- Getting older does not mean your parents have to sit and be lazy. Retirement and aging allow the perfect opportunity to devote more time to athletics and physical fitness. Talk with your parents and listen to what they enjoy. Swimming is an activity that many aging individuals can participate in, as it is less strenuous on joints. If your parents are medically fit, tennis or golf might be more their speed. For those who are not in the best shape, horseshoes or even fishing can be activities that get them outdoors and moving, but not in a way that may cause physical harm.
- Even seniors who love the outdoors will at some point find themselves indoors. Instead of sitting and watching TV all day, encourage your parent to find other activities that will be more conducive to her mental and physical well being. Reading is a great way to stimulate the mind. Encourage your parents to play games, be them card games or board games. Listening to music and dancing are also great ways to enjoy the indoors on a rainy day.
- Social interaction is important to individuals who may not get out as often as they once did. Activities that involve getting together with friends or peers can boost your parent's mood and keep them involved. There are classes that meet in most communities and living centers and are available in a range of activities. Aerobics classes involve social interaction as do group dance lessons. Clubs like bingo and knitting are a way to join others and participate in an activity they enjoy. If your parent lives in a senior community, encourage him to go to the recreation center where he resides and find activities in which he would like to participate.
- Crossword puzzles and other types of work and number puzzles are a great way to keep the brain stimulated. For elderly parents who may have trouble seeing word puzzles, there are now computer programs that display the puzzles in very large print and also use auditory tools in order to assist these individuals. Mental stimulation has been shown to defend the brain from cognitive decline. Studies have shown that traveling has proven useful in stimulating your brain as well. Physical exercise not only helps your body, but also your brain. It can improve mood and mental strength.
Showing posts with label companion Care Brick toms river new jersey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label companion Care Brick toms river new jersey. Show all posts
Monday, November 19, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Osteoporosis The Silent Killer By peter mangiola Rn msn
Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease that
causes bones to become thin and brittle, making them more likely to break.
Ironically, bones naturally become thinner as you age, and as old bone dissolves
and is absorbed into the body faster than new bone is made. As this happens, the
bones lose minerals (such as calcium), heaviness (mass) and structure, which
makes them weaker. Osteoporosis speeds up the process making it more severe.
More than 28 million people in the U.S. are at risk of developing osteoporosis
and up to 1.5 million fractures/year are attributable to osteoporosis. While
there is no cure, the good news is this disease is largely preventable.Here are four key steps:
1. Get your daily-recommended amounts of calcium and Vitamin D.
2. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
4. Talk to your doctor about bone health.
The most important item is to talk with your doctor to see if a bone density test is needed and whether calcium supplements should be taken along with a regular multivitamin. Also, the advice parents always give their children is appropriate for seniors as well: Drink Your Milk! Senior Helpers is in no way dispensing medical advice. The tips provided here are general knowledge sourced from WebMD. Senior Helpers is not attempting to diagnose, cure, or prevent osteoporosis with this post.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
senior helpers in medford nj and moorestown nj talks about nutrional concerns for seniors in new jersey
Senior Helpers in Medford nj and moorestown nj talks about nutrional concerns for seniors in new jersey
By Peter Mangiola RN Msn
You may have made financial preparations for when you're older, thought about where you want to live and made sure you have an exercise routine in place to keep yourself in optimal shape.
But have you thought about your nutrition needs as you age?
Registered Dietitian Lou Ann Dixon, a consultant to senior helpers in home care of medford new jersey says that among the younger old -- those in their 60s and 70s -- the biggest issue is a slowdown in their resting or basal metabolism -- the number of calories the body burns maintaining and creating cells and in other necessary functions such as breathing and the beating of your heart.
"We all lose metabolism by about 2 percent per decade," Dixon says. For those in their 50s and older, that means reducing calorie intake and making every calorie count.
"What we all need to be doing is eating nutrient dense food. (We) don't have a lot of leeway to eat cakes and cookies -- fun food with no nutritional value."
The poor diet spiral
As people age further, many also lose appetite. While they require even fewer calories, than their counterparts 20 years younger, they need food that is just as nutrient dense. Some people in their late 70s and beyond fall into what some professionals call the "tea and toast syndrome." As they age and perhaps encounter a health setback of some sort, they lose energy. Especially if a person lives alone, he or she may choose the simplest food available -- such as tea and toast. With energy low, the person may feel satiated. However, the meal does not provide adequate protein, which helps maintain muscle, or adequate vitamins and minerals. The nutrient-poor eating habits can be
the start of a downward spiral where an insufficient diet means more fatigue, and the lack of energy leads to an even worse diet. Compounding the problem is that tastebuds become less sensitive as people get older, meaning that food simply doesn't taste as good.
