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Promoting Health and Preventing Chronic Diseases
Posted by Scott Cantin in Nutrition Tips, Senior Health | 0 comments
Many Americans live with one or more chronic diseases that require ongoing medical management. While chronic diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, can be found in all age groups, the prevalence of these and other chronic conditions is much higher among seniors. Even seniors who do not have a chronic illness are at a greater risk of developing one than younger adults. But by regularly following a few simple tips, you or your elderly loved one can significantly reduce that risk and live a full daily life.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is critical not only to lowering your risk of developing a chronic disease, but also to maintaining high levels of mobility throughout your life. And while the possibility of getting started daunts many Americans, exercise doesn’t require fancy equipment or an expensive gym membership. Regular movement is key. Your routine can start with walking at a speed and distance you feel comfortable with. Weight training is also a good addition as we lose muscle mass with age, which can make us more susceptible to osteoporosis.
Exercise is essential to reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases regardless of age. Make sure to consult your doctor before starting an exercise regimen. And it’s often helpful to do them with someone, such as a friend, family member, or experienced caregiver. Exercising in tandem can help minimize your risk of injury, help you stick to your regimen, and inspire you to push yourself harder than you would have otherwise.
Eat a Proper Diet
Nutrition is also vital to staving off chronic diseases. In fact, many chronic diseases stem from poor nutrition, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Excess consumption of processed foods, complex carbohydrates, and sugars can greatly increase your risk, as can carrying extra weight as you age. But regularly eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and carbohydrates can keep you healthy.
Further, combining proper nutrition with exercise is vital if you’re looking to shed extra pounds or stay slim. In most cases, exercise won’t do it alone. Proper nutrition is also vital to getting quality sleep, which is another way to keep chronic diseases at bay.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
We often sacrifice sleep when we’re overcommitted, stressed out, or even having a good time. Worse, many of us have developed bad habits that degrade our sleep quality. These habits include using electronics until we fall asleep, sleeping at irregular intervals, sleeping fewer hours than needed, napping excessively, and using stimulants too close to bedtime.
While we overlook sleep, consistent nightly sleep is a core healthy living component. Poor sleep quality is a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, chronic decline, and dementia, among other conditions.
Reduce Alcohol and Avoid Tobacco Consumption
The older you get, the larger an effect alcohol has on your overall health. Not only will you likely feel its effects more quickly, but it will take longer for your body to metabolize. Moreover, it’s strongly correlated with several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and many types of cancer, among others. And if you already have mobility issues, excessive alcoholic consumption can increase your risk of slips and falls.
Tobacco and tobacco products are a strong risk factor for developing certain kinds of cancer at any age. If you’re still smoking the occasional cigarette or two, it’s best to cut out tobacco products entirely. That includes vaping as well.
Seek Professional Help
Whether you’re in relatively good shape or already managing a chronic condition, it’s best to seek professional help. Professional help means regular check-ups with your primary care physician (and specialists as needed) to ensure everything is in order. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, regularly seeing a therapist can help as well. Moreover, no matter what health conditions you’re managing, it’s best to do so with the aid of qualified caregiver services in Miami.
Senior care is a crucial component of chronic disease prevention. A qualified and experienced caregiver can help support your dietary and nutrition plans, help with housekeeping tasks you now find challenging and ensure you’re able to visit medical professionals as needed. Research has shown that adults of all ages who are physically and emotionally isolated from others suffer worse health outcomes than others. Caregivers can help you travel to visit friends and loved ones in your community and provide companionship to you as well.
With Florida’s dense population of retirees, senior care in Miami is a robust industry. But not all caregiver services in Miami are created equal. When it comes to your care or that of your loved one, you want an agency that employs highly trained and personable caregivers with experience dealing with individuals with chronic conditions. You want an agency that provides flexible service, ranging from a few hours a week of light housekeeping to 24-7 in-home care services in Miami. And you want an agency that puts your or your loved one’s health first.
