Did you know that it takes around 66 days on average to change a habit? A habit is a complex psychological process in which our body is capable of acting without consciously paying attention to it, as if on autopilot. However, while habits can be helpful in our daily routines and we can carry out activities with minimal cognitive effort, not all habits are positive and the repetition of unhealthy habits can leave harmful imprints in our minds.
As we experience cognitive decline and changes in our physical health, unhealthy habits we picked up over the years can be detrimental to our well-being and hence should be rectified to avoid its harmful effects on us. So, which unhealthy habits should we address and why?
Smoking
With about one in ten adults over the age of 65 being active smokers, tobacco is a major source of health problems in our society. It can aggravate certain health problems such as diabetes and lung problems, and cause memory loss and cognitive decline as well. Smoking also interferes with the effects of certain medications thus hampering our daily activities. Therefore, breaking the habit of smoking becomes important.
You can help your loved ones address their unhealthy habits of smoking by providing them with a strong support system. Giving them care and assistance as required can help them persevere in breaking the habit, thereby improving their physical and mental well-being.
Drinking
Alcoholism not only brings about a plethora of health problems but also creates a series of safety concerns for older adults. Alcoholism can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, and neurological failures such as memory loss. The loss of control over one’s senses is also further worsened with age, resulting in numerous safety concerns for the elderly. This is further exacerbated by the effects of alcohol on their motor skills. The severity of injuries from falls rises along with age, therefore it is even more critical to break the bad habit of drinking.
You can help your loved ones break this habit by telling them the harmful effects and expressing your concerns about their well-being. You can also help them to find treatment if they are still unable to stamp out this unhealthy habit.
Inactive Lifestyle
Statistically, the detrimental effects of a week of inactivity on our body are similar to smoking an entire pack of cigarettes. Habitual inactivity results in over 40 chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart diseases, dementia, and many others; all of these diseases are exceedingly common among the elderly. This habit is exceedingly hard to break among the elderly, as their physical limitations and existing illnesses can prevent them from carrying out any plans to incorporate more physical activity in their lives.
Active Senior Apartments at Regency Pointe
An effective method to breaking deeply entrenched habits is to be engaged in purposeful activities. Here at the Active Senior Apartments at Regency Pointe, we provide a variety of senior living amenities and a wide range of lifestyle programs for our residents. You get to enjoy many recreational events and activities too. Come experience independent senior living and relish the opportunity to lead an active engaging life. You will never have a dull moment in our retirement community!