"Our taste acuity goes down with age," Dixon says. "Things don't taste as good as when (people) were in their 30s or 40s, which makes a difference in the way people want to eat.
With some of the pleasure gone, eating seems more like a chore, especially for those who live alone.
"They get bored with eating and tired of cooking for one," says Maria Porchia Rn Ceo Of Senior Helpers of Medford New Jersey City In burlington couny and A Expert in Senior Services.
If you Would like further information Please call us at 609-261-2995 or Visit us At http://www.seniorhelpersnj.com/
Other problems
Dietitian Dixon adds that the stomach breaks down food less efficiently as people age, meaning that the nutrients we do take in do less good.
Then there's water.
"Dehydration is huge," Dixon says, adding that the thirst mechanism goes away in many people.
"They just don't drink enough fluids," she says of older people. "That slows everything down. That slows down the intestinal tract."
Lack of energy is not the only contributor to poor eating habits, Dixon says. Some people have dental problems, which makes chewing difficult. In addition, conditions such as arthritis make food more difficult to prepare. Cutting up an apple or even opening a jar can be painful and, if the person is using a knife, potentially dangerous.
Financial concerns are also present for some.
Hollinsgworth of the City of Boulder's Senior Services says every year she encounters a sad truth.
"Around the holidays, we coordinate the delivery of fruit basket with CareConnect," a local nonprofit, she says. "Time and time again, people say, 'I would love one. I can't (normally) afford fresh fruit.'"
A helping hand
Aging Services for both the City of Boulder and Boulder County offer a wide range of programs to help seniors navigate their food choices. In addition, they work with local non-profits such a Meals on Wheels and CareConnect.
CareConnect volunteers will pick up groceries for people who need them in Boulder and Longmont. The agency coordinates with Safeway stores in Boulder and Longmont, on Wednesdays, coupon day.
Last month, the Boulder program filled 240 grocery orders for 107 clients. In Longmont, 126 orders were filled.
"The idea of the overall mission is to support seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes," says Richard Varnes, executive director. "This can be a really make it or break it service."
When people think of feeding the elderly, they often think of Meals on Wheels, and rightly so. The organization in Boulder will serve as many as 75,000 meals this year, says Executive Director Francea Phillips. In addition to serving seniors, the group brings meals to people recovering from a hospital stay and those with disabilities that prevent them from accessing food on their own.
The group is also working to make the meals it serves as nutritious as possible.
"We're working diligently to continue to improve our healthy style meals," Phillips says. "We're trying to add organics to our menus as organics become available at a lower cost."
In addition, the program caters to special dietary needs when required. That includes making vegetarian meals, when requested, and serving meals appropriate for those who have diabetes or lactose intolerance.
"Eighty-three percent of our meals are called specials. (That means it's) not a standard meal," she says.
Phillips says the Boulder Meals on Wheels exceeds a third of the required daily allotment of calories and nutrients.
Some clients request double meals, which they receive. About 25 percent of meals are doubles.
"It still breaks my heart. I know that's not enough food to sustain a lifestyle, let alone a healthy lifestyle," Phillips says.
The meals are priced on a sliding scale; about 1,000 meals will be served at no charge, Phillips says.
Meals on Wheels also runs Café Classico, a restaurant housed in the West Boulder Senior Center, which serves lunches that include an entrée, salad bar, dessert, beverage and side items for $4. A Tuesday dinner includes entertainment.
The agency coordinates transit for those who need it.
"It brings people who could not get out of their homes," Phillips says.
Similar cafes are available in Nederland, Lafayette and Allenspark.
"Community is one of the most important things for food," Dixon, the dietitian says. "I think there are a lot of people sitting home alone."
But have you thought about your nutrition needs as you age?
Registered Dietitian Lou Ann Dixon, a consultant to senior helpers in home care of medford new jersey says that among the younger old -- those in their 60s and 70s -- the biggest issue is a slowdown in their resting or basal metabolism -- the number of calories the body burns maintaining and creating cells and in other necessary functions such as breathing and the beating of your heart.
"We all lose metabolism by about 2 percent per decade," Dixon says. For those in their 50s and older, that means reducing calorie intake and making every calorie count.
"What we all need to be doing is eating nutrient dense food. (We) don't have a lot of leeway to eat cakes and cookies -- fun food with no nutritional value."
The poor diet spiral
As people age further, many also lose appetite. While they require even fewer calories, than their counterparts 20 years younger, they need food that is just as nutrient dense. Some people in their late 70s and beyond fall into what some professionals call the "tea and toast syndrome." As they age and perhaps encounter a health setback of some sort, they lose energy. Especially if a person lives alone, he or she may choose the simplest food available -- such as tea and toast. With energy low, the person may feel satiated. However, the meal does not provide adequate protein, which helps maintain muscle, or adequate vitamins and minerals. The nutrient-poor eating habits can be
"Our taste acuity goes down with age," Dixon says. "Things don't taste as good as when (people) were in their 30s or 40s, which makes a difference in the way people want to eat.
