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Tag: Healthy Habits

Should Seniors Make New Year’s Resolutions about Dietary Changes?

Posted on by ltcep2023

New Year’s resolutions are a great way for people to look at changes they want to make over the next year. Many people use that time to decide to radically change how they eat. Seniors might still be stuck in those habits, thinking it’s a good time to do so. But sometimes those changes might not be the best ones to make, especially if seniors are dealing with health challenges. Home care providers can be a huge help when it comes to any dietary changes that seniors do want to make.

Resolutions about Dietary Changes Often Fail

The big issue with making resolutions about dietary changes is that they often are so restrictive that they tend to fail fairly rapidly. When seniors make dietary changes, it’s important that they’re making changes that support their health and that they stick with them. The changes that seniors make around food and eating need to be ones that are sustainable, gradual, and achievable.

Talk to Healthcare Providers First

Before making big dietary changes, seniors need to talk to their doctors about what those changes should be. Seniors often are battling health conditions and taking medications and this information is essential to understand when it comes to meeting nutritional needs. Healthcare professionals can offer personalized advice that helps seniors to improve their health and well-being while also eating better.

Make Small Changes

Making huge changes and completely overhauling an entire diet all at once is a terrible idea for seniors. It’s much better and more sustainable to make gradual, small changes over time. Instead of moving directly from eating frozen dinners, for instance, to only eating fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal can be a huge change. It might also be more than some seniors can physically handle preparing for themselves, which is why senior care providers can be an excellent help during these changes.

Plan Out Meals and Snacks

Meal planning is incredibly helpful for anyone who wants to eat a healthier diet over time. Planning out meals and snacks in advance helps to ensure that seniors are regularly eating a balanced and nutritious diet that is also tasty and satisfying. This allows seniors to be more proactive about making the small, healthy changes to their diet that they want to make.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves being fully present while eating. Seniors who are eating more mindfully are more likely to listen to their bodies’ hunger cues, eat when they’re truly hungry, and notice when they’re full. Eating healthier and more nutritious foods can also help seniors to feel fuller faster because they’re getting more nutrients.

Get Help from Home Care Providers

Making any changes to eating habits and overall diet just isn’t easy for every senior out there. Physical limitations, memory issues, and mobility challenges are just a few of the reasons that seniors might need more help. Home care providers can offer lots of assistance with meal preparation, running errands like grocery shopping, and so much more.

Deciding to be more cognizant of nutrition is really important for seniors, but making big sweeping changes as a New Year’s resolution might not be the best way to make this happen. Home care providers can help aging adults to make the little incremental changes necessary to improve health.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Phoenix, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

The Essential Benefits of a Healthy Breakfast for Seniors

Posted on by ltcep2023

Everyone knows that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but it’s especially true for older people. A healthy breakfast gives them a good start to the day and offers many benefits that support their well-being as a whole. If seniors typically struggle with breakfast, the elder care team and loved ones can assist, encouraging them to start the day off right on a consistent basis. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits breakfast brings.

Better Brain Health

For seniors, starting the day with a healthy breakfast can increase their cognitive brain functioning. Whole grains, fruits, and meats make up a well-balanced meal that gives them important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D. These nutrients are thought to be good for brain health because they help with memory and focus, as well as general brain function.

Energy Boost

As people get older, their natural energy levels tend to drop. But a healthy breakfast can give them the energy they need to start the day. Complex carbohydrates, which are found in fruits and whole grains, give them energy slowly, so they don’t get the rapid energy boosts and drops that come with sugary snacks. This long-lasting energy is important for seniors to keep up a busy lifestyle and do daily tasks. An elder care team can help seniors understand how different foods affect their energy.

Nutrient Absorption

Seniors can get important nutrients that they might not be getting enough of otherwise during breakfast. For example, calcium and vitamin D are important for keeping bones healthy and avoiding osteoporosis. Both of these are common at breakfast time. Additionally, consuming dairy products, foods with added vitamins and minerals, and getting some sun in the morning can all promote better nutrient absorption.

Weight Loss

A healthy breakfast is important for adults who are trying to lose weight. If they skip breakfast, they might eat too much later or pick snacks that aren’t as good for them. A varied breakfast helps control hunger and keep them at a healthy weight by getting their metabolism going early in the morning. This is another area where the elder team can help, offering thoughts for healthy meal planning.

Blood Sugar Control

People over 65 are more likely to get diseases like diabetes. A breakfast that is well-balanced with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help keep blood sugar levels in check. In turn, this lowers the chance of insulin resistance and improves metabolic health as a whole.

Heart Health

A good breakfast can have a positive effect on heart health, which is very important for seniors. Fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, fruits, and nuts, help keep the heart healthy and lower cholesterol.

In the end, a good breakfast is an important part of being healthy for seniors. Seniors who make eating a healthy breakfast a priority can improve their brain function, get more energy, and more. With the help of the elder care team and loved ones, seniors can enjoy breakfast and get their day started in the right way.

