Posts Tagged ‘senior living’
Preventative Care for Ages 50+!
April 22, 2013
Some great information from WebMD Medical Reference.
- High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, and eye and kidney problems. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year, even if you think you’re OK.
- Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The risk goes UP after age 50.
- Once you turn 60, talk to your doctor about a bone mineral density scan – it checks your risk for osteoporosis, or bone thinning.
- Twenty-seven percent of Americans, 65 and older, have diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, even amputation.
- Quit smoking — or don’t start. Eat healthy and exercise regularly to keep a healthy weight. And always practice safe sex.
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Anti-Aging Diet Tips
April 16, 2013
A few Anti-Aging tips from www.webmd.com!
1. Try for at least 3 oz. of whole grains a day – such as oats, quinoa, barley, wheat, or brown rice. They are rich in fiber and they also lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
2. Be sure to snack on nuts – they help to reduce your risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. By eating even 1/4 of an ounce of nuts a day — about 4 almonds — it will do the trick.
3. Limiting sugary foods and drinks (that are high in calories and low in nutritional value) also help! By eating too much sugar, you can send your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster of up’s and down’s.
4. Eat at least 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat dairy a day. Options such as milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese have calcium and fortified vitamin D, which are essential for strong bones and staying active for life.
5. In place of red meat, add more beans and lentils! Beans and lentils are low in fat and rich in protein, protective antioxidants, and fiber. They are also inexpensive and easy to cook 
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: aging, anti aging, Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, healty lives, older adult health, older adults, senior living | No Comments »
A few fun facts about Seniors and Health from MedIndia
April 8, 2013
1. Currently people over 65 years number 483 million in the world and by 2030 the number will reach 974 million. By the year 2025 approximately 18% of the world population will be seniors.
2. There are 72 men for every 100 women in the age group ‘above 65 years’ and there are 45 men per 100 women in the age group ‘above 85 years.’
3. The number of people over 50 years who access the web is growing every day. It is estimated that 19% of the web users are over 50 years.
4. In the United States on Nov 1st, 2005 there were an estimated 67,473 centenarians (people aged 100 or older).
5. There are immense benefits of increasing the life spans of people in our community. Kevin Murphy and Robert Topel made some interesting estimates on insurance pay-outs if we increased our longevity. Reducing the death rate from heart disease or cancer by 20% would be worth around $10 trillion to Americans. This would be more than one year’s U.S. Gross Domestic Product.
6. As per the Guinness Book of World Records – Jeanne Louise Calment was the oldest human who lived for 122 years and 164 days. She was born in France on February 21, 1875, and died at a nursing home in Arles, southern France on August 4, 1997.
7. In the United States, seniors account for 40% of all prescriptions although they form only 15% of the population.
8. Older people are more prone to loneliness and depression and have a higher rate of suicide. In 1997, 20% of all U.S. suicide deaths were by individuals aged 65 and older.
9. Keeping physically active can slow the ageing process. Exercise is the mantra to keep young and feel good. A study published in 1995 that tracked 9,777 men between 20 and 82 years found that physically unfit men who became fit had death rates 44% lower than those who remained unfit.
10. Regular exercise prevents bone loss and incidence of fractures; it increases the muscle strength and hence the balance and co-ordination.
References:
1. World Health Network
2. USA Today
3. National Center for Health Statistics
* Read more: Top Ten Facts About Senior Health | Medindiahttp://www.medindia.net/health_statistics/health_facts/senior-health-facts.htm#ixzz2LwYT56LI*
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5 Myths about Exercise and Older Adults
February 25, 2013
Myth 1: There’s no point to exercising. I’m going to get old anyway.
Fact: Exercise and strength training helps you look and feel younger and stay active longer. Regular physical activity lowers your risk for a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Myth 2: Elderly people shouldn’t exercise. They should save their strength and rest.
Fact: Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy for the elderly. Period. Inactivity often causes seniors to lose the ability to do things on their own and can lead to more hospitalizations, doctor visits, and use of medicines for illnesses.
Myth 3: Exercise puts me at risk of falling down.
Fact: Regular exercise, by building strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass and improves balance, actually reducing your risk of falling.
Myth 4: It’s too late. I’m already too old to start exercising
Fact: You’re never too old to exercise! If you’ve never exercised before, or it’s been a while, start with light walking and other gentle activities.
Myth 5: I’m disabled. I can’t exercise sitting down.
Fact: Chair-bound people face special challenges but can lift light weights, stretch, and do chair aerobics to increase range of motion, improve muscle tone, and promote cardiovascular health.
For more information, please visit www.healthguide.org
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, excersise, health, memory care, older adults, senior living | No Comments »
How To Stay Young At Heart
January 29, 2013
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Instead, let the doctor worry about these things since that is what you pay for!
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, or whatever else makes you happy. Never let the brain idle. When you keep your mind active, you help keep it healthy.
4. Eat what you want, even if you’re the only one eating! Never be afraid to be the first in line.
5. Laugh often, long and loud.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, around the block, to another city or around the world, but NOT to where the guilt is.
9. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that takes our breath away.
For more information, please visit: http://modernsenior.net/
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, health, Geneva, older adult health, older adults, senior living | No Comments »
Living with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
January 25, 2013
When living with early–onset Alzheimer’s’, people face unique challenges, from job decisions, to financial issues, and future care. However, if you can talk openly about these issues, you and your family can prepare for the future in the best way possible. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and just because you have early-onset Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean you can’t stay active and involved. The disease will affect many different people in many different ways, so remember your symptoms will vary and the Alzheimer’s Association can help you and your family should you want support.