Learn more about the Advancare advantage. Contact us today to discuss your caregiving needs.
Nurturing Well-being through Indoor Gardening
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Dementia, depression, mental health, Senior Health, Winter projects | 0 comments
As we age, it’s important for us to keep ourselves physically and mentally active. Physical and mental activity is positively correlated with a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Further, many of the most common ways to keep physically and mentally active involve others. However, isolation can put you at a higher risk of developing certain chronic health illnesses and conditions and worsen conditions you may already have.
To keep ourselves healthy, we must find activities we enjoy to incorporate into our regular routine. One of the best such activities is indoor gardening.
Why Indoor Gardening is Beneficial for Seniors
Indoor gardening is a great activity for seniors for several reasons. Gardening is a physical activity involving a good deal of movement. As we age, a sedentary lifestyle can, over time, begin to impair our overall mobility. But regular movement, which can include bending, stretching, lifting, and walking, can help keep us in good shape. Fortunately, gardening involves considerable movement and can keep us flexible, strong, and healthy.
Further, we all benefit from learning new things. Learning boosts our mood, helps us feel connected to the wider world, and can be a great way to socialize. Some research indicates that continuous learning can help stave off cognitive decline, dementia, and related conditions. And even experienced gardeners learn new things with each new plant and crop.
Gardening offers us a great opportunity to connect with others. When working with others, you learn about them, share a few laughs, and enjoy each other’s company. Humans are inherently social creatures, and connection is vital to our overall health and well-being. Indoor gardening with a neighbor, friend, or caregiver can be a perfect place to meet new friends and create new memories.
Year-Round Enjoyment
There’s a substantial body of research about the benefits of being in and around nature on our psychological well-being. Frequent exposure to nature can significantly reduce our stress levels, as well as our levels of depression and anxiety. It can also elevate mood and boost our levels of happiness and satisfaction. And when you consider the positive benefits that being in nature, around others, and engaged in physical activity provide, you can clearly see that gardening can have a big positive impact on our health.
Indoor gardening can also help improve the quality of the air we breathe. Plants are natural filters and can help remove harmful gases known as volatile organic compounds from the air. As a result, a well-kept indoor garden can help reduce our risk of developing chronic respiratory ailments.
Best of all, indoor gardening is an activity that can be done year-round. An indoor garden may be as simple as a few potted plants on windowsills to a room filled with indoor terrariums and large potted plants or even a greenhouse. No matter the weather conditions, you can enjoy cultivating your plants and watching them grow each day while enjoying all the benefits gardening provides.
How Seniors Can Build or Maintain Indoor Gardens
You may be new to indoor gardening and just getting started. Or you may already have an indoor garden, but mobility-related or other issues may be preventing you from maintaining it. If either is the case, chances are you’ll benefit from the excellent caregiver services in Miami Advancare provides. Our experienced, well-trained, and friendly caregivers can help you build or maintain your indoor garden and help with other light housekeeping tasks. Our agency provides in-home care services in Miami 24/7, so we have flexible service options for you.
You don’t have to garden alone. And gardening together with an experienced caregiver can be a great addition to your existing daily routine. Contact us today if you’re looking for caregiver services in Miami to help you with indoor gardening or other common household or health-related tasks.
6 Best Ways Seniors Can Manage Diabetes
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Nutrition Tips, Senior Health | 0 comments
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every four seniors lives with diabetes. Seniors are often prone to the most called “lifestyle disease” due to aging, reduction in physical activity, weight gain, and metabolism that continuously slows down since youth, including other factors. However, the good news is that seniors can live a happy and active life with diabetes. In this blog, the premier senior home care in Miami-Dade provides six ways of managing diabetes as a senior and how caregiver services in Miami can improve the quality of life for seniors living with diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the inability to produce enough insulin, or the body has developed insulin resistance. This results in high blood sugar levels as the body fails to synthesize glucose for energy. There are two types of diabetes. The first type (Type 1) is when the body is unable to produce insulin, while the second type (Type 2) is caused when the body develops resistance to insulin.
