Muscle Loss in Seniors

The term sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle loss and is a natural part of growing older. However, it also may occur at a faster pace after prolonged periods of inactivity from injury, illness or the pain of osteoarthritis. Sarcopenia causes muscle atrophy and brings on problems such as poor balance and greater weakness, which in turn, can result in more inactivity and increased risks for falls.

Seniors with muscle atrophy may have difficulty reaching their arms upward, opening jars, typing on a keyboard or even tying shoes. The Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine reports on a study that found “older men who did eight weeks of strength training lost about 25% of their muscle gains after they stopped training for two weeks.”

Jodi Klein, a physical therapist with Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggests a few things you can do if you know you have a surgical procedure ahead of you that could cause muscle atrophy. She says if you are currently active, keep it up; if not, use this time to get started. Klein explains, "The better shape you are in going into surgery, the better shape you will be coming out, and the less chance you have of enduring muscle loss."

Older adults who want to regain muscle strength should talk to their health care provider about the best methods. Experts recommend an exercise routine that builds both upper and lower body strength. This could include weight training with dumbbells and resistance bands in conjunction with walking, swimming, and biking. If it would be helpful, think about turning to an expert to aid you in regaining strength.

At MorningStar at West San Jose, scheduled to open soon, we will provide seniors carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Beautifully designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar will offer a range of programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being. Please visit our website for more information about luxury senior living in San Jose.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in San Jose, CA.
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Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/dont-let-muscle-mass-go-to-waste

HOW TO MANAGE ARTHRITIS AS A SENIOR

As we age, arthritis becomes one of the most common ailments that we have to manage. The medical condition impacts more than 60 million adults, with most cases developing in older adults. As the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear inflicted on joints throughout the body. At our senior living facility in Portland, Oregon, caregivers educate our guests on how to recognize the signs of arthritis, as well as take steps to manage the painful medical condition.

In addition to the wear and tear on joints that is part of the aging process, other factors can influence the development of arthritis symptoms. Obesity is a common cause of arthritis, as the joints have to support much more weight. A history of joint injuries, especially ones that develop symptoms as the result of contact sports, also plays a role in causing osteoarthritis. Family history plays a role, as well as overusing joints as the result of repetitive movements.

How to Manage Arthritis

A healthcare provider cannot cure arthritis, but seniors should follow a few tips that alleviate pain and other troublesome symptoms.

Exercise

It seems counterintuitive to exercise the same joints that generate pain and stiffness, but certain low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, and tai chi loosen the joints to improve flexibility. Always consult with your physicians before starting a new exercise regimen. Take it slow at the beginning of an exercise program, and then adjust the intensity according to how your joints respond.

Heat and Cold Therapies

The American College of Rheumatology recommends heat therapy because it relaxes joints and muscles. Heat enlarges blood vessels, which translates into a higher blood flow rate that delivers much-needed nutrients to joints. Applying a heating pad directly on the area of pain is an effective treatment method, as is warming up the entire body by taking a hot bath or swimming in a heated pool.

Inflamed joints benefit from cold therapies, such as applying a cold pack on the area where pain has developed.

Control Weight

We already mentioned the negative impact that obesity has on the joints. Controlling weight represents an effective preventive measure that mitigates or even eliminates the symptoms that are associated with arthritis. One of the keys to controlling weight concerns adopting a more nutritious diet, such as eating more antioxidant fruits and leafy vegetables. Controlling weight places less stress on joints, which increases mobility and prevents additional injuries.

Medical Treatments

Over-the-counter medications such as arthritis creams and oral pain relievers can help reduce the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis. For more serious arthritis cases, surgery might be the only viable strategy to manage arthritis as a senior. Osteotomy, which removes a small piece of bone to relieve joint pressure, is a common surgical procedure to help seniors manage arthritis symptoms.

Managing arthritis can be a challenge for seniors that live on their own. Receiving daily care at an assisted living facility in Portland ensures a loved one lives a healthier lifestyle. MorningStar senior housing facilities across the United States have earned the reputation for passionately serving seniors. Connect with MorningStar at Laurelhurst to learn more about why we operate the best senior housing facility in Portland, Oregon.