News and Blog
One of the best ways to reduce your overall risk of developing cancer is maintaining good bodily health. One of the most essential parts of the equation for keeping good health is a well-balanced diet that includes the nutrition our bodies need. We are what we eat, and nutritious meals give senior bodies the fuel and building blocks for a strong immune system, faster recovery from disease and injuries, and also reducing the risk of developing cancer. While there are many factors that affect cancer risk, such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle, and a good diet may not completely prevent cancer alone, the countless other benefits to health alone are worth it.
Cooking to Reduce Cancer RiskOne of the realities of getting older is the increasing number and frequency of various medical tests. Of course these procedures are not done for fun, but are simply a chore that is thrust upon us as a result of reaching our twilight years.
Coping with Medical Test AnxietyLong weekends and summer days are perfect for visiting friends, family, and travel destinations close and far. Discover some challenges in traveling and hosting visitors and provide ideas to make it easier.
How to Prepare for Travel and Labor Day Events During Three-Day WeekendsPets are loyal friends who love us unconditionally. The unwavering commitment that a pet will have to our happiness can help to make even the worst of days just a little bit better.
Pet Therapy for SeniorsSenior citizens in the Mesa, Arizona region prioritize their health to live their best lives. Part of a healthful lifestyle is keeping up with vaccines. We become more susceptible to illnesses as we age because our immune systems weaken. Some diseases are pretty severe for seniors and are preventable with vaccinations. Immunizations are an effective way to protect us from these diseases. Here, we will discuss vaccines a senior citizen should add to their care plan.
Immunizations and Vaccines That Are Important for Senior AdultsSeniors can be prevented from getting outside of the house by a number of hurdles, both mental and physical. Depending on the capabilities and physical condition of your elder loved one, even a short excursion can take a great deal of energy and leave them exhausted. If you find yourself taking care of someone with mobility issues, the simple act of leaving the house, for any reason, can be daunting. However, breathing a little fresh air and getting out into the sunshine can accomplish more than just diminishing boredom and complacency. Studies have shown that people who get outside on a daily basis are less prone to a wide variety of health problems, such as chronic pain or sleep loss, and are more likely to remain active than their housebound counterparts.
Getting Seniors with Mobility Issues OutsideInjuries from falls are the number one cause of preventable hospitalizations in older adults. The good news is that the incidence of hip fractures in older adults has been in decline over the last thirty years. However, the bad news is that the number hit a plateau in 2012 and has been increasing recently. Worryingly, the worldwide incidence of hip fractures is expected to increase in men by 310% and in women by 240%, compared to what the rates were in 1990.
Concerning Trends in Osteoporosis TreatmentOnce we reach our senior years and begin to age through the twilight period of our lives, one of the things that is almost universally understood to be a positive activity that enriches our lives is forming meaningful connections with any grandchildren we might have. By spending quality time with your grandchildren, not only will you build memories with them that will last their lifetimes, research has shown that children and teens who have close and healthy relationships with the seniors in their lives will themselves grow up to have healthy attitudes towards the aging process.
Summer Activities For You and Your GrandchildrenMost people are familiar with the idea of a bucket list, which is the idea of a collection of goals, dreams, and aspirations to be completed before the end of one’s life. The purpose of one is to push us to remain motivated and aspirational, and chase our goals right up until the end. What if we did it the other way around? A reverse bucket list, which would be created by starting at the beginning of your life, and working your way forwards, would be the result.
Reverse Bucket ListsThe state of California legalized recreational marijuana a number of years ago, and before that medicinal marijuana had been legalized for some time. But since recreational legalization, adults aged 21 and over no longer need a medical card confirming a prescription by a healthcare provider to purchase cannabis and cannabis products from licensed retailers and dispensaries.
While marijuana’s medicinal use for pain treatment is widely talked about, now that it’s recreationally legal and people are always talking up the supposed many benefits of using cannabis, whether through smoking it or consuming food and drink that contains it, it’s beneficial to take a look at what cannabis can and can’t do, and how it might fit into your life.
Seniors and MarijuanaPart of the aging process is that lean muscle begins to decline. Fortunately, this trend can be slowed significantly, or even stopped, by maintaining a regimen of regular exercise, and eating nutritious meals with plenty of protein. A recent study found that older adults who consumed high amounts of dietary protein had more muscle mass and greater levels of functional strength than seniors whose diets were lacking in protein.
