Obesity, today, is a hot topic. In fact, due to the significant rise of obesity in children and the subsequent health issues it causes, health experts predict that today’s children may have shorter life spans than their parents. This projection has parents, the medical community and other health advocates promoting significant lifestyle changes and better eating habits for children in hopes they achieve brighter health statistics in their futures.

Another population suffering the effects of the obesity epidemic that is garnering widespread attention is America’s seniors. Many seniors battle weight issues, often thought of in terms of being too thin or malnourished. However, the growing population of seniors at risk of being overweight faces obesity-related serious health issues, as well, including risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, loss of memory and an even higher risk of developing dementia in later years.

In short – proper eating habits should begin early in life and continue through the golden years. The problem is – no one is that perfect and today’s fast-paced, fast-food society makes it easy to deviate from healthy choices. However, no matter what age, practicing healthy nutritional habits can make a big impact on a person’s overall health.

Caregivers of seniors play an important role in ensuring seniors consume healthy, well-balanced diets. Simply interacting with seniors by helping them shop for nutritional items at the grocery store, choosing healthy snack alternatives, and planning menus that provide adequate nourishment without unnecessary calories are key. Preparing healthy meals together can foster better eating habits and provides an activity enjoyed by all. Dining with seniors whenever possible adds another opportunity to oversee healthy food choices. This also offers seniors a bit of socialization, making seniors feel less lonely and isolated than when dining alone. Companionship during meals stimulates appetites, paving the way for seniors and caregivers, alike, to eat proper amounts of nutrient-rich foods.

The benefits of good nutrition are many:

• Improved energy and feeling of wellness
• Strengthened immunity
• Sharpened mental focus
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Improved weight control, digestion and regularity
• Better cardiovascular health
• Reduced incidence of mood swings and depression, and so much more

Along with good nutrition, daily exercise helps combat obesity. A stroll through the neighborhood or a bike ride in the park promotes cardiovascular health benefits for seniors while burning calories. Encourage seniors to develop an exercise regimen with their physicians’ help that offers the best benefits specific to their physical abilities.

Caregiving provides a unique opportunity for caregivers of seniors to make a difference in more ways than one. Interacting with seniors – talking together, sharing meals, and participating in other activities — cultivates overall healthy lifestyles that are crucial to helping seniors live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.

 References:

YMCA of the USA. The y recognizes national childhood obesity month. Retrieved on February 7, 2012 from http://www.ymca.net/news-releases/20100827-childhood-obesity-awareness.html.

Comfort Keepers. Senior nutrition: balanced nutrition leads to a healthier life. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://interactivecaregiving.com/senior-nutrition.

Caring Right at Home. Seniors aren’t spared by today’s obesity epidemic. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://www.caringnews.com/pub.59/issue.1641/article.6925/

Dryden, Jim. Washington University in St. Louis – Newsroom (2012). Diet-exercise combo best for obese seniors. Retrieved on February 8, 2012, from http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/22091.aspx.

photo credit: Maguis & David

As seniors age, many things come into play – safety in the home and out, health conditions seniors face, the emotional ups and downs when dealing with the normal aging process, including the loss of loved ones. Whether someone is caring for an elderly relative or being employed to care for a senior, it is critical to the senior’s health and well-being for the caregiver to be sensitive to these issues and to interact in such a way that helps foster independence in the home for as long as possible.

Sometimes, this interaction is easy. Participating in activities such as playing games, walking in the park or cooking and eating with seniors keeps them engaged and fosters feelings of worthiness and self-esteem. However, a caregiver’s duties may stretch beyond those fun-filled moments and extend into the realm of uncomfortable topics. One such topic that is of concern among seniors is urinary incontinence.

Incontinence may be tough to tackle and downright embarrassing for seniors, but it is important for caregivers to take a proactive approach to help seniors recognize and successfully deal with the condition. While many seniors may believe incontinence is a sign of the normal aging process, this is not necessarily true. Medical conditions and some medications can cause involuntary loss of urine. Women generally suffer incontinence due to weakened pelvic muscles. Enlarged prostate glands are often the cause of incontinence for men.

