Florida’s population is over 22 million, the third largest in the US, only behind California and Texas. But more people move to Florida every year than any other state. And estimates vary, but more than 200,000 people moved to Florida last year, which is a rate of about 600 new Floridians each and every day.

And nobody loves Florida more than seniors. Of all the people moving to the Sunshine State, about 40%  are seniors looking to retire and spend their later years with us here in Florida. 

Besides the great beaches, sunny weather, and friendly people, many seniors are attracted to Florida areas with great senior communities. The Top 5 are Lakewood Ranch, Ocala, The Villages, Tampa, and Port St. Lucie. Click here for the complete list of the 25 Best Places to Retire in Florida for 2023.

Senior living in Florida can be active and fulfilling as friends and family visit. But even the most active seniors experience the changes that come with aging.

Keeping your senior loved one active and engaged is the best way to ensure their continuing healthy lifestyle as they age.

But far too often, seniors neglect health issues, leading to a decline in their wellness.

As we age, even the healthiest bodies and minds undergo changes that can affect our overall health and well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, some common changes as we age are stiffening of blood vessels, decreased bone density, and more sensitive digestion.

In their article “10 Myths About Aging,” the National Institute of Health states that depression and loneliness are not a normal part of aging. Nor is it inevitable that all seniors eventually get dementia or have severe cognitive problems. The NIH also believes that exercise and physical activity contribute to a healthy aging process and a sedentary lifestyle does not.

Some Florida seniors choose to age at home, with a little help from home health caregivers. Others decide assisted living communities are a better choice to manage developing health issues.

But whatever you decide, awareness of developing health issues is the first step in maintaining the healthiest lifestyle possible as you age.

Below are the 5 Most Common Health Problems Neglected by Seniors. Help your senior loved ones address these issues now, so they can live their best and healthiest lives as they age.

Falls are a common and serious problem among seniors. Statistics show that one in four adults aged 65 and older will fall each year. And the CDC states that falls are the leading cause of death among seniors. Falls also cause serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma. Increasing falls lead to a decline in overall health and quality of life. 

Assisted living communities can play a crucial role in preventing falls among residents by implementing several safety measures. To reduce fall risks, assisted living communities typically have non-slip flooring, handrails in common areas and residences, ample lighting, and other safety features. 

Many medications cause side effects such as drowsiness, which can also increase the risk of falls. Staff members and professionals can reduce these risks by monitoring and managing seniors’ medications.

Some memory issues seem natural as we grow older. But if your senior loved one is experiencing increasing memory issues, getting an evaluation is a good idea. 

Memory concerns can cause anxiety for seniors and their families. Forgetting your keys is one thing. Eventually, forgetting where you live, who your family members are, or if you turned off the stove is another. 

Families rightfully worry about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Evaluation provides an objective measure of whether a person is cognitively impaired and can uncover treatable causes of decreased brain function, such as medication side effects or thyroid problems. 

Most seniors never get dementia, but the risk increases with age. About 3% of those between the ages of 70-74 have dementia. But that number rises to 22% for those aged 85-89.

Determining the seriousness of cognition and memory issues is crucial if your senior loved one wants to age at home. For dementia diagnoses, assisted living communities with specialized memory care units can give your senior loved one the best care possible.

Unfortunately, depression is a common mental health issue among seniors. And it can have a significant impact on health and well-being. As people age, they may experience the loss of loved ones, physical limitations, and changes in their roles and social networks. These changes can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to depression. Untreated depression can also lead to a decline in physical health, affecting sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels.

An active senior can lead a richer and more fulfilling life, but often seniors live alone at home. This isolation and lack of community often cause many difficulties, including safety issues, loneliness, depression, and more. 

Depression is a problem that is easily missed. It is important to spot and treat depression, as treatment can lead to greater involvement in social activities and a better quality of life overall. Assisted living communities provide social activities and a sense of community which can help alleviate depression and loneliness.

Surveys suggest that about 50% of adults aged 65 and over experience pain monthly. Persisting pain can lead to decreased social and physical activity, depression, and poor self-care. 

Pain can also signify a new health problem or a chronic problem that is not being adequately managed. Assisted living communities have trained staff who can help manage pain and provide additional support and resources.

Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis can worsen with age and significantly impact the quality of a senior’s life.

It is essential to work closely with healthcare providers to manage symptoms and maintain independence as much as possible. Assisted living communities have staff trained to manage chronic conditions and provide additional support and resources.

Florida senior living is about enjoying your best life and aging as healthily as possible. If your senior loved one is neglecting their health issues, it is best to take action now.

If you notice falls, pain, memory issues, loneliness, isolation, or depression, it is time to get professional help. And if your senior loved one has a chronic condition like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, finding the best care possible is crucial.

However, deciding if your senior loved one can age at home or needs qualified assisted living can be overwhelming.

Let us help.

We are a Florida-based company with expert knowledge of the Florida senior market. We know how to help with the move to assisted living while ensuring a smooth transition into the new community.

While senior options can seem confusing, this is all we do. 

Florida Senior Consulting helps seniors decide their next best steps so they can live their best lives with safety and security.

We have certified staff, licensed nurse advocates, and decades of experience in the field.

Senior living should be on your terms, and the choice should always be yours.

Call us, and we will answer all your questions and help you decide what is best for you or your senior loved one.