Adjustable beds are traditionally thought of as for people who are in hospitals, chronically ill, or in debilitating pain. However, many otherwise healthy seniors can benefit from using an adjustable bed. There are specific changes that occur within the body as it ages, and these changes may turn into inconveniences or ailments once the body reaches sixty to seventy five. Here are some common problems that seniors face, and how an adjustable bed can assist:
- Edema is a common problem among older people; it is a buildup of fluid, usually occurring in the ankles, feet, and legs. While it is not always painful, it can make walking difficult, and can make the legs and feet feel very heavy. WebMD states that leg edema can lead to skin ulcers, and can interfere in blood flow. For more serious cases, medication can be prescribed, but other options are available. By raising the legs above the heart, fluid can disperse and make walking more comfortable. Utilizing an adjustable bed is the easiest way to raise the feet and legs comfortably, for an extended amount of time, with minimal effort.
- As we age, the cartilage and ligaments that hold together our vertebrae in our spines becomes thin and less cushioning. This can lead to back aches, and chronic pain. An adjustable bed can be moved to any position that takes the stress off of the affected vertebrae, and can be changed to react to the pain location of the moment.
- Arthritis is a common problem for seniors. There are many different types, but the end result is the same: stiff, painful joints. Adjustable beds can be positioned in any way that is comfortable for the sleeper, a position that will take away the ache and allow the person to sleep comfortably. Additionally, the morning is often the time where arthritis sufferers feel the stiffest, and it may be difficult to get out of bed. By raising the head of the bed and lowering the foot, adjustable beds effectively help “push†the sleeper out of the bed easily.
- Older people get less sleep than younger people do, and often find it hard to stay asleep once they get to bed. While as we age we need less rest, the rest that we do get needs to be restorative and rejuvenating. Seniors are more affected by the side effects of not sleeping well: memory loss, confusion, and cognitive difficulties, to name a few. By ensuring that the few hours of sleep they get is completely comfortable and restful, it will keep their minds sharp during the day.
- Finally, for those that are bedridden, it’s more than just avoiding bedsores and maintaining comfort. For those who are restricted to their beds, the hardest change to accept is sometimes the lack of freedom and autonomy. By resting in an adjustable bed, the patient can adjust themselves, make themselves more comfortable, and even take over some tasks that can be done sitting up. They are also able to put up the head of the bed to watch TV, read, write letters, work on a laptop, or a hundred other tasks that wouldn’t be able to be done on a flat bed.
Adjustable beds are not just for the infirm, they can be for anyone that wants a more comfortable lifestyle. Whether its edema, arthritis, back pain, lack of quality sleep, or being confined to bed, an adjustable bed can make sleep time and awake time more enjoyable.
Some Interesting Links for Seniors to Read!
What Causes Sleep Problems in Older People?
Dr. Vitiello, studied older people who reported no sleep problems – NYTimes.
For Older Adults -Â What can I do to sleep better?