It is important for seniors to discuss issues of incontinence with their doctors, as incontinence is a symptom, not a disease itself. Understanding the different types of incontinence is crucial. Stress incontinence occurs during moments of laughter, sneezing, bending or lifting. Urge incontinence is caused by sudden bladder contractions causing an urgent need to urinate. Sometimes the bladder is unable to hold urine, causing involuntary overflow of urine. Functional incontinence occurs in seniors with dementia who may forget to use the restroom, or in those with impaired mobility who are unable to reach the toilet in time.

The good news is there are ways incontinence can be treated and managed so seniors can continue to pursue active and happy lifestyles. The following are a few treatments that may be suggested and performed under a doctor’s care.

• Strengthen pelvic muscles by performing Kegel exercises – the tightening and releasing of the muscles that control urine. Stronger muscles in this area enable seniors to hold urine in their bladders for longer periods of time.
• Teach seniors to become more aware of their bodies’ signals, which aids in the training of strengthening pelvic muscles.
• Chart voiding and leaking times to help seniors, including those with dementia, determine specific times they should use the restroom.

There are other factors that can contribute to incontinence. Alcohol and caffeine can cause incontinence in later years and exacerbate the problem once it surfaces. Excessive fluid intake and consumption of spicy foods, highly acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices may contribute to the problem. Encourage seniors to pay attention to the foods they eat to determine if certain food affects their incontinence. Limit fluid intake before bedtime. Make sure bathrooms are easily accessible.

If none of the above techniques help, there are medications available to treat some types of incontinence. Temporary, disposable devices can be used to insert in the urethra to stop involuntary urine flow. The use of adult incontinence pads or briefs can provide seniors the freedom to enjoy active lifestyles.

Learning about incontinence and its causes can help seniors successfully manage the condition. The first step is to encourage seniors to talk about their issues to help determine factors that contribute to their incontinence. Work together to find solutions that aid in alleviating incontinence and the embarrassing moments it may cause. By doing so, caregivers help to create positive attitudes and environments that cultivate happiness and well-being for the seniors in their care.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.

Balance Problems

When the World Feels Like It’s Spinning

Many people experience problems with their sense of balance as they get older. Disturbances of the inner ear are the main cause.

Vertigo, the feeling that things around you are spinning, is also a common symptom. Experts believe that more than 40 percent of Americans will experience dizziness that is serious enough to go to a doctor.

Falls

Balance disorders are one reason older people fall. Falls and fall-related injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person’s life. If the person in your care falls, it could limit his activities or make it impossible for him to live independently.

Some balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear. Aging, infections, head injury, certain medicines, or problems with blood circulation may result in a balance problem.

Diseases of the circulatory system, such as stroke, also can cause dizziness. High or low blood pressure also can cause dizziness. Eating low-salt or salt-free foods and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms less severe. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can also help a person manage blood pressure and balance problems.

It is important to have a potential balance disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Tai Chi for Improved Balance

Tai chi, the ancient, graceful martial arts form in which slow movements flow into one another, lowers blood pressure, improves balance, and even eases arthritis pain. It is an exercise almost anyone who can walk can do safely. Tai chi takes the joints gently through their range of motion, while the emphasis on breathing and inner stillness relieves stress and anxiety. Classes are inexpensive, and it can be practiced almost anywhere at any time, with no special equipment or clothing.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.

photo credit: joshjanssen

Heart Healthy Foods

The concept that particular foods promote healthier hearts is not new.  It is a fact that a well-balanced nutritional diet contributes to good health throughout a lifetime. For many people,  the risk of diseases such as Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and coronary artery issues may be reduced by consuming healthy diets.  While it is important to begin healthy eating habits early in life, it can be just as vital to good health when healthy eating practices are followed in later years.  The effects of some illnesses can be controlled and perhaps averted by practicing good nutritional habits.

