As people grow older, they experience a variety of changes in their bodies. One of the most significant and potentially concerning changes is that elderly individuals often take longer to recover from surgery than younger patients.
This can be due to a weakened immune system, frailty caused by age-related conditions, and reduced healing capabilities. Therefore, it is important for elderly patients undergoing surgery to understand the recovery process and how best to manage it so as not to prolong their time spent in hospital or rehab care facilities.
Surgery is a big event in everyone’s life, but it can be especially impactful for seniors. Let’s look at a few tips for elderly recovery after surgery that will help ensure the best possible outcome.
Follow your doctor’s orders
Let’s face it, seniors can be set in their ways and may not take kindly to being told what to do. However, elderly patients need to follow the doctor’s orders after surgery to ensure a successful recovery.
This includes following any dietary restrictions, taking medications as prescribed, and engaging in physical therapy exercises as recommended. Following their instructions will ensure you get the best results from your surgery.
Get plenty of rest
Yes, it might seem obvious, but rest is essential for elderly recovery after surgery. To help speed up the healing process and reduce fatigue, you need to get plenty of sleep at night and take naps during the day as needed. Additionally, avoiding strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or running can help reduce the risk of injury or complications.
Stay well-hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will help keep your body healthy during recovery and can also help reduce swelling after surgery. Make sure you talk to your doctor about how much water you should be drinking each day based on your individual needs. Ideally, you should aim for eight glasses of water a day to stay well-hydrated.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating nutritious foods can aid in healing by providing the nutrients necessary for tissue repair and regeneration, as well as energy for activity and general well-being. Ask your doctor which foods are recommended for optimal recovery after surgery, and make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals.
Exercise regularly (with guidance)
Regular exercise is essential for keeping your muscles strong and flexible during recovery, but it’s important not to overdo it. Your doctor will likely recommend low-impact exercises such as walking and yoga that you can safely do without putting too much strain on your body.
Find ways to stay active and engaged
Depending on the type of procedure performed, there may be certain activities that are off-limits while healing.
However, there are still plenty of ways seniors can stay active while recovering. Take walks around the block if able, play board games with family members, watch movies, read books, try out new recipes, log into Juicy casino and enjoy different games – any activity that is tailored towards an individual’s interests and abilities is beneficial.
Manage stress levels and stay positive
Stress can negatively impact mental and physical health during recovery from surgery, so it is crucial to find ways to manage stress levels throughout the process (e.g., deep breathing exercises).
Practicing gratitude exercises or positive affirmations can also help keep spirits high even when faced with long-term challenges associated with post-surgery rehabilitation programs or lifestyle adjustments due to decreased mobility/functionality following surgery).
Stay connected with family and friends
According to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)Â report, about one-fourth of persons 65 and older are deemed to be socially isolated, while more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older report feeling lonely.
Having family and friends around can provide emotional support during this difficult time, as well as practical assistance with things like shopping or transportation if needed. It can also be helpful just having someone else around who knows what you are going through—keep in touch via phone calls or video chats if possible.
Utilize assistive devices if needed
Assistive devices, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs, can help seniors remain independent while adjusting back into everyday life activities after surgery. Talk with a healthcare professional about which devices might best suit an individual’s needs.
Seek out additional resources
There are various resources available to seniors recovering from surgery, including physical therapy and occupational therapy services, in-home care services (e.g., assistance with meal preparation or transportation), support groups and other local programs, and online forums.
These types of services may not always be covered by insurance but could prove invaluable in helping seniors achieve better outcomes after surgery.
Conclusion
Surgery is never easy, especially for senior citizens, but following these 10 tips for elderly recovery after surgery will go a long way toward ensuring a successful healing process.
Keep in mind that recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the procedure performed, so it is important to follow the doctor’s orders and remain patient throughout the entire process.
With proper rest, nutrition, exercise, emotional support, and assistance when needed, elderly patients should be able to fully recover and continue living life to its fullest.
