As we get older, our bodies go through significant changes like weaker bones, reduced muscle strength, and lower oxygen levels. These changes can make everyday tasks harder for seniors, impacting their quality of life.
While we can’t stop these changes, we can ease some of the symptoms of aging. One effective way is by using an adjustable hospital bed, which offers many health benefits for seniors. Here’s a quick overview of why choosing an adjustable bed can be so important for older adults.
Many seniors suffer from severe back pain due to conditions like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or joint degeneration in the lower back. They often try to ease this pain by stacking pillows under their head, feet, or hips. However, this can cause them to shift positions throughout the night, leading to even more pain and discomfort.
An adjustable bed can help relieve this kind of pain by allowing them to elevate their head and feet properly, taking significant pressure off the lower back. This also promotes better posture and reduces strain on the hips and shoulders.
If your loved one has acid reflux, lying flat on their back or stomach can make things worse because the acid can easily move up and block the esophagus. Many people use pillows to prop up their heads, but if they move around a lot during sleep, the pillows can slip out of place, causing more harm than good. An adjustable bed allows you to elevate the head to a position that prevents acid from traveling up the esophagus. Experts also suggest raising the entire mattress to avoid related breathing problems during the night.
Aging can also lead to poor blood circulation due to a more sedentary lifestyle, thickening of the aorta, and decreased sensitivity in the body’s baroreceptors. Conditions like atherosclerosis can further worsen blood circulation. An adjustable bed can help improve blood flow by elevating the feet and back, which can also aid in recovering from mobility issues. For best results, position the bed so that the lower half is higher than the heart to reduce stress and anxiety.
Snoring is a common issue among seniors, often caused by the windpipe closing due to the weight of the neck. This makes it hard for air to travel through to the lungs, leading to snoring and breathing difficulties. An adjustable bed can reduce snoring by preventing the neck’s weight from pressing on the trachea, allowing both seniors and their partners to sleep better.
One of the biggest advantages of an adjustable bed is the increased comfort it offers. You can customize the bed to find the most comfortable sleeping position, usually at an incline between 30 and 45 degrees, which is more comfortable than lying flat. Beyond comfort, these beds also promote independence, which is very important for many seniors. They can adjust their positions without needing help from family members.
Seniors should consider getting an adjustable bed. These beds provide numerous benefits, ensuring a good night’s sleep that is comfortable and free of pain. If you want to learn more about adjustable beds and their importance in improving the quality of life for elderly people, check out our detailed post.