Sources:
https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/importance-of-breakfast-for-elderly/
https://tyemedical.com/blog/healthy-breakfast-ideas-for-seniors-and-why-the-first-meal-matters/
https://elderlyrightsandmentalhealth.org/2018/12/18/the-importance-of-breakfast-in-old-age/
https://www.lifetimedaily.com/health-benefits-of-breakfast/

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Phoenix, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

How to Support Your Loved One When She Quits Smoking

Posted on by ltcep2023

November 16 is the Great American Smokeout Day. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this day serves as a possible starting point for those who wish to kick the habit of smoking tobacco and begin a smoke-free life.

If you are providing care for a loved one who is a long-term smoker, you have seen the toll that smoking can take on her. From health issues to financial issues to cleanliness issues, smoking permeates every aspect of a person’s life, and not for the better. Most long-term smokers have tried quitting multiple times and find themselves getting frustrated over trying again, but along with that, most quitters found it took multiple attempts. This year may be the year your loved one quits successfully and completely.

As their loved one and caregiver, you can support them along this journey. You should also enlist others to be a part of their “cheer team,” such as other family members, friends, neighbors, and senior home care providers. All can rally alongside your loved one as she attempts to break free of the bonds of smoking.

But what can you specifically do? Here are five ways you can support your loved one as she begins her Great American Smokeout.

  • Ask her what she’d like as you support her. Does she want you to check in multiple times a day? Or would she prefer you don’t constantly ask about it? Follow her lead to support her.
  • Be ready to be ready. Your loved one may say she doesn’t want to check in much, but then calls you or texts you multiple times during those first few days for support. Be willing to be flexible, especially at the beginning. Talk to her senior care provider about providing additional support during that time to help over the first hump.
  • Ask about more than just smoking. When you check-in, don’t make it all about the smoking. Ask about how her body is feeling. How is she emotionally getting by? What new things did she discover today since she’s not smoking (maybe she went on a new walk with her senior home care provider or tried a new recipe to distract herself)? Try to keep it upbeat and positive.
  • Resist the urge to nag or shame. Even if she slips up, remind her about how proud you are that she’s trying and that you are there for her no matter how it goes.
  • Offer more outings. Distraction is a big part of quitting. Your loved one needs her mind on something other than smoking, so plan more outings to keep her occupied. Ask her senior care provider to also help her find ways to get out of the home and her mind off of the nicotine.

Quitting is a journey, and often a long one that may not be a very straight or smooth path. It’ll have a lot of bumps and turns, but your loved one will have more success navigating it if she has your support.

Reference
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Mesa. AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Five Health Benefits of Cheese

Posted on by ltcep2023

Most people agree that cheese is delicious and adds an extra touch of tastiness to many meals. It doesn’t matter if you like good old American cheese, funky blue cheese, creamy mozzarella, or salty feta, cheese is delicious. But, did you know that cheese also has some wonderful health benefits, many of which can help your aging loved one feel better and manage some common symptoms of aging? Let’s take a look at why the next time your loved one heads to the grocery store with her home care provider, she might want to consider spending a little more time in the deli section, picking out cheese.

Cheese is an excellent source of calcium

Calcium is not only needed for strong bones (many elderly individuals need to build up bone strength), but calcium also aids in vascular function, nerve transmission, and muscle movement. The bones store that calcium so the body can run itself to its best ability. The body cannot create its own calcium so if your loved one isn’t getting enough, it will take it from the bones to nourish the body, thus weakening the bones. So getting enough calcium every day is important and there’s no better way than cheese!

Calcium is also a great source of protein

Not only will your loved one get her calcium when she eats cheese, she’ll also get her protein. Protein is needed to keep up muscle strength and help your loved one stay independently active. For good protein-packed cheeses, have your home care provider help your loved one pick out and then consume low-moisture cheeses like parmesan. Perhaps there will be some delicious Italian dishes in her future.

Cheese can prevent osteoporosis

As mentioned, with cheese being packed with calcium and protein, it can be great to add to a diet if your loved one has a family history of osteoporosis. While consuming cheese after the age of about 30 cannot undo any bone loss that has already occurred it can help the body stop losing bone mass and creating health issues like brittle bones and osteoporosis.

Cheese can help your loved one add weight

If your aging loved one is underweight and the doctor has recommended she try to add on some weight, cheese is a much better source of calories than a bunch of donuts or candy bars. With its fat and protein content, plus the many vitamins and minerals it contains, cheese is a great choice for healthily gaining weight. Have her home care provider help her find ways to add it to her diet if your loved one needs to gain weight.

Cheese can keep the dentist away

Eating cheese can help reduce the risk of dental cavities for several reasons. It helps to lower the pH balance in the mouth, reducing acid levels that may eat at tooth enamel. It also helps produce saliva, which rinses the mouth out, getting particles away from the teeth and eroding them. And as mentioned about the benefit to bones, teeth are bones so they receive those benefits of calcium as well.