Sources of Plant ProteinWhile at times our aging parents and loved ones need some extra care and guidance, it can of course be challenging to speak to your employer and tell them about how you need to manage increased caregiving needs. How does one best make sure they’re successfully balancing the needs of their loved ones while making sure to fulfill their responsibilities at work?
Balancing Work and Caring for an Aging ParentWe often think of vital signs like measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate, cholesterol levels, or blood sugar as indicators of overall health, but those are not the only ways to gauge a person’s overall health. What people may not be aware of is that walking speed, or gait, is a useful metric for evaluating current health and predicting future health outcomes.
Gait and Walking Speed as a Predictor of HealthWhile the image of the crabby, ill-tempered senior, shaking their fist at neighborhood kids and shouting for them to get off the lawn, is a common ageist stereotype, there is truth in the statement that some changes in our later years can spark feelings of anger.
Addressing Senior AngerForgetting things is sometimes an everyday part of life. It’s the reason to-do lists, reminder apps, and tying a string around your finger all exist. As people age, it’s possible they may experience more frequent episodes of memory loss, and this is often a normal part of aging. So how can older adults tell if what they are experiencing is normal aging symptoms, or signs of something worse, like Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?
Normal Forgetfulness vs DementiaWhen you want the best care for yourself or a loved one, oftentimes you seek out specialists for individualized treatment. For example, you’ll take your child to a pediatrician instead of a general practitioner, and you’ll see a podiatrist for foot pain. When older adults and senior citizens are concerned, medical care provided should be given equal respect and individualized attention in the same way. But the question is how to know which places will provide that?
Age-Friendly Health SystemEngaging in regular physical activity is essential for aging as healthily as possible. Much of the symptoms and stereotypes we associate with the physical decline of aging is actually a result of sedentary behavior, and with physical activity it can be counteracted. An ideal exercise routine should include a combination of stretching, strength training, and aerobics. The good news is that there’s a form of exercise that hits all three of those goals simultaneously, which is aqua therapy.
Aqua Therapy for SeniorsThe COVID pandemic has had a huge, immeasurable impact on all of our lives and has served as a wake-up call for many people in terms of their understanding of how important vaccines are for the state of public health. Ask any geriatrician and they’ll tell you that vaccines are one of the most powerful weapons in their medical arsenal for combating serious illness. For senior citizens, contracting a serious illness can profoundly impact their health and quality of life, leading to ripple effects such as loss of independence, decreased mental and physical capabilities, or a prematurely shortened lifespan.
Important Vaccines for SeniorsWith summer in full swing and temperatures soaring, the urge to enjoy the fresh air can also lead to exposing yourself to the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat related health concerns. While the indoors and the air conditioning are ideal and comfortable, it can also lead to getting bored and complacent, which can lead to loss of mobility and independence. While high temperatures can be high risk, there are ways to enjoy the outdoors smartly and safely.
Fun Ways to Beat the HeatThis article will discuss the top caregiver skills and highlight 4 ways to grow your skills as a caregiver in 2022. Whether you are just starting or have been caring for others for years, the tips will help you improve your abilities and make a difference in the lives of those you care for.
4 Ways to Grow Your Skills as a Caregiver in 2022Caregiving, no matter how rewarding, is always a stressful experience. Watching our parents age will undoubtedly produce emotional reactions. And when your elderly loved one needs help to get through the day, it is often a painful experience.
Talking with your Siblings About Aging ParentsThe medicare system is complicated, but by learning the basics you can save money and ensure that you get the health care that you prefer. Here are some frequently asked questions, and their answers, about Medicare that will help you to plan and navigate the system.
Navigating the Medicare MazeWhile the summer is a great time to plan outdoor activities, stretch our legs, and shake off any remaining winter blahs that might still be weighing us down, the truth is that enjoying the sunshine can quickly turn from a fun time to a dangerous time. Sunlight, higher temperatures, and physical exertion can take their toll on the youngest and fittest people, and older adults are particularly susceptible to heat emergencies and dehydration. The good news, however, is that with a little bit of preparation and preventative steps, you can make sure your days never turn sour and you can let the good times roll all summer long.
Ready Yourself for Hot WeatherThere are an estimated 11 million caregivers in the United States who are part of the sandwich generation. For those unfamiliar with the term, the sandwich generation refers to adults today who are caring in home for both their older parents, and their younger adult children who have moved back home or remained there for any number of reasons after turning 18. These people are not only caring for the aging adults in their lives, but also the needs of their younger children. Members of the sandwich generation tend to experience high levels of emotional stress, as well as physical and financial strain as they juggle responsibilities.
Organizing Caregiving for the Sandwich Generation