Tips for Managing Diabetes
Most seniors are at risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Besides old age, other factors that may lead to this type of diabetes are reduced activity, obesity, and poor metabolism. Below are tips that In-home care services in Miami propose to seniors living with diabetes for happy and healthy lives.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
There is no better approach to managing diabetes in seniors than maintaining a healthy diet. As a senior, it is advisable to maintain a steady diet with low sugar and saturated fats. Instead, opt for a diet with high protein and fiber. This includes more whole grains, plant proteins, and vegetables. Avoid fatty foods, dairy, carbonated drinks, fruit juice and fried foods.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
This is an essential part of maintaining blood sugar and diabetes care. You may do it yourself or with the assistance of your caregiver. Check blood sugar levels and administer insulin with advice from your medical professional.
Take Your Medication
In most cases, seniors living with diabetes are on a prescription that keeps blood sugar in check. Be sure to take your medication daily and on time as your medical professional prescribes. Missing medication may imbalance blood sugar levels, which may be dangerous for your health. In this case, use a pill organizer to help you avoid missing medication. You may also use tablet or smartphone apps to remind you when to take your medication. Other products may also prompt you to check and note your blood sugar levels.
Reduce Stress
High-stress levels can impact blood sugar levels, often leading to spikes. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress negatively influences the body’s ability to respond to age-related conditions. To remedy this, consider yoga, walks, massage, or adopting a pet to keep you company. Pets reduce stress and promote better quality of life.
Stay Active
In addition to seeking home care services, you also need to keep your body active to complement all the management tips above. Regular activity will help your body develop the need for glucose; therefore, the body can syntesixe more sugars. Activity also helps increase metabolism and reduce weight. In light of this, engage in an activity such as walking, jogging, yoga, or starting a water aerobics class. Exercise also helps promote an overall healthy lifestyle.
Seek Reputable Caregiver Services in Miami
As you advance in age, most activities are not as seamless as before. Most seniors need caregivers who can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is planning their daily activities, preparing meals, or taking medication, Advancare provides the best helpers for the task. We provide in-home senior care services in the Miami area, including North Miami, Kendall, Gables, Aventure, Miami Beach, Homestead, Coral Gables, Sunny Isle, and Ft. Lauderdale. Contact us at (305) 441-9794 today for a free estimate.
5 Ways of Keeping Your Bones Strong as You Age
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
As people advance in age, bones lose their density and strength. When left unmanaged, the bones weaken to the point that they easily fracture. Luckily, there are many ways seniors can keep their bones strong during the golden years.
For instance, seniors can enhance bone strength with supplements that support bone health. In particular, they should supplement their diet with calcium and vitamin D. The mentioned nutrients boost bone density.
Discover more ways to strengthen bones from Advancare caregiver services Miami.
1. Working Out On a Regular Basis
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to enhance bone strength in old age. The workouts stimulate osteoblast production, which increases bone density. Moreover, exercise improves balance, reducing the risk of falls.
While there are many workouts, senior citizens should go for those gentle on joints. These include weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, and stair climbing. High-impact exercises exert excessive pressure on the already weak bones.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with the growth and replacement of bone tissue. This is because alcohol inhibits the function of osteoblasts. These are the cells responsible for the production of new bone tissue.
Moreover, alcohol abuse impairs balance and reflexes. As such, senior citizens using alcohol have an increased risk of falls that can lead to fractures.
For this reason, seniors looking to enhance bone strength should limit alcohol intake. Note that years of habit can make it difficult to moderate consumption. The affected seniors can consider rehabilitation to help them quit alcohol use.
3. Avoid Smoking
Like alcohol, smoking accelerates the breakdown of bone density. The nicotine in cigarettes slows the production of cells that support tissue growth. Moreover, smoking impairs blood flow, limiting the supply of nutrients to bones.
