When the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, the risk of social isolation and loneliness increases for seniors, which may lead to several physical and mental conditions. Help your elderly loved ones fight the winter blues with these fun strategies to keep them stay active, healthy, and happy. 

Halloween costumes for seniors don’t have to be intricate to be effective.  There are many ways to help your loved one get into the creative spirit and have some fun.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs as seasons change. And SAD affects seniors with Alzheimer's for a variety of reasons. Learn more.

We are all looking for that fountain of youth and try to stay young as long as we can.  While there is no fountain to draw from, there are ways we can help our bodies to age healthfully. 

We all know that mid-day slump and having to find ways to get through it can be difficult.  It may come as a surprise that there are healthy food options instead of yet another caffeinated beverage to wake back up.

According to recent statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of senior citizens fall each year, with one out of five falls resulting in serious injuries. These numbers can reduce if the elderly proactively improve their balance and strengthen muscles through regular exercises. Get in touch with our experts at Senior Helpers Northern Kentucky to learn more about reducing the risks of falling. Here are 6 exercises to help prevent falls for persons over the age of 65 who reside in Northern Kentucky, Florence, Edgewood, and the Union area.

When it comes to memory games for seniors, it doesn’t have to be overly involved. Try to find a way to challenge the mind, even in small ways, each and every day.   

With retirement comes lots of free time that might not otherwise have been enjoyed.  With plenty of time to spend doing all things enjoyable, it is helpful to keep the mind stimulated and active.  Each new learning opportunity improves memory, increases self-confidence, and helps to build on skills already learned and add new experiences.   

When it comes to personal health history, it is very beneficial to know your family medical history.  Families tend to have a lot in common, such as genes, habits, and environment and lifestyle choices.  By being aware of any patterns among family members, healthcare professionals can better determine whether a person, other than their relatives, or future generations may be at risk for developing a certain condition. 

When it comes to proper nutrition for seniors and caregivers, it is important to remember to stay properly hydrated. We often discount the importance of including enough water into our diet. Not only is a hydrated body better at absorbing nutrients from food, water helps in regulating body temperature, digestion and circulation.

As our loved ones age, we may begin to wonder how we can improve and possibly even extend their lives.  If your loved one is experiencing difficulty with performing some of their daily tasks without assistance, or if they are struggling with their limited abilities in physical activity, there is no need to worry that they are not getting the stimulation they need.

There are many senior super foods that are great for protecting our loved one’s health.  We can find ways to incorporate these foods into daily eating without having to change one’s diet drastically. There are some grains that can be included in the list of senior super foods.  Oatmeal when cooked is generally low in calories and provides high fiber, protein, iron and other minerals.  Oatmeal is a senior super food that will lower cholesterol.  Another option to add as a dinner side is quinoa.  Quinoa is a senior super food that can substitute pasta, rice, and other types of grains.  This super food is full of protein, antioxidants, mineral, high fiber, and is also gluten free.  Highly trained and compassionated caregivers from Senior Helpers of Florence are available to help guide a senior loved one with making the right food choices when cooking and or grocery shopping. 

Now that it is finally warmer with the arrival of spring weather; the sun and our moods are brighter.  We are spending more time outdoors now that the chill of winter and unpredictability of spring is gone.  With these warmer days and longer time spent outdoors, it is important to always remember to wear sunscreen.  The sun’s rays are beneficial to us by supplying our daily requirement of Vitamin D with normal outdoor activity.  While this is important for our health, we can also enrich our diet with Vitamin D through fish, milk, dairy and eggs.  Prolonged exposure to the sun can have harmful effects.  On top of aging our skin prematurely, it can also encourage the development of cancer and damage.  Sun damaged skin is weaker, leathery and will bruise more easily. 

It’s no secret that the secret to feeling better and living longer is staying active.  Finding a workout routine that works for your aging loved one and helping them stick with it can pay big dividends.  Regular exercise helps older people stay independent and may even prevent diabetes, heart trouble, arthritis pain, anxiety and depression.  Regular physical activity can improve your loved one’s quality of life in so many ways. 

Warmer weather is finally approaching, so it is time to get out and enjoy the sunny days.  As the days get longer, it makes for more time spent outdoors with family and friends.  There are many activities senior citizens can enjoy outside that are fulfilling without being too physically demanding.

“I just don’t have time to go to the gym today.”  This probably this sounds familiar to some.  Getting up and going to the gym can be a pain, but the good news is that you don’t have to go to the gym to squeeze in a little exercise!  Find fun workouts.  Working out doesn’t have to be a strain or an inconvenience. Take your favorite activities and turn them into a quick workout. 

February 14th is fast approaching.  It’s quite convenient that February is designated by the American Heart Association as American Heart Month.   This is a great month to pay attention to your heart, both literally and figuratively.  If you are interested in showing you care with heart shaped treats, try something new that won’t break the scale.

There are many senior super foods that are great for protecting our loved one’s health.  We can find ways to incorporate these foods into daily eating without having to change one’s diet drastically. It is important to try to limit sugars, especially for our senior loved ones who might have to deal with other possible health issues such as diabetes, possible tooth decay or heart disease.

While seasonal depression can come and go, other forms of depression can be long term.  Feelings of sadness and getting the blues from time to time is normal and not something that should be worried about.  While there is no single cause of depression in any age group, there are signs of depression in a senior loved one to watch out for. 

Thanksgiving is a holiday that centers primarily on gratitude and family.  It is a wonderful time of year to really celebrate our loved ones and is a large traveling holiday for most of the country.  This is the time of year when we appreciate having many of our family members together to enjoy a homemade feast. 

After President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919, he said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for our victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, 8 out of 10 strokes could have been prevented.  A healthier lifestyle and quitting smoking will help to prevent strokes by reducing high blood pressure, losing weight, and lowering cholesterol.  

As a senior, living with diabetes can create unique challenges.  Learning to living healthfully is very beneficial to seniors, whether they are coping with diabetes or not.  Choosing to eat well balanced meals created with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is a healthy way to dine.

There is nothing quite as binding in a family as a passed down recipe, holding secret ingredients and loving memories.  Some of the most comforting smells are the smells of home.  Take the time to pull out your mom’s favorite recipes, and try to recreate those special scents and delicious meals.  If your mom is coping with a dementia related disease, such as Alzheimer’s, the familiar smells and tastes may stir up some memories. 

Caregivers are special people.  Those who spend their days caring for another human being are very giving to others.   Because caregivers are often performing tasks that are time-consuming and often thankless, it is important to remember to take time to take care of themselves.