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Expert Strategies for Seniors in Miami to Tackle Anxiety
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 10-20 percent of older adults are affected by anxiety disorders. In most cases, it is often undiagnosed. Senior helpers in Miami-Dade bring you a detailed breakdown of types of anxiety disorders, signs and symptoms, their causes, and how to help seniors manage the stress menace.
What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorder is an excessive and persistent worry that interferes with typical body performance and how seniors perform their daily activities. The ongoing tension and fear differ from usual concerns.
Types of Anxiety Disorders in Seniors
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD is the most common anxiety among seniors. Seniors struggling with GAD constantly worry about any situation. They mostly feel on the edge and experience tension and lack emotional control.
- Social anxiety disorder: Most seniors with this type of anxiety feel highly nervous when involved with others. They fear being judged by others, or they might do something that can embarrass themselves. They avoid social situations or be unable to maintain or make new friends.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Seniors in Miami-Dade who struggle with OCD experience recurring unwanted thoughts or compulsions. They try to create a sense of control by performing some actions repeatedly, for example, counting the number of tiles. They might also experience intrusive thoughts like being involved in an accident.
- Phobia: This disorder is characterized by an extreme, debilitating fear of things that do not pose any significant fear. It makes seniors avoid specific situations or objects. These phobias include agoraphobia (fear of the outside world), heights, driving, dental procedures, insects, and thunderstorms.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
The distinct symptoms of anxiety in seniors include:
- Constant fear and panic
- Obsessive thoughts
- Trouble with focus and memory
- Restlessness
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Ritualistic actions (for example, repeated handwashing)
These symptoms are associated with physical signs such as:
- Heart palpitation
- Hot flashes
- Trembling
- Chronic headaches
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Sweaty hands
- Frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Short breath
These signs and symptoms affect seniors’ quality of life and daily activities.
Causes of Anxiety Disorder in Seniors
Anxiety is not caused by something specific. Environmental triggers and situations combined change constant fears to excessive anxiety. These are the common risk factors that may lead to anxiety in seniors:
- Limited physical mobility
- Traumatic life events such as the death of a spouse
- Financial insecurity
- Insomnia
- Chronic health conditions
- Childhood trauma
- Abuse of drugs and medications
- Side effects of some prescription drugs
How can Seniors in Miami-Dade Manage Anxiety
Seeking medication should be the priority in case of adverse symptoms. This is if they exceed typical daily worries. However, these practices make seniors in Miami-Dade avoid and manage anxiety:
- Talking it out: A problem shared is a problem half solved. Share your experiences and feelings with others in-person or on online platforms. You can talk to family members, trusted friends or spiritual leaders. They will make you feel less anxious.
- Manage stress in a personal capacity: Sometimes, all you need to relieve stress is some quiet time with yourself. Activities such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation reduce some physical signs of anxiety and keep you relaxed.
- Get enough sleep: A study by the University of California, Berkeley, showed that insufficient sleep contributes to a 30 percent rise in anxiety levels. Seniors should get 7 to 9 hours of continuous sleep per night.
- Avoid Stimulants: Some substances trigger an anxiety disorder in seniors. They include nicotine, caffeine, some herbal supplements, and alcohol. Avoid these stimulants, or consider taking smaller portions.
Get Professional Senior Home Care in Miami
Sometimes you or your loved one need a professional helper to make life more bearable. Advancare is a premier senior home care services provider in Miami-Dade. We help show you and your loved ones the care they deserve. Contact us to schedule a free evaluation.
Greater Meaning and Life Purpose With Caregiver Services in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Fun activities for seniors, Senior Health | 0 comments
Maintaining a perspective that every moment holds an opportunity for greater meaning and purpose is crucial. As we age, we may realize that life’s inherent meaningfulness can grow even larger. It’s also important to engage in pleasantly stimulating, even challenging activities to find limitless satisfaction in our daily lives.