Again, quitting smoking independently is quite hard. As such, the senior citizens looking to quit smoking should seek rehabilitation. Rehabilitation provides custom-tailored strategies that help seniors break free from smoking.
Since rehabilitation facilities aren’t created equal, seniors can seek recommendations from their in-home care services Miami provider to recommend a good facility.
4. Take a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining strong bones during old age. The reasons? The right food provides the nutrients that support overall wellness. Some of these beneficial nutrients include calcium, vitamins, magnesium, and protein.
The best diet for strong bones should consist of dairy products like milk. Moreover, the diet should not leave out greens like kale and fatty fish like salmon. Nuts, seeds, and lean protein are also great for strong bones.
5. Schedule Regular Bone Health Checkups
Even with a good diet, lifestyle changes, and workouts, you need to keep an eye on your bones. health. These regular bone health checkups will help detect conditions that compromise bone health.
Many bone health can only be detected through X-rays and other diagnostic tools. They progress without showing symptoms, a reason regular checkups matter.
For instance, bone health checkups can detect osteoporosis, which progresses without noticeable symptoms. Upon detection, doctors will recommend lifestyle changes to manage the condition. Moreover, a doctor can prescribe medication to treat the underlying condition.
Learn More About Bone Health From Advancare Caregiver Services Miami
Advancare is one of the leading caregiver services Miami providers. We are a team of caregivers helping seniors manage everyday tasks in the comfort of their homes. From grooming to feeding assistance, we help make life easier for Miami’s elderly.
Our caregivers are not only qualified. But, they are also bonded and insured so that they can give families. Contact our senior care Miami to learn how we can help your senior loved one enhance bone health.
How to Best Manage Stress and Anxiety as You Age
Posted by Scott Cantin in mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Aging brings about a slew of changes, from changes in routine to fluctuations in physical health. These changes can be a lot to manage, and for many senior adults, they can cause stress and even anxiety. While some stress is normal, it can easily get out of control, causing issues with your mental and physical health. However, there are ways to manage your stress before it turns into full-blown anxiety. These tips from Advancare will equip you to reduce stress and anxiety as you age in healthy, sustainable ways.
See your doctor regularly
The best way to stay on top of your health and wellness as you age is to maintain your regular check-ups with your doctor and other healthcare providers. Not only can your doctor ensure that your blood sugar, blood pressure, and other important hallmarks of overall health look good, but they can talk to you about any new symptoms or concerns that you might be having.
If you see a therapist for any mental health concerns, keep those appointments even as you age. While mental health is important at every age, people experience life changes as they age that can cause them to experience depression and anxiety. If this is something you have struggled with or are currently struggling with, you don’t have to go it alone. Your doctor, along with experts such as caregiver services in Miami, are all available to help you move forward.
Stay active
Exercise is a fantastic way to stay healthy and happy. Physical fitness is necessary to maintain strength, but it also has some significant mental health benefits. Research has shown that moving your body decreases muscle tension, lowering the body’s contribution to feeling anxious. There are a lot of options for exercise, from low-impact weightlifting to cardio on an elliptical or treadmill.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults age 65 and older need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity like hiking, running, or jogging. Whatever exercise you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy enough to sustain. Also, make sure to consult with your doctor before you start any sort of new workout regimen. They can advise you on how to stay safe during your workouts.
Stay in touch with friends and family
Aging can be isolating, especially if you move to a new city or state. It’s easy to lose touch with family and friends in the wake of all these busy life changes. Take care to retain your connections with those you love, as being involved with loved ones can naturally reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It’s a good idea to establish regular times to talk, such as weekly phone calls or bi-weekly video chats.
Get out when you can and enjoy social gatherings if you can do so safely. Coffee dates with friends or low-key lunch meetings with others in your social circle can also help with anxiety and feelings of stress. Volunteering is another great way to provide a sense of purpose and community. It can help you meet new friends as well.