Here are a few tips on living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, from www.alz.org
1) Expect to have good days and bad days
2) Share your story – educate others and express yourself
3) Discuss changes in relationships with a counselor
4) Talk openly about the changes the disease is causing
5) Get involved. Volunteer in your community. Become an advocate.
6) Talk to your employer about adapting your job hour or duties
7) Get professional legal and financial help
8) Maintain your health and reduce stress
9) Take steps to make your home a safer place
10) Stay active. Keep making memories with your loved ones. Use your experience to enlighten.
Transportation for Seniors – Is it time to hide the keys?
January 21, 2013
Losing your ability to drive is one of the scariest parts about aging for many seniors. Elderly parents who are often cooperative can be very resistant to loosing this type of independence, as it creates strong feelings of isolation.
Before you take the keys away, your parent must understand why they need to stop driving and whether or not they have any other options. Start by explaining how reflexes become slower for everyone as they age, and driving then becomes a threat to both themselves and others on the road. Move then towards describing what other options they have for transportation so they can maintain their independence. There are the obvious forms of public transportation, such as buses, subways, and even taxis. However, another option in many communities is a dial-a-ride program, where a senior calls to schedule an appointment for transportation to and from a specific location and at a specific time.
To find other local resources, search the online Eldercare Locator maintained by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Please visit http://www.eldercare.gov/eldercare.net/public/resources/topic/Transportation.aspx for more information
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer's Care, health, memory care, older adult health, older adults, senior living | No Comments »
Five Signs of Cognitive Decline
December 27, 2012
As our parents age, it is tempting to pass off the little things as a normal part of aging, such as dad taking longer to do his favorite crossword puzzle, or mom having trouble remembering people’s names. The best thing you can do however is to acknowledge there may be more to than meets the eye, and to evaluate what care your loved one needs in order to remain independent, safe and healthy.
We’ve put together a list of conditions for you to consider with you parent at your next health care visit. Hopefully they will help you determine whether your family member is suffering from mental decline and if they would benefit from assisted living or memory care.
Can they hold a coherent, prolonged conversation?
Conversing can offer clues to mental status. While forgetfulness is normal, severe memory loss can indicate deeper problems. Try to pay attention to whether they call you by name and are speaking at a normal tone and speed. Slurring words can indicate hearing loss, and agitation from basic questions may indicate Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Do they keep up with current events and normal routines?
When seniors discontinue their normal routine (with or without physical cause), such as not making plans, or no longer referencing future events, they may be suffering from depression.
Weight loss
Weight loss is a sign your loved one is not eating properly. This can cause loss of sight, diminished mental capacity, or depression. A simply solution is a home health care provider, who can offer a steady diet of well-balanced meals to maintain a healthy weight.
Clean and orderly physical appearance
One indication your loved one is not physically able to carry out basic tasks is dirty or unkempt clothes. This can mean their mental capacity is diminishing. Try to find out if they remember to take care of their basic hygiene, such as brushing their hair or teeth daily.
Neat and Tidy House
Similar to how the physical appearance can indicate mental decline, and un-kept home can indicate trouble living independently. Things such as dirty dishes, plants that need watering, piles of garbage or musty and moldy smells all indicate more help is needed and that your loved one may be unable to properly care for themselves without additional assistance.
**It can be very distressing to know your loved one is suffering from mental decline or Alzheimer’s. If they are showing the above signs, be sure to go to a doctor for a professional diagnosis. Also, if they have trouble caring for themselves, long-term home care or memory care communities are a wonderful, safe and healthy option to ensure a productive, stable and happy life.
For more information, please visit www.seniorhomes.com and www.alz.org
A Safer Home for Loved Ones with Dementia
December 20, 2012
Dementia safety precautions are a necessity when individuals with memory loss risk harming themselves because of impaired judgment. Things we take for granted, such as remembering to use a Band-Aid, to only go outside wearing a winter coat, or to not eat food that has mold, are common things forgotten.
According to occupational therapist Barbara Smith, MS, OTR, from www.seniorhomes.com, a safety assessment is crucial. A few of the adaptations she uses:
• Add Clues for technology
o Preset the telephone, so the number 1 goes to a friend or relative. Use nail polish and make a sign that says “Press 1 for help”.
o Remove all remote controls
o Purchase lamps that switch on and off by touch
o Provide digital clocks with date and time also help.
• Install a shower seat
• Add night lights with sensors
• Check food regularly for freshness
• Remove items such as:
o Clutter (old newspapers, grocery receipts, magazines, bags, etc.)
o Small rugs
o Candles
o Matches
o Sharp knives
o Dangerous Tools
o Toxins such as bleach (as it can look like a gallon of milk) or cough syrup (which can smell like candy)
For more information, please visit www.seniorhomes.com
Choosing an Elder Care Community for your Spouse or Parent
December 14, 2012
One of the hardest parts of a family member aging, is when your spouse or elder parent’s care becomes more than you can physically or emotionally manage in your home or theirs. When trying to a choose the best possible home for your loved one, look for the best care available at all hours of the day and at night.
Here are a few hints of what to look for in a quality senior living community:
- Compare costs from other local communities. Don’t pay more than you need.
- Plan ahead of time. Often, the highest rated homes have waitlists.
- Consider a smaller care community. Bigger does not mean better.
- Look past the fancy exterior and see how the patients are treated – is the staff caring? Engaged? Friendly? Respectful? Do the residents seem anxious or at ease? Are they happy in their homes?
- Visit a community more than once. Eat the food. Talk to the residents. Meet their families.
- Find out how the staff communicates information with the families. How are concerns handled and what happens when there is a dispute?
- Ask about resident turnover, outside of deaths.
- Find out how your loved one will be integrated into the community of care workers and other residents.