Eating well is especially important for seniors who become more susceptible over time to the effects from aging and symptoms of illnesses that afflict the elderly.  Seniors often battle loss of appetite, challenges in cooking healthy foods for one, and other health-related obstacles.  These challenges affect their overall health and well-being which allows them to continue living independent lives in their own homes. For these reasons, it is critical seniors consume healthy foods and snacks that promote good health. A doctor should be consulted before making any diet changes.

With these challenges in mind, Comfort Keepers^® has researched what experts advise are the top 10 best foods for health. Many of these foods take little or no time to prepare and can be added to existing diets to add nutritional components that promote better heart health.

1. Berries and grapes: While blueberries are a number one choice because they contain high levels of antioxidants, other berries such as raspberries, strawberries and even red grapes are beneficial. Add a handful of berries to your morning cereal, or munch on grapes for a healthy snack.
2. Fish: Salmon, mackerel and tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Experts advise having fish at least twice a week for maximum benefits.
3. Whole grains: Choose breads, cereals, oatmeal, pasta and even snack crackers made of whole grains to reduce risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.
4. Soy: Daily servings of soybeans like edamame, tofu, soy milk and yogurt are excellent sources of soy protein, linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, weight loss, and some types of cancers.
5. Nuts: Almonds, walnuts and pecans as daily snacks can reduce the risk of blood clots and may facilitate healthy arterial lining.
6. Olive oil: Olive oil contains a healthy type of fat that, when consumed in moderation, may help reduce risk of heart disease and promotes lower cholesterol levels.
7. Beans and lentils: Packed with protein, beans and lentils also contain levels of magnesium, iron and potassium that can support muscle and organ function, blood flow, and healthy bones. Choices of beans include chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans, all of which can be added to salads or soups. Red and green lentils are also excellent choices to add in soups.
8. Fruits and vegetables:  Think color. Dark leafy green, deep reds, yellows and oranges found in spinach, cooked tomatoes, squash and oranges are some choices. Daily intake of these foods has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and possible decreased risk of some cancers, along with lowered risk of eye diseases and digestive issues.
9. Yogurt: Yogurt containing live and active cultures is considered a probiotic by scientists. Research shows probiotics are connected with lowering some risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
10. Tea and coffee: Flavonoids found in both may reduce heart disease. Studies found that those who drink 3-6 cups of green and black tea or 2-4 cups of coffee a day are at lower risk for heart disease. However, go easy on the sugar added to these beverages to avoid complications sugar may cause!

Good heart health does not depend on food alone. Physical exercise, not smoking and other factors are crucial to maintain healthy heart function. Being aware of bodily changes during the aging process plays a large part in maintaining overall good health. Seniors should also visit their doctors regularly to ensure early detection of any issue that may involve the heart.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.

References:

Zelman, Kathleen M., MPH, RD, LD. 5 heart healthy foods. Retrieved on December 16, 2001 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/5-heart-healthy-foods.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Heart healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-healthy-diet/NU00196.

Zelman, Kathleen, M., MPH, RD, LD. Top 10 heart healthy foods. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/top-10-heart-healthy-foods.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Whole grains: hearty options for a healthy diet. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Nuts and your heart: eating nuts for heart health. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Olive oil: what are the health benefits? Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01037.

Harvard School of Public Health. The nutrition source – vegetables and fruits. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/.

Oprah.com (2005). Dr. Perricone’s number 10 superfood: yogurt and kelfer. Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.oprah.com/health/Yogurt-and-Kefir-Dr-Perricones-No-10-Superfood.

Boyles, Salynn. WebMd (2010). Tea, coffee drinkers have lower heart risk. Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20100618/tea-coffee-drinkers-have-lower-heart-risk

Cespedes, Angela. Livestrong.com (2011). What are the benefits of eating beans and lentils? Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/479593-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-beans-lentils/.

photo credit: tibbygirl