mental health. Physical activity and exercise programs for the elderly aim to reduce the risk of chronic diseases while also improving their quality of life.”
In this context, Instructor Büşra Kul suggested various types of exercises that would contribute to elder health, such as aerobic exercises to reduce cognitive decline, flexibility and balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls, and household chores and gardening for mental well-being.
Healthy aging is not just about physical health…
Instructor Büşra Kul emphasized that alongside physical health, mental and social health are also important in healthy aging, and also stated that an active life is possible with different activities, which can increase the quality of life.
Sleep quality is crucial for elder health!
Instructor Büşra Kul, mentioning that elderly individuals going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding daytime naps, and staying away from heavy meals before sleep are important for a healthy sleep pattern, said, “Sleep is one of the most important processes for physical and mental renewal. Problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome observed in elderly individuals can negatively affect both psychological and cognitive health. Therefore, sleep hygiene, the arrangement of the sleep environment, and the planning of sleep hours are extremely important.”
Falls can be reduced with proper precautions
Finally, Instructor Büşra Kul, drawing attention to the fact that falls in the elderly can be prevented, stated, “Falls are serious incidents that reduce the quality of life for elderly individuals and leave negative physical and psychological effects. However, they can largely be prevented with simple environmental precautions and appropriate exercise programs. Conscious action is required in many areas, from home lighting to non-slip mats and the use of canes.”