San Bernardino County, California, which encompasses the beautiful, nature-surrounded Redlands, CA, is experiencing a dramatic boom in its senior population. According to its official government website, the county projects its population of adults 65 and older to increase by 59% from 2022 to 2045.
As Redlands' senior population continues to grow, though, so will the number of older adults who may develop cataracts. Cataracts are a common condition in which the eyes' natural lens becomes cloudy, resulting in blurry, faded, or misty vision.
Fortunately, natural remedies for cataracts provide older adults with ways to reduce their risk of developing this eye problem.
So, come and join the team at Mission Commons, our beautiful and welcoming senior living community in Redlands, CA, as we share Redlands senior tips and insights into cataract prevention and holistic wellness in this guide.
Inside the body are many free radicals, which are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron. They're highly reactive and make healthy cells and their components susceptible to damage.
Free radicals aren't always a bad thing; they also have benefits, such as crucial roles in immune and thyroid functions. However, in excess, they can lead to oxidative stress, potentially contributing to premature aging and diseases, including senior eye health concerns like cataracts.
Enter antioxidants, substances that can delay or even prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. They work by negating or neutralizing free radicals, effectively "scavenging" them.
The best part is that antioxidants are easy to get, as they're widely available in healthy foods that contain many other essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, such as:
According to Healthline.com, studies have found evidence that specific vitamins also act as antioxidants, helping boost and protect eye health. For instance, vitamins B2, C, and E may help reduce one's risk of developing cataracts.
Diabetes, a chronic condition in which the body can't properly regulate blood sugar levels, can put seniors in Redlands, CA, at a higher risk for many diseases, including cataracts. Indeed, according to the National Eye Institute, having diabetes not only makes people at risk of diabetic retinopathy; it can also make people twice to five times more likely to get cataracts.
While aging and vision decline (to a minor degree) go hand in hand, cataracts (including those that arise from having diabetes) aren't a normal part of aging. Fortunately, diabetes (type 2) and the many eye-related problems it can cause are highly preventable through blood sugar management practices:
Just as vital and beneficial to seniors, especially those with high blood sugar levels or diabetes, is staying physically active. Physical activity helps improve the body's use of insulin and raises the amount of glucose the muscles burn for energy. Plus, it helps improve overall physical and mental health and well-being, making it one of the healthiest hobbies seniors should engage in regularly.
The sun is undoubtedly a remedy for those with the blues and a low vitamin D supply. However, too much exposure to the sun, particularly its ultraviolet (UV) rays, can do more damage than good, especially to the eyes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, UV rays can hurt the eyes and increase one's risk of developing:
So, while sunlight can be beneficial, seniors should be careful about prolonged and unprotected exposure to it. If you want to go out on a sunny day to enjoy the majestic Redlands outdoors, please do so while wearing UV-protective sunglasses (UV 400 or 100% UV protection). Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shields your eyes, too, for extra protection.
One of the best "natural" remedies for cataracts is avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Not only can staying clear of these behaviors help Redlands seniors lower their risk of developing cataracts, but it can also help them enjoy better overall health and well-being.
As Optometrists.org points out, smoking can double a person's risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age. It can do so by increasing the number of free radicals in the eyes.
The more free radicals roaming around in your eyes, the more likely the proteins and lipids in them can become damaged. When this happens, they can form into cataracts, giving you blurred vision and light sensitivity.
It's alright to enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation. What's dangerous is having too many drinks regularly. Regular consumption of alcohol in excessive amounts can lead to many health problems, including oxidative stress.
As mentioned above, oxidative stress is a factor in cataract development. So, the more often this occurs, the more likely a person is to develop cataracts.
Seniors who like alcoholic beverages can still enjoy them, but whenever they do, they should stick to the recommended amounts. For men, that's two standard drinks per day and one for women. It's also a good idea to drink lots of water after having alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and avoid the effects of dehydration.
From eating more antioxidant-rich foods to managing blood sugar levels and avoiding unhealthy habits, these are some natural remedies for cataracts that Redlands, CA, seniors should be aware of.
So, if you or an older loved one is looking for ways to keep your vision health in top condition, please be sure to remember and abide by our tips. Even better, consider exploring Mission Commons, our warm, welcoming, and loving senior living community specializing in independent living with supportive services. Here, the priority is to ensure our residents enjoy maintenance-free living that fosters good health and well-being through our high-quality amenities and care solutions.
Get in touch today to learn more and to schedule a tour of our retirement village in Redlands, CA!