As we age, our bodies go through significant changes like decreased bone density, weakened muscles, and lower oxygen levels. These changes can make everyday activities challenging for older adults, reducing their overall quality of life.
While we can’t stop these changes, we can manage their symptoms. One effective way is by using an adjustable hospital bed, which offers numerous health benefits for seniors.
Firstly, many older people suffer from severe back pain due to issues like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or joint degeneration in the lower back. They often stack pillows to support their head, feet, or hips, but this usually leads to shifting positions during the night and more pain. An adjustable bed can help by allowing them to elevate their head and feet properly, relieving lower back pressure, promoting better posture, and reducing hip and shoulder strain.
For those dealing with acid reflux, lying on the stomach can worsen the condition because acid can easily pool and block food from passing through the esophagus. People often use pillows to elevate their heads, but pillows can slip and cause more harm. An adjustable bed, however, can be raised to prevent acid from traveling to the esophagus. Experts suggest elevating the entire mattress to avoid additional breathing problems related to acid reflux during the night.
Poor blood circulation is another issue that comes with aging. Seniors may become more sedentary, experience thickening of the aorta, and have decreased sensitivity in the baroreceptors. Conditions like atherosclerosis are common causes of poor circulation. An adjustable bed can aid by elevating the feet and back, improving circulation and helping with mobility issues. For best results, position the lower half of the bed higher than the heart to reduce stress and anxiety.
Snoring is a frequent problem, especially in the elderly, caused by the pressure of the neck’s weight on the windpipe. This blockage makes it hard for air to travel to the lungs, resulting in snoring. An adjustable bed can alleviate this by preventing the neck from putting pressure on the trachea, reducing snoring and promoting better sleep for both the senior and their partner.
One of the biggest advantages of an adjustable bed is comfort. These beds allow for customizable sleeping positions, often at an incline between 30 and 45 degrees, which is more comfortable than lying flat. Besides comfort, adjustable beds provide independence, which is crucial for many seniors who want to move around the bed easily without relying on someone else.
Seniors should consider getting an adjustable bed to enjoy these advantages and improve their quality of sleep. If you’re interested in learning more about this type of bed and its benefits, look into additional resources to enhance the life of an elderly person.