Five Ways to Find Greater Life Satisfaction in One’s Senior Years
With the help of caregiver services, Miami’s elderly population should strive to embrace the joys that life has to offer. By entrusting their essential life routines to capable hands, seniors and their loved ones can enjoy more quality time together.
Over time, our Miami caregivers have learned that the following ageless tips are surefire ways to nurture a greater sense of life passion. “Amor fati” (or love of fate), as the ancients were fond of saying.
- Prioritize Fitness
Better physical conditioning is the path to more feel-good endorphins, guaranteed to make colors seem brighter, and satisfaction feel that much deeper. If a sense of passion seems lacking, trust us; do some loose-fitting attire, then gently move, stretch, lift, or otherwise challenge one’s body to almost immediately improve one’s outlook on life. - Get in Touch With Your Deepest Inner You
To truly feel proud of who you are, it’s essential to nurture the things that make you unique. Take a trip down memory lane by looking through old scrapbooks and memorabilia of your past victories. Don’t be afraid to bask in your own inner glory! By doing so, you’ll feel even more meaningful and accomplished when you implement the next tip. - Strengthen Alliances
For good reason, it’s said almost to the point of cliché. Strengthening positive social bonds, by any measure, is absolutely essential to enjoying life, improving health, and taking it all in with deeper interest. According to one ancient philosopher, we’re advised to consider the world deeply, and consider ourselves lightly. Truly, the quickest way to refresh our perspective is to regularly meet with those we value and respect, then allow them to honor us with their own experience. - Express Gratitude
You can use a gratitude journal, or just write letters to friends and loved ones. You can even give a genuine and heartfelt compliment. It’s remarkable how quickly appreciation for our external environment reflects back to us, there’s absolutely no drawback in doing so. - Enjoy the Sun
The Miami area has almost year-round perfect weather, offering locals the opportunity to bask in outdoor bliss more often than not. While we may not always wake up feeling our best, making time to spend outdoors consistently can help improve our mood and outlook.
Securing More Time for the Things That Matter Most
There’s no greater way to enhance the meaning of one’s golden years than to secure quality time and pursue what’s most meaningful in life. If you or a loved one are thinking of caregiver services in Miami and its surroundings, Advancare is here for you. Reach out, and inquire about our services to learn if in-home senior care is right for you and your family.
How to Prepare for Doctor’s Appointment in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Health | 0 comments
Doctor’s appointments aren’t the easiest to prepare for, especially for senior adults in Miami-Dade who have regular appointments. It’s normal to feel anxious about the outcome of everything from tests to new diagnoses and medication. A doctor’s appointment allows you to speak to your doctor, ask questions, and get checked to improve your overall well-being.
For seniors in Miami Dade, the team at Advancare recommends knowing what to expect, listing a few questions to ask, and seeking clarifications about specific medications. When you hire our caregivers, they can provide senior home care services, which includes accompanying you to the doctor and helping you understand the doctor’s instructions. If you’re wondering how you can prepare for your doctor’s appointment in Miami-Dade, we will share a few tips you can utilize.
Determine the Most Important Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Before the appointment day, decide on some critical questions to ask your doctor. You can write them down so you don’t forget. You can tell the doctor about them at the beginning of the appointment and discuss each in turn. Questions help you understand your health and body better. These questions also help your doctor to know the best way to treat you. You can discuss these questions with your caregiver or family member to know which ones are more important and list them in that order. This will help you maximize your time with the doctor.
Be Honest With Your Doctor
Most seniors will hide information about their health from doctors and family members. For instance, seniors may not disclose a fall to their family members and doctors. Similarly, seniors with Alzheimer’s may not remember such incidents. Others may fail to provide all the information a doctor needs due to fear of getting admitted or worrying their family members.
It’s essential to be completely honest about your health.If you smoke, let your doctor know. If you eat a balanced diet, let the doctor know. If you’re having problems sleeping, your doctor must also know that. That’s why we recommend taking your time to choose a doctor to ensure you’re working with someone you’re comfortable talking to. This helps the doctor know how to treat you best.