Contact Advancare for caregiver services in Miami, FL
Stress and anxiety don’t have to be a normal part of aging. With some proactive steps and some positive lifestyle changes, you can discover a path to your healthiest and happiest self yet. At Advancare, we are passionate about the care and well-being of seniors. Through in-home care services in Miami, we can support you or your loved one through compassionate, personalized care. Contact us today to learn more about senior care in Miami and how Advancare can help!
Managing Arthritis Symptoms During Travel
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Arthritis is a painful condition that affects millions of seniors around the United States. Arthritis causes swelling and inflammation in your joints. It typically worsens with age, with the two most common types of arthritis being rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While it’s common amongst seniors, it can be managed with certain lifestyle changes and medications. However, travel can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, causing pain and discomfort during your trip.
If you want to stay comfortable and pain-free during travel, these tips from Advancare will assist. As a premier provider of caregiver services in Miami, we’re committed to helping seniors effectively manage arthritis symptoms so they can make the most of their travels.
Take your time and plan ahead
Stress can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, so to stay pain-free during your travels, try to do everything you can to plan. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid having to rush at the last minute. If you’re flying, get to the airport in plenty of time before your flight. This way, you can check in at your pace, get through security in time, and have a leisurely rest before boarding the plane.
If you’re driving, leave plenty of time to make it to your destination without having to rush. For longer drives, build in some extra stops during your trip, including stopping at a nice restaurant and taking plenty of bathroom breaks.
Pack medication with care
Traveling with medications can be stressful, but many with arthritis can’t do without their meds. In advance of your trip, pack your medication in carry-on bags that display the medication’s name and dosage information. If it needs to be refrigerated, make sure you have a small travel cooler for storage. It’s also a good idea to reach out to the airline before your trip to check on any restrictions that might affect your ability to travel with your meds. Be willing to explain what your medications are and what they’re for, if you’re stopped by airport security.
If you have any joint replacements, you’ll likely need to go through the full-body X-ray machine at the airport. You might also consider bringing a card from your doctor that identifies you as a joint replacement recipient. This can expedite your time at the airport and make it easier for security to get the information you need.
Bring your essentials with you
As important as it is to bring your medications with you, it’s also ideal to bring anything on your travels that helps alleviate stress. Many arthritis sufferers find it helpful to bring extra pillows, including neck support pillows or lumbar cushions that make air or car travel more comfortable. Wrist braces, essential oils, therapeutic tape, or other pain relief devices can all be helpful.
Stay hydrated during your travels by bringing a water bottle with you and refilling it when you encounter a fresh water station. Make sure to also bring some healthy snacks, such as protein bars, apples, or oranges. These sturdy snacks travel well and can give you an energy boost when it isn’t possible to stop by a gas station or restaurant. Finally, stay moving as often as possible to avoid joint stiffness on the road. Even if you’re on an airplane, get up when it’s safe to do so and walk up and down the aisle.
Advancare provides compassionate caregiver services in Miami
Arthritis can be a tricky condition that complicates travel. However, with a few simple steps, you can make your trip the best one yet. If you need some assistance planning your travel while managing arthritis, Advancare can help. Our in-home care services in Miamiwill empower you to travel pain-free. Contact us to learn more about our senior care in Miami!
Leisure Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
As we grow older, it’s crucial to maintain an active and fulfilling life. However, for seniors dealing with limited mobility, finding accessible and enjoyable leisure activities can be a challenge. In the United States, where a substantial portion of the population is aging, the demand for such options is on the rise. In this article, we’ll explore some accessible leisure activities tailored to seniors with limited mobility.
1. Chair Yoga and Gentle Stretching
Staying physically active is vital for seniors, even those with limited mobility. Chair yoga and gentle stretching classes are gaining popularity nationwide and can be especially beneficial for seniors. These activities focus on promoting flexibility, balance, and relaxation, all while being gentle on the joints. South Florida’s year-round mild climate is ideal for exploring outdoor options like water aerobics and pool exercises, which can be easily adjusted to suit seniors with limited mobility.
