5 Effective Ways To Heal From Surgery As A Senior Citizen
As people age, their bodies become less resilient and more prone to injury. When seniors require surgery, it is often a more complicated and lengthy process than for younger patients. The good news is that there are things that seniors can do to aid in their healing and recovery post-surgery. Here are five things you can do to help heal from surgery as a senior citizen.
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1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
This may seem like an obvious one, but it is important to follow your doctor’s orders after surgery. This means taking any prescribed medication, getting enough rest, and not overdoing it with physical activity. It is also important to keep any follow-up appointments with your doctor. Many people feel the need to “tough it out” and push through the pain after surgery, but this can actually do more harm than good. You need to speak to your doctor and ensure that you’re on the same page regarding your expectations for recovery.
2. Eat Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods helps your body to heal by giving it the nutrients it needs. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated fat. If you’re uninspired to make healthy meals, there are many online recipes you can use to make delicious and nutritious dishes. Delicious healthy meals may make you feel overwhelmed, but they are so easy to make, and once you find a few favorites, you will start to incorporate them into your everyday life.
3. Get Plenty Of Rest
Getting plenty of rest after the surgery is important so your body can heal properly. This means avoiding strenuous activity and getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. Taking naps during the day can also be helpful. Rest is a crucial aspect of recovery, and many people don’t allow their bodies the time to truly recover. If you are having trouble sleeping and resting, speak to your doctor about possible solutions.
4. Stay Active
Staying active after surgery is important for two reasons. First, it helps to avoid blood clots. Second, it keeps your muscles from getting too weak during the healing process. Take walks around your neighborhood or do some gentle exercises at home. Just be sure not to overdo it! Start slow and never do any exercise while you’re alone until your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
5. Attend Rehabilitation Sessions
If your doctor recommends it, attending orthopedic rehabilitation sessions can be very helpful. These sessions will typically focus on exercises that help to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. They can also help you to learn how to properly take care of yourself after surgery. Taking care of yourself after surgery is important in order to ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
By following these five tips, you will help your body heal properly after surgery so you can get back to your normal routine as soon as possible! Ensuring you give your body every opportunity to heal will allow you to enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.
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- Lisa has been blogging since 2013, and loves sharing resources and ideas for living a simple life. To get free printables, bonus words, and more - sign up for the newsletter.
Thank you so much for sharing these recovery tips, Lisa, I have had a few surgeries over the years and with growing health concerns there may be more in my future so I will take your advice to heart
I really hope that you won’t have more surgeries. They do take a long time to get over, especially when we’re a little older.