Seek Clarifications
Don’t tell the doctor what you think they need to hear. Be honest with your symptoms and ask questions that you don’t understand. Don’t go home if you don’t understand how to use a particular drug. Your doctor will be happy to explain and demonstrate to you.
If you have a medical caregiver, they can help you manage your medication and seek such clarifications. If you don’t have a caregiver, get a close family member to accompany you to the doctor. Let them know your concerns and what you expect. This will help you feel more comfortable inside the doctor’s office.
Disagree if You’re Uncomfortable
It’s important to understand that you can correct your doctor when they’re wrong. You also have a right to accept or reject a treatment plan if you’re uncomfortable with it. Tell the doctor if you feel rushed, uncomfortable, or worried. If necessary, ask to be given time to consult with your family about a treatment plan if you feel the need to.
At Advancare, we care about your health. That’s why it’s crucial to take your time and prepare for your doctor’s appointment at your own pace. To learn more about our senior home care services, contact us today.
The Importance of Reading and Understanding Food and Beverage Labels for Seniors in Miami Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
When shopping at the grocery store, the one common thing in all packages is the nutritional label on the back. Their goal is to help you make an informed decision about what you’re consuming. Nutritional facts are particularly helpful for older adults because they have different nutritional needs than young people. At Advancare, we recommend reading these labels when buying food for seniors. We have also trained our caregivers to read these labels to ensure the seniors under our care eat healthy foods.
What Information Will You Find on the Food Label?
Manufactured foods carry labels containing nutrition and safety information. This information helps you know more about the food you’re buying so you can stick to a healthy diet. The label will have information on the following:
- The name of the product and brand
- Included ingredients
- Nutritional information (amount of fat, energy, sugars, protein, salt, etc.)
- Serving instructions
- Best before or use-by dates
- Percentage labeling
- Weight
- Allergy information
- Directions for use and storage
Understanding Food and Beverage Product Dates
You’ll find three types of dates printed on foods and beverages. They include the following:
- ‘Best if used before’ or ‘Best if used by’: This tells you how long the food will maintain the best quality or flavor.
- Use by: Tells you how long the item will remain at peak quality. Once that date passes, the product will be less tasty or stale.
- Sell by: This is more for retailers. The manufacturer suggests the day the item should have been sold. Ensure you buy your items before this date, as the quality is still fresh.
Unfortunately, these dates don’t exactly mention when a product is no longer safe to consume.
Understanding Nutritional Facts Labels
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food and beverage companies to put a Nutrition Facts Label on packaged products. At the top, there is the serving size. This is the amount of food a person can eat at one time. However, it isn’t a recommendation of how much you should eat. You can eat more or less. The guidelines are to help you understand how much you need for a balanced diet.
Interpreting the Percent Daily Value (% DV)
The percent daily value (%DV) shows how many nutrients in every serving contribute to your total daily diet. A normal adult, including seniors, requires about 2000 calories a day, but it can be more or less, depending on lifestyle.
Any food with 5%DV or less is considered to have fewer nutrients, and food with 20% DV is considered to have too many nutrients.
How to Read the Ingredient List
The ingredients contained in food and beverages are listed on the Nutrition Facts label. Each ingredient is listed with how much it weighs, with the heavier listed first. Watch out for foods with added sugar, especially when buying foods for senior adults. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, corn sweetener, saccharin, and sucralose should be taken in moderation.
While the FDA regulates some of these terms and descriptions, some aren’t regulated. Check the nutrition label carefully to ensure a product matches your eating goals.
Need Help Ensuring a Senior Adult Is Eating Healthy?
Do you need caregiving services to ensure you or a loved one is eating healthy? Advancare can help. Our caregivers know how to read food and beverage labels to ensure seniors only eat healthy meals.Contact us to learn more.
