As our bodies age, they undergo significant changes, such as decreased bone density, reduced muscle strength, and lower oxygen levels. These changes can disrupt seniors’ daily activities and decrease their overall quality of life.
While stopping these changes entirely isn’t possible, there are ways to ease their symptoms. One effective solution is using an adjustable hospital bed, which offers numerous health benefits for seniors.
Many elderly individuals experience severe back pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or joint degeneration in the lumbar spine. They often use pillows to support their head, feet, or hips, but this can cause them to shift positions throughout the night, worsening their pain. An adjustable bed can help alleviate this by keeping the head and feet properly elevated, reducing pressure on the lower back. It also promotes better posture and lessens strain on the hips and shoulders.
For those with acid reflux, lying on their stomachs can cause acid to pool and block food movement through the esophagus. While pillows can help raise the head, they can slip if the person moves a lot during sleep. An adjustable bed can be raised to prevent acid from reaching the esophagus. Experts recommend elevating the entire mattress to avoid additional acid-reflux-related breathing problems.
Poor blood circulation is another common issue seniors face, resulting from a sedentary lifestyle, thickened aorta, and decreased baroreceptor sensitivity. Atherosclerosis, a common cause of poor blood circulation, can also be a factor. Elevating the feet and back on an adjustable bed can improve blood flow and help manage mobility issues. To get the best results, position the bed so the lower half is higher than the heart, reducing stress and anxiety.
Snoring, particularly in the elderly, often occurs when the windpipe closes due to the neck’s weight, making it difficult for air to travel to the lungs. This causes snoring, which signals breathing difficulties. An adjustable bed can reduce snoring by preventing the neck’s weight from pressing on the trachea, allowing seniors and their partners to sleep better.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of an adjustable bed is the increased comfort it provides. These beds allow for a customizable sleeping position, usually inclined between 30 and 45 degrees, which is more comfortable than lying flat. Additionally, adjustable beds offer independence, allowing seniors to move around the bed without relying on someone else to help them find a suitable position.
Seniors should consider getting an adjustable bed for its numerous benefits, ensuring quality, uninterrupted, and pain-free sleep.