With some of the pleasure gone, eating seems more like a chore, especially for those who live alone.
"They get bored with eating and tired of cooking for one," says Maria Porchia Rn Ceo Of Senior Helpers of Medford New Jersey City In burlington couny and A Expert in Senior Services.
If you Would like further information Please call us at 609-261-2995 or Visit us At http://www.seniorhelpersnj.com/
Other problems
Dietitian Dixon adds that the stomach breaks down food less efficiently as people age, meaning that the nutrients we do take in do less good.
Then there's water.
"Dehydration is huge," Dixon says, adding that the thirst mechanism goes away in many people.
"They just don't drink enough fluids," she says of older people. "That slows everything down. That slows down the intestinal tract."
Lack of energy is not the only contributor to poor eating habits, Dixon says. Some people have dental problems, which makes chewing difficult. In addition, conditions such as arthritis make food more difficult to prepare. Cutting up an apple or even opening a jar can be painful and, if the person is using a knife, potentially dangerous.
Financial concerns are also present for some.
Hollinsgworth of the City of Boulder's Senior Services says every year she encounters a sad truth.
"Around the holidays, we coordinate the delivery of fruit basket with CareConnect," a local nonprofit, she says. "Time and time again, people say, 'I would love one. I can't (normally) afford fresh fruit.'"
A helping hand
Aging Services for both the City of Boulder and Boulder County offer a wide range of programs to help seniors navigate their food choices. In addition, they work with local non-profits such a Meals on Wheels and CareConnect.
CareConnect volunteers will pick up groceries for people who need them in Boulder and Longmont. The agency coordinates with Safeway stores in Boulder and Longmont, on Wednesdays, coupon day.
Last month, the Boulder program filled 240 grocery orders for 107 clients. In Longmont, 126 orders were filled.
"The idea of the overall mission is to support seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes," says Richard Varnes, executive director. "This can be a really make it or break it service."
When people think of feeding the elderly, they often think of Meals on Wheels, and rightly so. The organization in Boulder will serve as many as 75,000 meals this year, says Executive Director Francea Phillips. In addition to serving seniors, the group brings meals to people recovering from a hospital stay and those with disabilities that prevent them from accessing food on their own.
The group is also working to make the meals it serves as nutritious as possible.
"We're working diligently to continue to improve our healthy style meals," Phillips says. "We're trying to add organics to our menus as organics become available at a lower cost."
In addition, the program caters to special dietary needs when required. That includes making vegetarian meals, when requested, and serving meals appropriate for those who have diabetes or lactose intolerance.
"Eighty-three percent of our meals are called specials. (That means it's) not a standard meal," she says.
Phillips says the Boulder Meals on Wheels exceeds a third of the required daily allotment of calories and nutrients.
Some clients request double meals, which they receive. About 25 percent of meals are doubles.
"It still breaks my heart. I know that's not enough food to sustain a lifestyle, let alone a healthy lifestyle," Phillips says.
The meals are priced on a sliding scale; about 1,000 meals will be served at no charge, Phillips says.
Meals on Wheels also runs Café Classico, a restaurant housed in the West Boulder Senior Center, which serves lunches that include an entrée, salad bar, dessert, beverage and side items for $4. A Tuesday dinner includes entertainment.
The agency coordinates transit for those who need it.
"It brings people who could not get out of their homes," Phillips says.
Similar cafes are available in Nederland, Lafayette and Allenspark.
"Community is one of the most important things for food," Dixon, the dietitian says. "I think there are a lot of people sitting home alone."
Monday, March 12, 2012
How senior helpers of medford ,moorestown , and mount holly nj encourges their elderly clients to partake in activities that promote wellnes and improve energy levels
How senior helpers of medford ,moorestown , and mount holly nj encourges their elderly clients to partake in activities that promote wellnes and improve energy levels
Encouraging your aging parents to partake in activities is important to
not only their physical health, but to their mental health as well. Activities don't
need to be strenuous and they should definitely not be stressful. Help your
loved ones pick activities to participate in that they will enjoy; this way,
they are more likely to stay involved. Always make sure activities are age
appropriate and that your parent is in the correct physical shape to
participate. Our entire team at senior helpers of medford nj nd moorestown
nj
know that our in home caregivers are life givers , so we encourage are elderly clients to be as active as possible.
know that our in home caregivers are life givers , so we encourage are elderly clients to be as active as possible.
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