How Seniors Can Stay Safe in Hot Weather in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Summer’s warmth provides us with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. While taking long walks and other recreational activities may be tempting, you’re at risk of becoming dehydrated and sick if you stay in the heat for too long. Extreme weather can affect older people more than others. Seniors with chronic medical conditions are also at higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses because of age-related physical changes in the body.
At Advancare, we recommend wearing your sunscreen when going out and avoiding the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when it’s sweltering. We equip our caregivers with the correct information to help you stay safe during hot weather. Here are some of the tips you can utilize to stay safe during summer.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
The most important thing every senior must remember when going out daily is that direct sunlight harms the skin. If you have to work or spend time outdoors, do it early in the morning or the evening when the sun is not too hot. Wear long-sleeved shirts, blouses, and hats to protect your skin from UV light. Extreme exposure to the sun may not only cause skin dryness and irritation, it can also lead to skin cancer.
Invest in Air Conditioning
Air conditioners are popular systems for keeping your home cool. Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you can’t afford the cost of running it throughout the day, use fans and other cooling mechanisms to keep your indoor space cooler. Restaurants, libraries, and other public areas have air conditioners. Spend more time in these places. It’s also essential to mention that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps seniors above 65 years who have limited income to cover the cost of air conditioners and other utility bills.
Stay Hydrated
To keep your body hydrated and cool, drink plenty of cool water, clear juice, and other liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can make your body lose water causing you to urinate more. If you have trouble taking plain water, place a slice of orange, pineapple, or any other fruit you like to change the taste. Water is extremely important for seniors even if they don’t sweat as much as younger people.
Dress for the Season
The warm season calls for light, loose and light-colored clothes. Seniors should focus on cotton clothes as they absorb moisture, leaving your skin dry and soft. Avoid dark heavy clothes as they absorb heat. Your outfit should always be topped with a lightweight hat. Light clothes help keep you cool while preventing suburbs. You should also use broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray with sun protection (SPF) of 15 or higher. This means the lotion is specifically designed to protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen generously on your most exposed skin such as the neck, face, hands, and feet. Bugs are also common in summer. Use spray insect repellent when going outdoors.
Keep Your Home Cool
Apart from fans and air conditioners, there are many other ways of keeping your home cool. For instance, you can close the windows during the day except those that are under shade if you have trees that offer shade. You can also remove rugs and carpets that absorb heat and dust and avoid cooking in the house during the hot weather.
Contact Advanacare today to learn more about our senior home care services and how our caregivers can help you.
Choosing the Right Activewear for Seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Older adults need to exercise regularly. It strengthens their muscles and delays some health problems. But just as important is finding the right shoes and clothes for exercising. Comfortable activewear makes it easy to work out. At Advancare, we know that finding the right activewear can be tricky. When you work with our caregivers, they can help in choosing the right activewear. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
What to Look for in Fitness Shoes
It’s important to buy comfortable shoes. If possible, get them at a physical store instead of online. This allows the seniors to try them on and walk around to test how they feel. It’s also advisable to get shoes for the physical activity you have in mind. For instance, walking and running shoes have an elevated midsole.
Generally, consider shoes with good heel support, non-skid soles, and enough room for the toes. Such features ensure the feet remain comfortable during the whole workout session. They also reduce the risk of injuries.
Lastly, replace worn-out shoes. If your knees, hips, and shins hurt after an activity, the shoes could be the culprit. Also, if the treads are worn out, or your feet feel abnormally tired after an activity, consider replacing the shoes.
Choosing the Right Bottoms for Exercise
What are the right bottoms for exercising? Our caregivers advise older adults to get leggings and pants of the right length based on their height. Extra length at the bottom is a trip hazard. Also, senior adults who prefer leggings should consider high-waisted pants. They’re more comfortable because they don’t cut across into their abdomen. It’s also important to choose bottoms based on the activity you’re doing. For instance, loose shorts are suitable for basketball but not ideal for yoga.
