Our bodies become increasingly vulnerable to a variety of health issues as we age, and one sometimes disregarded element is the quality of the air we breathe. Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a significant impact on seniors’ quality of life and respiratory health, which is why it is crucial to their overall health. In this blog, we’ll look at the significance of indoor air quality for seniors, talk about how to make it better, and offer advice on how to test the air to make sure your home is healthy. With the right support from loved ones and elder care, seniors can breathe better.

The Significance of Indoor Air Quality for Seniors

The air that seniors breathe can have a significant impact on their health in general. This can be seen in the following examples:

• Health of the Respiratory System: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders are more common in seniors. A reduction in lung function overall and breathing difficulties might result from poor indoor air quality. Sustaining respiratory health and averting issues linked to respiratory health require clean air.
• Immune System: Seniors are more vulnerable to infections and illnesses since aging is linked to a decreased immune system. Among other indoor contaminants, dust mites, mildew, and airborne particulates can weaken the immune system. Enhancing indoor air quality contributes to a healthier atmosphere that strengthens the immune system’s defense against infections.
• Cognitive Function: Research has demonstrated a link between cognitive function and air quality. Senior cognitive impairment has been related to high concentrations of contaminants in indoor air and poor indoor air quality. Improved mental health, memory retention, and cognitive function are all impacted by enough ventilation and clean air.

How Can Elder Care and Loved Ones Make Indoor Air Quality Better?

It all starts with ensuring adequate ventilation. This means opening windows and doors on a regular basis to let fresh air in. This is especially important during the winter months in colder areas where both doors and windows are kept locked tight for the most part. In order to eliminate pollutants and stop the accumulation of indoor air contaminants, loved ones might also think about installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters might also be utilized to capture and eliminate allergies, pollutants, and airborne particles. The elder care team can monitor where seniors spend most of their time and ensure air purifiers are working well in those spaces. Additionally, in humid environments, it’s essential to maintain a good balance to stop the growth of mold and dust mites. This might mean using dehumidifiers in moist places and fixing leaks right away to prevent problems with moisture.

Elder care can also help seniors lessen the buildup of indoor pollutants by dusting and cleaning living areas on a regular basis. Particular attention should be given to mattresses, upholstery, and carpets, as they may contain dust and allergens.

The quality of their indoor air can have a big impact on seniors’ health and wellbeing. To ensure they have the best environment for breathing and their health, the elder care team and loved ones can follow the tips above.

Sources:
https://blog.pureroom.com/clean-air-is-essential-for-seniors
https://www.lung.org/blog/indoor-air-quality-improvements
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/silent-killer-our-homes-understanding-how-poor-indoor-zeinali-rzycf/?trk=articles_directory

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Columbia, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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