2. Art and Craft Workshops
Art and craft workshops have become increasingly popular among seniors for good reasons. They offer an excellent creative outlet that can be adapted to different mobility levels. Whether it’s painting, pottery, or knitting, these activities allow seniors to express themselves while enjoying the process. South Florida provides a variety of options, with art and craft workshops available in community centers, senior centers, and private studios.
3. Virtual Travel Adventures
For seniors who can’t travel due to limited mobility, virtual travel adventures are a fantastic alternative. Thanks to technology, they can explore the world from the comfort of their homes. Virtual tours of famous landmarks, cultural exhibitions, and online cooking classes from around the world are easily accessible, offering an exciting and educational way to spend leisure time.
4. Puzzle Games and Brain Teasers
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity, and there are plenty of options for seniors with limited mobility. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and brain-training games can help keep the mind sharp. Many online platforms offer these games, making them accessible to seniors in South Florida and beyond.
5. Gardening and Indoor Plants
Gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding leisure activity for seniors. Even with limited mobility, individuals can enjoy gardening by caring for indoor plants or creating container gardens. South Florida’s mild climate allows for year-round outdoor gardening, and seniors can enlist assistance or participate in community garden programs.
6. Book Clubs and Senior Social Groups
Reading provides an excellent way to escape into different worlds and engage the mind. Seniors can join book clubs, both in-person and virtually, where they can discuss their favorite books and connect with others who share their interests. Social groups for seniors in South Florida offer an opportunity to make new friends and stay socially engaged.
7. Music and Dance
Music and dance are fantastic ways to uplift spirits and stay active, even with limited mobility. Seniors can attend live music performances or join dance classes tailored to their needs, often available at community centers and senior centers in South Florida.
Seniors with limited mobility should not miss out on the joy of leisure activities. Whether through physical exercise, creative pursuits, virtual adventures, or mental stimulation, there are numerous options to stay engaged and lead a fulfilling life. South Florida’s climate offers a unique advantage, providing opportunities for outdoor activities all year round.
If you or your loved ones are seeking assistance and support to participate in these activities, consider in-home care services from Advancare. Their dedicated team can help seniors in South Florida make the most of their leisure time while ensuring safety and well-being. Stay active, stay engaged, and enjoy a fulfilling life, even with limited mobility. Contact us for more information.
How to Stay Connected with Loved Ones Who Live Far Away
Posted by Scott Cantin in mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
As we age, it’s normal for family members and friends to move away, in some cases, even across the country. Whether you have children who start their lives hours away from you or siblings who end up states away, it can be challenging to see those you love move. It can also make it hard to stay in touch. Still, physical distance doesn’t have to mean emotional distance.
Advancare is committed to ensuring seniors remain connected with loved ones who live far away. These tips and tricks will help you think of new ways to connect with your friends and family all while building an even deeper bond.
Make an effort
The most important part of maintaining a strong relationship with friends and family who live far away is making the effort in the first place. Distance inevitably changes a relationship, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of it. It takes additional effort to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away, but it’s well worth it.
Making an effort, including reaching out regularly, shows your loved one that you are committed to maintaining the relationship. Utilize new forms of communication, even ones you aren’t comfortable with at first. This shows you are willing to step outside your comfort zone for the sake of the relationship.
Schedule regular video calls
Phone calls are excellent ways to stay in touch with loved ones, but there’s something to be said about the connective power of video calls. The COVID-19 pandemic popularized the use of video calls, with an estimated 47.6 percent of adults using video conferencing for both work and personal use. Video calling is more popular than ever with people of all ages. Video calls allow you to see your loved ones’ faces with just the click of a button.
Consider scheduling regular video call dates with those you want to stay in touch with. A call every other week is a great starting point, but ask what works for them and be flexible.
