The Senior Respiratory System: Age-Related Changes & COPD

Interactive Caregiving  |  February 18, 2020

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About the Senior Respiratory System

The Senior Respiratory System | Nowadays, about 500,000 Canadians are struggling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This health problem, known as COPD represents a group of lung diseases, and the most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. After heart disease, cancer, and accidents, COPS is the leading cause of death.

The Senior Respiratory System: Symptoms

Symptoms of the disease progress with age, and they can include constant coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing up mucus and tightness in the chest. Although seniors are more likely to have COPD, with some lifestyle changes the risk of getting it can be significantly reduced.

The leading cause of COPD is smoking and even second-hand smoke can lead to this disease.  The link between COPD and poor air quality has also been established.

The Senior Respiratory System: Keep it Healthy!

Older adults who wish to minimize their risk of COPD should avoid smoking at any cost. Smokers should get support from their physicians and try quitting. Seniors who do not smoke should avoid getting exposed to second-hand smoke whenever possible.

Since there is a connection between poor air quality and COPD, reducing exposure to air pollution can also contribute to reducing the risk. Many cities issue warnings when there is a higher level of air pollution. When this occurs, seniors should stay in their homes and limit their outside activities as much as possible. Older adults should also avoid airborne irritants in the home.

A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity can positively affect the respiratory system and improve lung function and overall health. To stay vital and strong seniors need to understand the way aging is affecting their respiratory system and learn ways to reduce the risk of any related disease or illness.

When necessary, doctors can recommend vaccinations for influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia that can stop further breathing complications.

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, and companionship care. We also offer end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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