Older Adults Archives

The words send shivers down my spine: “I fell. Please hurry.”

When you have elderly loved ones, you probably know the feelings all too well. The mixture of panic, fear, and the hundreds of scenarios that run through your mind as you race to get help.

The fear isn’t unfounded. The National Council on Aging reports falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional tolls, falls are expensive. The cost to treat injuries caused by falls among older adults is projected to increase to more than $10 billion by 2030.

If that doesn’t ring the alarm, it should. Nearly 22% of the Rio Grande Valley’s population is older than 55. Our community is tight-knit, compassionate and caring – and the risks facing our older adults should compel all of us to become part of the solution.

It doesn’t take much to make a difference. It can be as simple as sharing helpful, practical tips with a neighbor or family member to help them reduce their risks of falling. As September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month, there’s no better time than now to take steady steps to age gracefully:

Regular health assessments: Regular health check-ups are crucial for identifying risk factors associated with falls. Healthcare providers can assess balance, muscle strength, and gait, and recommend interventions tailored to individual needs. For example, vision and hearing impairments can increase fall risk, but they can easily be addressed.

Home modifications: Simple changes and rearranges to your home can reduce the risk of falls. Think about improved lighting, clear pathways and non-slip mats in the bathtub, shower and kitchen.

Preventive exercise: Exercise helps maintain heart health, strengthens muscles and improves balance to reduce the risk of falls. Walking, swimming and cycling can be tailored to fit any fitness level. The key: find activities you enjoy and make them part of a regular routine.

Medication management: Older adults are the largest consumers of prescription medications worldwide. A stable medication management plan includes routine consultation with your doctor and pharmacist to prevent side effects and mixing that can impact balance.

If you’re caring for an elderly loved one – or if you’re a senior trying to navigate it all– it can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. For nearly two decades, MHP Salud has helped our community’s older adults access resources, support and community services that contribute to healthy aging, safe homes and habits, and social connections that lead to strength and peace of mind for all involved.

Through our Silver Connections program, local Promotores de Salud work 1-on-1 with older adults to identify and address their greatest needs for healthy aging and living. If you or someone you know can benefit from senior services, including utility and food assistance and health insurance navigation, please visit mhpsalud.org to connect with our team.

Or, if you have a passion to help and want to engage in a meaningful way to support the health and safety of older adults in the community, let us know – there’s a place for everyone to make a difference.

Read the full article as originally published by Rio Grande Guardian: https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/dante-steady-steps-toward-graceful-aging,32702

While it may not always feel like it, aging is a genuine privilege. Though our hair grays and our knees get creaky, the world remains bright, beautiful and filled with loved ones, laughter and adventures waiting to be checked off the bucket list.

Honoring the opportunities that come with aging is a big reason our nation celebrates September as Healthy Aging Month – a time to focus on maintaining healthy habits that allow us to continue enjoying life’s pleasures through aging.

Across El Paso, MHP Salud Promotores de Salud – also known as community health workers – canvas communities to connect older adults to health education and support, health insurance and other resources.

Here are a few high notes you might hear them singing:

Feed your health. Nutrition is vital to any healthy lifestyle. A diet rich with key nutrients and vitamins helps combat inflammation and supports overall health. And buying healthy food doesn’t need to break the bank. MHP Salud partners with many local food banks – like our partners at the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief – providing fresh fruits and vegetables along with lean meats and other brain-foods like nuts and whole grains.

Many of these items and more are also available through SNAP food assistance and our Promotores de Salud are trained experts in helping to fill out those applications. And did you know that buying generic or store brand items can save you up to 30% on your food bill?

Keep moving. As we age, physical activity becomes even more important. Exercise helps maintain heart health, strengthens muscles and improves balance to reduce the risk of falls. Walking, swimming and cycling can be tailored to fit any fitness level. The key: finding activities you enjoy and making them part of a regular routine.

Stay social. Regular connection with friends and family, participating in community activities, and volunteering can all help improve mental health and combat feelings of depression and isolation.

Be proactive. Maintaining reliable health insurance is the first step to proactive and ongoing health care. Regular doctor check-ups, essential medical care and many prevention screenings are covered by various plans.

We understand these tips aren’t always as simple as they sound. Navigating the cost and complexities of healthy living and care can prevent El Pasoans from getting support and living healthy lifestyles. That’s why MHP Salud offers hand-in-hand guidance completely free – no cost, no commission and no hidden fees.

In honor of Healthy Aging Month, and with federal marketplace health insurance open enrollment just around the corner, I encourage you to take your health by the horns and support those around you to do the same.

To learn more, please reach out to us at mhpsalud.org. Our community health workers in El Paso can’t wait to walk with you through your healthy aging journey.

Opinion written by Maggie Dante is CEO of MHP Salud for El Paso Matters.

Opinion: 4 tips for maintaining health as you age

Category: Older Adults

Steady Steps Toward Graceful Aging

4 tips for maintaining health as you age