Remember important dates and life events
Talking is important, but there are many other ways to stay connected with friends and family members who live far away. Showing them you are thinking about them on important dates solidifies your bond and offers goodwill that endures. Sending cards for anniversaries, birthdays, and other live events is a great way to show you care.
It can be a challenge to keep track of special occasions. Take a minute at the start of the year and note all of these dates to remember in your phone, so you get reminders ahead of time. With a little bit of planning, showing love and appreciation through cards or notes is easy to do.
Don’t rely on social media to stay connected
It’s tempting to use social media as a way to stay informed on what your friends and family members are doing, especially since the majority of Americans use platforms like YouTube and Facebook. However, social media serves as a highlight reel and rarely showcases the reality of what might be going on in people’s lives. It can also create distance between loved ones when social media is the only form of communication utilized.
There’s nothing wrong with commenting on your loved one’s social posts and following their adventures, but make sure to supplement that with plenty of phone calls and video chats. Additionally, share big news with friends and family personally before posting it on a social media network.
Advancare provides in-home care services in Miami
No matter how busy you and your loved ones might be, staying in touch can offer a wealth of benefits, including stronger relationships and deeper emotional attachments. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of everyday experiences, including writing notes to relatives, consider senior care in Miami, like the services from Advancare. Our professional caregivers can assist with a wide variety of household tasks, providing you with the compassionate, personalized care you need to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about caregiver services in Miami!
5 Benefits Of Reading For Seniors in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
For centuries, people have loved reading, and it’s not just for fun. Seniors, in particular, can greatly benefit from getting lost in a good book. Whether fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or anything else, research shows that reading can improve mental and emotional health. That’s why our caregivers at Advancare encourage seniors to read their favorite books. Let’s look at some ways that reading can benefit seniors!
1. Improves Cognitive Functioning
Cognitive decline is a common experience for seniors, but it can be controlled by engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading. An engaging story captures the reader’s attention, no matter where it unfolds. Reading is a fascinating hobby that activates various brain functions, such as concentration, memory, and imagination. All of this contributes to boosting brain activity and enhancing its overall functions.
2. Reduce Stress
Many older adults deal with chronic stress due to concerns about the future, finances, health changes, and loss of independence. This stress can lead to various health issues, but reading can provide relief from life’s pressures. When stress becomes overwhelming, seniors can pick up a novel and immerse themselves in the author’s world. Reading also provides a peaceful break to relax and unwind.
3. Promote Emotional Well-being
Reading a book can boost your loved one’s self-esteem. Finishing a book gives them a sense of accomplishment and a chance to learn new words and ideas. More knowledge often leads to greater confidence, improved communication skills, and easier conversations. This increased confidence can even enhance their social lives.
Different books explore a range of emotions, allowing seniors to connect with the characters’ challenges and successes. This emotional connection helps build resilience and helps them handle their feelings effectively. Plus, discussing books with family and friends fosters meaningful connections, reduces loneliness, and makes them feel like they belong.
4. Reading and Empathy
Seniors can benefit from regularly encountering new beliefs and situations to develop greater empathy. One effective way to gain exposure to diverse perspectives is by reading various books by different authors. Studies indicate that reading books, especially fiction, can boost empathy and emotional intelligence when you genuinely enjoy and engage with the story. Repeated exposure to fresh situations, beliefs, and ideas through literature gradually reinforces your mind’s ability to connect and empathize with others at any age.
5. Better Sleep
Many older adults struggle with sleep problems, which can harm their physical and mental health. Having a bedtime routine, like reading, tells the body it’s time to sleep. Reading is better for sleep than using electronic devices, which can disrupt rest. Some seniors watch TV for a long time before bed, which can affect the quality of their sleep. Reading a few pages of a good book triggers the release of natural chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, helping seniors sleep better.
