Healthy Ageing in Ireland: Tips for Senior Citizens
Ireland is home to a growing population of senior citizens who are actively seeking ways to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life in their golden years. As we age, prioritising our health becomes increasingly important, and many people begin to experience age-related health concerns that may seem inevitable. Conditions such as osteoarthritis are seen as issues that develop with age but there are many ways to promote well-being and prevent age-related conditions from developing or worsening.
Looking after your health as you age involves not only embracing a healthy lifestyle but also staying vigilant about health screening and learning to effectively manage medications. Read on as we explore essential tips for healthy ageing in Ireland and you’ll discover our top tips for lifelong wellbeing.
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference
The way you manage your health and wellness as you age will be an important factor in determining how fit and well you feel and there are many ways to make the most of your health and increase longevity. Making alterations to the following lifestyle areas, even if these are just small changes to your daily routine, can make a very big difference to your health in both the short term and the long term. We suggest:
- Considering your diet. A well-balanced diet is fundamental to healthy ageing, and it is important to eat a diet that contains plenty of different coloured fruits and vegetables, as well as a good range of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. You may find that certain foods suit your body better as you age and giving your digestive system a chance to rest between meals and for a longer period overnight can be very helpful. It is also vital to drink plenty of water, particularly if you are feeling unwell, as this helps to flush toxins out of your body and keeps you hydrated. You may find that a vitamin supplement helps to support you as you age and there are several supplements formulated especially for those over 50, such as Centrum Women 50+, which is designed to meet the health requirements of women over 50, including B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, selenium and more, for hormonal activity and bone health, as well as supporting the immune system.
- Develop an exercise routine that works for you. Exercise is a crucial part of maintaining your health at any age, and it is particularly important as you get older. Instead of slowing down, you should aim to add to your exercise regime as you age, introducing weight-bearing exercise to protect your joints and bones. Exercise maintains mobility, helps to prevent chronic diseases and supports mental health, and if you exercise with others, you will enjoy social benefits, too. Senior citizens in Ireland can find many opportunities to exercise and try new activities, such as gentle fitness classes, yoga or meeting with others to enjoy walks or cycling in the countryside.
- Stimulate your brain. As you age, it is vital to maintain your brain health to prevent conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, and you will find many cultural and educational events in Ireland that can keep your mind active. Doing activities such as puzzles, crosswords and reading can encourage mental agility and keep those essential brain connections strong.
- Spend time with others. Keeping yourself socially active has many benefits for your mental and emotional well-being and this can become more challenging as you age. You may find a wealth of community events, social clubs and activities in your local area, and there are schemes to help with transport if you have limited mobility. You can talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out more about the options available to you locally, or discuss your options with others in your community and consider setting up a new group if your ideal option does not exist yet.
Don’t skip your health screenings
Health screenings can be useful throughout your life but are especially important as you age and your healthcare needs change. It’s a good idea to prioritise your health screenings and ensure you make time to attend since these can flag up any issues early on and prevent serious health problems.
Health screenings you should attend:
- Regular checkups. An annual or bi-annual checkup with your doctor or healthcare professional can be an excellent way to keep your health at the front of your mind and ensure you are doing everything you can to take care of yourself. Being aware of any potential issues and ensuring that problems are detected early can be life-saving, as well as flagging up any concerns you have so that you can take early action and avoid problems worsening or developing into serious conditions. It is also helpful to build a rapport with your doctor and other health professionals involved in your healthcare so that you can communicate openly with them and learn to advocate for yourself.
- Eye examinations. It is usual for vision to deteriorate with age and conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration are common. Regular eye examinations are crucial for detecting and addressing issues such as these, and you are entitled to free eye tests if you are over the age of 60.
- Hearing tests. Many people experience age-related hearing loss and a routine hearing test can pick this up in the early stages. If hearing loss is untreated, it can lead to permanent hearing damage and contribute to the development of cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, so it is very important to have regular hearing tests and to use interventions such as hearing aids to prevent further problems.
- Bone Density scans. Osteoporosis is very common in seniors, affecting bone density and leading to a higher likelihood of fractures. Bone density scans can help to detect osteoporosis early and allow you to take preventative measures and maintain your bone health through proper nutrition and exercise.
Medication management
Whether you have a chronic condition or are managing several different medications for temporary or long-term issues, you will find that managing your medication effectively will be of benefit to you in many ways. You may find the following helpful:
- Regular medication reviews. It is very important to regularly review the medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that your prescriptions are up to date and appropriate for your current state of health. Different medications and supplements can interact together and it is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure you are aware of any potential side effects and contraindications.
- Organising medications. It is useful to have a well-organised system to keep track of your medications, especially if you are taking multiple medications. You may find it helpful to use pill organisers or to set reminders for daily medications, and smartphone apps designed for this purpose can work well. If you are managing a chronic condition, a consistent medication schedule can be very effective.
- Open communication with healthcare providers. As well as regular medication reviews, you will benefit from developing open and honest communication with your healthcare provider to keep them informed of any changes in your health or any concerns you may have. This will enable adjustments to treatment plans and medications to be made when necessary and will ensure that your treatment contributes to your overall well-being.
Good health that lasts a lifetime
Protecting your health as you age has benefits beyond physical well-being, as it will also protect your cognitive health and your emotional balance. Here in Ireland, community and culture are integral to daily life and healthy ageing is something we can all benefit from as part of a multigenerational society. Learning to manage your medications and prioritising your health as you get older will protect against common age-related problems and ensure that you enjoy a better quality of life into old age.
We believe in encouraging regular health checkups and open communication with healthcare providers to put you in control of your health and the decisions you make about it. A commitment to a healthy lifestyle forms the foundation for a vibrant and active ageing experience in Ireland, and building a healthy sense of community can help you maintain your well-being throughout your life.
Healthcare Products For All Ages
Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, our mission is to support our local community with lifelong healthcare, and we have an excellent range of products for all ages, including healthcare, personal care and beauty. We have solutions for every member of the family, from infants to the elderly, and we are proud to offer advice on any healthcare questions you may have.
Our experienced pharmacists are on hand to help you with medication management and health screening, as well as tips and advice on making lifestyle changes, and we pride ourselves on being an approachable and friendly team. You can shop online and have your products discreetly delivered to your door, or pop into our community pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick, anytime.