What Are the Best Sports Bras?
Sports bras give women chest support during physical activity. Apart from getting the right size, it’s wise to look at the design. Most sports bars are worn by slipping over the head. However, this can be uncomfortable for most seniors or impossible for people with short-term disabilities. Also, those clasped at the back can be hard to operate. The suitable sports bras are those that clasp or zip in the front.
What Material of Sports Clothes Is Right for Seniors
Cotton isn’t the only material for sportswear. You have to consider the type of physical activity you’ll be doing. For instance, spandex is a great material for activities like pilates and yoga. It has excellent flexibility when stretching and bending, making it ideal for seniors who participate in aerobics.
Features to Look for in Sports Clothes for Seniors
When choosing activewear for seniors, ensure it has these three qualities.
· Can absorb moisture
· It keeps you cool throughout your workout session
· Prevents bad smell
During cold weather, seniors should wear layers like a workout jacket over a t-shirt. If it gets hot, they can take off layers and exercise comfortably.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Activewear
At Advancare, we have a team of professional caregivers to help seniors find the right workout clothes. They are compassionate and committed to serving those under their care. If you live in Miami-Dade, contact us to book a consultation session.
Tips for Managing Osteoporosis in Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
As we age, we battle many age-related conditions. While most are caused by old age, others can be prevented by simple exercises and diet. One of these conditions is Osteoporosis. If you or your loved one is struggling with Osteoporosis, you should learn more about the condition to help them. At Advancare, it’s our mission to keep you safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable. That’s why we ensure our caregivers provide the best home care services in Miami-Dade. Your senior loved one can use their help managing Osteoporosis and other daily activities.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become too weak to the point that they can break easily. The disease hinders normal activities such as climbing stairs, walking, and other mobile activities. People with Osteoporosis often break bones in the hip, wrist, and spine. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), over 53 million individuals either are at risk or already have Osteoporosis due to low bone mass. Osteoporosis can strike at any age, but it’s worse and more common in older women.
What are my risk factors?
While anyone can develop Osteoporosis, certain factors make some people more vulnerable to Osteoporosis than others. For instance, the National Osteoporosis Foundation found that one out of every two women and one man in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone in their lifetime due to Osteoporosis
Risk factors you can’t change.
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop Osteoporosis than men
- Age: seniors are at higher risk than any other group
- Frame size: Thin women with small bones are at high risk
- Ethnicity: White and Asian women are at high risk
- Family history: If Osteoporosis runs in the family, there are high chances you can develop it as well
Other risk factors you can change include medication use, hormones, alcohol intake, smoking tobacco, anorexia nervosa, and nutrition and activity level.
How can I reduce my risk?
There are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of weak or broken bones. To start with, you need to look at the risk factors you can change and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Start by eating a healthy diet with enough bone-building vitamins, such as Vitamin D and Calcium. You also need to participate in weight-bearing that can maintain and increase bone strength. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, and talk to your healthcare provider about some medications that could cause weaker bones.
Tips for managing Osteoporosis in seniors
While there’s no cure for Osteoporosis, there are treatments that can help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce bone fractures. The following tips can help you manage Osteoporosis:
- Focus on getting enough calcium and Vitamin D
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
- Quit smoking
- Wear supportive shoes
- Keep a healthy weight
How to prevent falls and Fractures in Seniors with Osteoporosis
- Get your vision checked regularly
- Remove any tripping hazards around your home
- Use assistive devices
- Go for a bone density test
- Take medications prescribed
If you have any concerns about managing Osteoporosis in your loved one, feel free to contact us and speak to our team at Advancare, and we will be happy to help. We have the right professionals to help your loved one manage Osteoporosis.
Dental care tips for seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Taking care of your teeth starts when you’re just 6 months old and becomes critical as you age. During your senior years, you may face various problems with your dental health. Lack of calcium and other minerals can cause teeth deterioration and various dental health concerns. When you lose more teeth, you will experience difficulty chewing and swallowing food.