In-home Caregiver Services in Miami, FL
Seniors facing challenges with reading printed books due to health limitations can benefit from switching to audiobooks. Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity; seniors living in retirement communities can share their love of books with neighbors and friends. This helps combat loneliness and social isolation, reducing the risk of dementia and depression. Book clubs are wonderful ways to encourage seniors to read and share their passion for stories. To improve their reading experience, consider providing well-lit spaces, selecting books with larger print, introducing them to audiobooks, creating comfortable reading areas, and providing a diverse selection of reading materials.
If you’re looking for a senior caregiver in Miami-Dade, Advancare offers highly qualified and trained caregivers ready to assist with various daily activities and personal care. Contact us for more information about our assisted living and home care services.
Can Games Have a Positive Impact on Seniors?
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Games are a great way to pass the time. Games are often thought of as something kids and young adults do, but they are also important to seniors. In fact, playing different types of games can have a hugely positive effect on the well-being of seniors as a whole. This includes cognitive health, socialization, physical health, emotional well-being, and the improvement of mental flexibility. Here, we will talk about these benefits and the different kinds of games that can have a positive impact on seniors.
Cognitive Health
Playing games helps seniors keep their minds sharp. Board games like chess and Scrabble, card games like bridge, and brain-training games like Sudoku all improve your memory, ability to solve problems, and ability to think strategically. Memory, especially short-term memory, gets worked out when someone plays video games. One study showed chess could be considered a protective factor against dementia and cognitive decline in older people, particularly due to the enhancement of cognitive reserve.
Seniors can remember things like names, addresses, phone numbers, dates, and times better when they play video games, even if they only play once in a while. Additionally, they also make players switch between tasks quickly, which can help seniors be more mentally flexible and able to do more than one thing at a time.
Socialization
Seniors are often at risk of being alone and lonely, which can lead to depression. Games are a great way to meet new people, whether you play them with family, friends, or in a group. Board games and card games, in particular, get people talking and laughing face-to-face, which builds a sense of belonging and friendship.
Physical Health
Video games can also be good for your body, especially for older people. Some games that require physical interaction, like the VR game Beat Saber, Wii Sports, and other similar games can help seniors improve their balance, coordination, and reflexes because they require them to act quickly and make decisions. Furthermore, seniors have reported that playing video games has made them walk faster.
Emotional Well-being
Anything you enjoy, like going for a walk, having lunch with friends, or going to a movie, is good for your emotional health. Therefore, it is no surprise that many seniors who like to play video games feel better after doing so.
A study of 140 seniors over the age of 63 found that both regular and occasional gamers reported better health, social functioning, and happiness than those who did not play video games. In addition, it also reports that people who play video games have much lower rates of depression than those who don’t.
Enhance Mental Flexibility
Games often require you to adapt to changing situations and make decisions quickly. This helps seniors become more flexible and adaptable in their minds. Trivia games, for example, test your memory and general knowledge, and video games can help you get better at hand-eye coordination and solving problems.
Types of Games
Below is a list of suggested games and how they can benefit seniors.
- Board Games: Classic choices like chess, checkers, and Scrabble are excellent for stimulating critical thinking and strategic planning.
- Card Games: Games like bridge, poker, and solitaire encourage social interaction and memory retention.
- Outdoor Games: Bocce ball, lawn bowling, and croquet provide a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while staying active.
- Brain Games: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and brain-training apps offer mental challenges that can improve memory and cognitive skills.
- Trivia Games: Games like trivia quizzes and quiz shows are not only fun but also enhance general knowledge and memory recall.
- Video Games: While not traditionally associated with seniors, many video games offer cognitive benefits and can be adapted to various skill levels.
Games can benefit seniors in many ways. They promote cognitive health, combat social isolation, encourage physical activity, boost emotional well-being, and enhance mental flexibility. Seniors can explore various types of games to find those that resonate with their interests and abilities. Whether it’s a weekly card game with friends or a daily session of brain-training exercises, games can help improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they remain mentally and socially engaged well into their golden years.
Advancare can help your senior loved ones stay alert and healthy as they age. Contact us today to discover the many services we offer in Miami and the surrounding area!
