Over time the natural process of aging, and also our lifestyle choices, give rise to various physical changes and different illnesses. Because of this, it is common for older adults to not be able to perform simple activities of daily living on their own. For instance:
- Climbing up and down stairs
- Maintaining personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Using electronic devices
- Performing daily household chores such as cleaning the house, cooking, and doing the laundry.
Aging is a natural process, but what we do will greatly determine our quality of life. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, getting regular check-ups – up to three laboratory tests per year for early detection of disease, and taking medications at the established times, are just some of the activities that contribute towards maintaining health. They are also factors which those caring for the elderly should attend to.
We know that you want to take good care of those who cared most for you. This is why we are making the WHO’s “Health care for the elderly: a manual for primary health care workers” available to you.