Regular dental checkups enable dentists to diagnose, treat and prevent problems before they worsen. At Advancare, we recommend making regular visits to your dentist for dental exams and check-ups to keep your teeth healthy. We offer home care services to seniors in Miami-Dade, such as palliative care, meal planning, errand running, and much more. You can reach out to our team for more information.
Common Senior Dental Problems
Older people are more susceptible to oral health issues such as:
- Dry mouth: Old age, long-term use of dentures, and certain medications can cause dry mouth.
- Darkened teeth: Your teeth become dark naturally by consuming plenty of stain-causing foods and beverages such as coffee. Enamel erosion exposes the yellower, darker dentin. If you have darkened teeth, visit your dentist.
- Gum disease: Gum diseases in older adults are common as many things, including long-term use of tobacco, plague, specific medication, unhealthy diet, and certain medical conditions like anemia and cancer cause them.
- Root decay: Dental decay happens when the gum tissue begins to recede, which exposes the tooth root. The root no longer has enamel to protect it from the decay-causing acid. As a result, it becomes prone to decay and bacteria.
- Sensitive teeth: Sensitivity is quite common in seniors and it’s mainly caused by gum recession which exposes the tooth root, causing sensitive teeth. Using an anti-sensitive toothpaste can help improve the symptoms. If the problem doesn’t go away, you could be dealing with a more significant issue.
- Uneven jawbone: When you fail to replace missing teeth, it causes the other teeth to shift into the open spacing, causing uneven jawbone.
Age itself is not a dominant or primary factor in determining oral health. However, health conditions such as arthritis can make flossing and brushing difficult. Drugs also affect the general health of a senior’s teeth.
What Seniors Should Expect During a Dental Exam
Suppose you just booked a dental exam. In that case, you should expect a few questions from the dentists, such as the approximate date of your last dental visit, loss of sensitive teeth, bumps, lumps or swelling in your mouth, difficulty chewing, tasting, and swallowing food, and many others. During your visit, your dentist will also check your face and neck for discoloration.
You will also be asked to bite to check how your teeth come together when opening and closing. They will also check for swellings around your mouth, signs of infections, and tooth damage. If you wear dentures, the dentist will ask a few questions about when you wear them and when you remove them if they’re removable.
Don’t wait until you’re experiencing pain to visit a dentist. Apart from dental exams, you should always keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean. Contact our team today if you need any home care services in Miami-Dade.
Exercising Tips for Seniors with Health Conditions in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care, Senior Health | 0 comments
Physical activity is good for people of all ages, including seniors. You still need some form of exercise even if you have a health condition like chronic pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis. Physical activities like walking, bike riding, weightlifting, swimming, and gardening are safe, especially if you start slowly.
At Advancare, we do recommend speaking to your doctor before engaging in any physical activities if you have a health problem such as obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. Your doctor will tell you what exercises to avoid and which activities are good for you. Whether you have dementia or a short-term disability, our professional, compassionate, and caring caregivers can help you stay active with relevant exercises. We also offer home care services such as light housekeeping, meal planning preparation, and many others.
How much physical activity do seniors need?
A physical activity is better than none. That means you should stay active even when you have a health condition. According to CDC, 100 to 150 minutes of moderately intense activities like walking can go a long way toward helping seniors above 65 years. Depending on your health condition, you can assess what part of your body requires less movement and keep your activities moderate.
Staying physically active: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Researchers have yet to conclude how exercises benefit people with mild cognitive impairment. They also want to know if physical activities improve brain function in older adults at risk of dementia. Seniors with mild cognitive impairments can successfully and safely complete vigorous exercise, provided no other underlying health concerns exist.
Being active helps people with Alzheimer’s to feel better. It also helps them maintain a healthy weight and have regular sleep and toilet habits. Caregivers can help seniors with dementia to complete these exercises successfully.
