Knowing how to manage COPD for your senior loved one can make dealing with those symptoms more manageable. There are some simple interventions for managing your senior loved one's COPD diagnosis, including diet and exercise tips on reducing its effects over the long run.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that affects the lungs of older adults. It causes difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing due to airway obstruction. COPD can make it difficult for people to do activities like exercise because their bodies have to work harder to take in enough oxygen. Symptoms may include shortness of breath while resting or during activity, excessive mucus production, chest pain or tightness, frequent wheezing, and chronic productive cough with sputum or mucus.
How to Manage COPD for a Senior Loved One
Managing COPD can help your senior loved one feel better and maintain their quality of life. These simple strategies include:
Diet and Nutrition
Good nutrition is important for managing COPD. Eating a balanced diet can help to boost energy levels and maintain a healthy weight, which can help your senior loved one feel better overall. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are especially beneficial because they improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
Exercise
Regular exercise is an important part of COPD management. Exercise can help build up the strength and endurance necessary for breathing in optimal amounts of oxygen from the air. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling are good options that can be done safely by seniors with COPD. However, consult your senior parent's doctor before adding a new exercise.
Medication
Managing COPD may require medications. These can include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. It is important to talk to your doctor about any medications that are prescribed, so you understand how they should be taken and their possible side effects.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can help your senior loved one make the most of their lungs and reduce shortness of breath caused by COPD. Diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and abdominal breathing are all simple techniques that can be done regularly to strengthen the respiratory system and improve lung function.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help your senior loved one manage their condition. These programs combine exercise, education, nutritional support, and other treatments to help the person improve their endurance and quality of life.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy can also benefit people with COPD. The use of oxygen can improve blood circulation and help your senior loved one take in more air, so they are able to breathe better.
Senior Helpers Westchester Can Help Your Senior Loved One Thrive
COPD is a serious condition that affects many seniors. Managing COPD as a senior adult can require lifestyle changes in Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Tarrytown, Bronxville, and Westchester County. Your senior loved one can manage their symptoms better and improve their quality of life with the right information and help as needed. Senior Helpers Westchester can provide a helping hand with a variety of tasks. Contact us today to learn more