Benefits of exercises for seniors
Typical benefits of exercise for seniors include:
- Helps maintain or lose weight
- Reduces the impact of illness and chronic disease
- Enhances mobility, balance, and flexibility
- Improves sleep and rest
- Boosts mood and self-confidence
- Improves brain function
Exercising tips for seniors with health conditions
If you’re wondering what exercises you can participate in due to your health condition, don’t worry. Here are a few you try out based on your situation.
- Take a walk. You can do this with a loved one or caregiver
- Use exercise videos or check your local TV guide for programs that help seniors exercise.
- Dance to your favorite music
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Ensure everything fits well to prevent falls and injuries.
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated.
If you have trouble walking, do simple tasks such as sweeping and dusting, riding a stationary bike, lifting weights, or holding household items. It’s important to be realistic about how much exercise you can handle at a time. Take breaks as much as you can and keep your body hydrated. If you have a favorite activity, do it more often.
Exercises are not just good for general well-being; they also help speed up recovery. That’s why you should exercise even when you have a health condition. If you need help exercising or a caregiver to take you through the process, contact us today.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Health | 0 comments
No matter your age, your body needs a balance of nutrients each day to function optimally. Micronutrients or minerals and vitamins play a crucial role as we get older. That means you cannot reap the benefits if you don’t get enough. Besides aiding bodily functions, vitamins and minerals prevent and reduce the risk of specific issues such as osteoporosis, bone loss, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
At Advancare, we recommend consuming supplements to boost mineral and vitamin intake if you cannot get enough from your food. Our caregivers provide support to ensure you take your supplements and eat healthy foods to promote general well-being.
Why is it Important for Seniors To Take Vitamins and Minerals?
People of all ages need vitamins and minerals, but older adults need them more. This is partly due to the physical and physiological changes linked to aging. That’s why doctors provide nutrient recommendations for people 70 and above. This is due to the increased requirements of this group.
As one ages, their energy levels decrease due to decreased physical activity. Older people also experience decreased appetite, and others may not have the financial muscle to acquire adequate nutrient-dense foods. Reduced food intake means fewer nutrients.
For this reason, older people may face difficulty getting all the vitamins and minerals their bodies need daily.
Essential Minerals and Vitamins for Seniors
While every person has unique nutritional needs, specific vitamins and minerals are generally crucial for older adults to prioritize. Here are the most important.
- Calcium: When seniors don’t get enough calcium, their bodies are forced to remove calcium from the bones, weakening them.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin protects a senior’s aging immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells to fight and prevent diseases
- Vitamin D: Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease that causes reduced bone mass. Vitamin D helps build and maintain healthy bones and promotes calcium absorption.
- Folate: Folate promotes a proper nervous system functioning in seniors
- Magnesium. Magnesium is a crucial mineral for the body that helps keep the blood pressure regular, the heart rhythm steady, and the bones strong.
- Potassium: Lack of enough potassium causes an older person to experience fatigue, cramps, muscle weakness, vomiting, bone fragility, and high blood sugar.
- Vitamin A: Provitamin A has antioxidant properties that promote normal brain function and heart diseases.
- B Vitamins: Seniors may experience challenges absorbing vitamin B12 due to decreased appetite. Seniors with mild memory challenges can take very high doses of vitamin B to slow down brain shrinkage. Generally, Vitamin B helps address elderly symptoms like stroke, nerve glitches, and memory lapses.
Optimizing Your Diet As You Age
Getting enough of these high-priority nutrients means eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of plant protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Try to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to get sufficient minerals. You must also talk to your doctor about prescription medications and how they can affect your nutritional needs. Your doctor can also write down some minerals your body often lacks and recommend supplements to boost them. Overall, it’s essential to get proper nutrients as you age to maintain optimal health.
Need Help With Your Diet
Whether you’re looking for a caregiver to plan and prepare meals for you or manage your supplement and medication intake, Advancare has the right professionals to get the job done. Contact us today for more information.