There are so many choices of cheese out there that your loved one will be able to find something delicious to add to her diet and improve her health.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Chandler. AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Hot Weather Hygiene Tips For Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass

Taking care of daily hygiene can be challenging for seniors even when the weather isn’t warm, but it can be especially challenging when the hot summer weather comes. Everyone can struggle to stay fresh and feel cool when the temperatures soar. Seniors can get personal care at home to help them maintain their hygiene. Personal care at home can also help seniors with tasks like getting dressed and showering. Some hot weather hygiene tips that seniors can use to be cool and confident all summer include:

Get A Sweat Proof Sunscreen

Seniors who are going out in the sun need to wear sunscreen. But regular sunscreen can wear off and it can wear off very quickly when seniors are sweating. If it’s very warm outside seniors should wear sport sunscreen or sweat resistant sunscreen so that it lasts. Otherwise seniors may be out in the sun for hours with no protection. That can lead to serious sunburn and other heat-related problems. A sweat proof sunscreen that is reapplied regularly while seniors are outdoors is the best choice.

Use Baby Wipes To Freshen Up

Baby wipes are something seniors should always have with them. Unscented or scented baby wipes are a great tool to use to freshen up. Seniors can use them to wipe away sweat if the day is really warm. And they can use baby wipes after using the bathroom to take care of any residual odor that might linger because of the heat and sweat. It’s a good idea for seniors to keep baby wipes in their bag, purse, fanny back, or in a pocket so that they can discreetly grab a couple if they need them.

Apply Powder When Getting Dressed

Baby powder that is talc free is safe to use and can make seniors a lot more comfortable. Baby powder can prevent odor, uncomfortable wetness, and rashes. Seniors can also use diaper cream to avoid getting heat rashes on their legs or arms. If your senior parent hates the feel of baby powder they should try anti-chafing gel. This product goes on like smooth like a gel but dries to a soft powder finish so it has all the advantages of powder but is easier and less messy to apply. Anti-chafing gel can be used between any folds of skin or anywhere skin rubs to prevent friction, skin tags, and rashes.

Wash Sheets At Least Once A Week

Seniors should be washing their sheets at least once a week when the weather is hot. Wash sheets in hot water to kill any odor-causing bacteria. It’s also a good idea to use only natural fiber sheets like cotton or linen. Natural fiber sheets will allow for good air circulation and that will help seniors who tend to sweat at night. There’s less chance of seniors getting skin infections, rashes, and other skin disorders from their sheets in the summer when they are washed regularly once a week. Use unscented soap or soap created to wash baby bedding so that seniors don’t have any kind of reaction to the soap used to wash their bedding.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Cave Creek, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

What Are the Best Tips for Storing and Preparing Frozen Foods?

Posted on by Craig Bass

Frozen foods are both convenient and cost-effective for aging adults. Whether seniors are eating home-cooked meals that have been prepared in advance and then stored in the freezer or are relying on things like frozen vegetables to eat healthier, there are lots of ways to make meals easier with frozen food. Senior home care can help even more to make healthy, regular meals something seniors have easy access to on a daily basis.

Storing Frozen Foods Properly

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to storing frozen foods properly. First, the ideal temperature for frozen foods is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. It’s a good idea to use a freezer thermometer to verify that the freezer is set to the proper temperature. Most frozen foods have a recommended storage time. Homemade foods are usually okay to freeze for up to several months at a time. Pre-packaged frozen foods can be kept in the containers they were purchased in, but over time they can develop freezer burn. Homemade foods should be stored in airtight containers, like freezer bags, in order to keep them as safe as possible from both freezer burn and contamination. Label containers with the date and the food that is in the container.

Preparing Frozen Foods

Most frozen foods should be thawed before cooking, especially if those foods will be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Microwaveable foods might not need thawing first, depending on the type of food going into the microwave. Foods that do need to be thawed should always be kept in the fridge, not on the kitchen counter. Although lots of people make it a habit to thaw foods on the kitchen counter, this can actually be a dangerous choice in terms of food safety. Thorough cooking helps to kill off bacteria and ensure that food is safe to eat.

Dealing with Leftovers

Leftovers can be a danger area for seniors. If there is food left over, it should be put into the refrigerator as quickly as possible after eating. Leftovers in the refrigerator aren’t going to stick around forever, unfortunately. Seniors may need help from family caregivers or home care providers to stay on top of clearing out the fridge periodically so leftovers don’t become dangerous.

Senior Home Care Can Be a Huge Help

Home care providers are always helpful when it comes to keeping seniors fed a healthy diet. They can assist seniors with shopping for healthy foods, preparing meals, and making sure that foods are stored safely. Senior home care can also help to make sure that aging adults are eating regularly, which can be a big problem at times.

The easier it is for aging adults to access safe and healthy food, the more likely they are going to be eating healthy meals on a regular basis. Frozen foods and meals can help to make that happen. Senior home care is an imperative resource if aging adults need some extra help keeping up with meal preparation and other tasks related to cooking and eating.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Fountain Hills, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Great New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass

No matter a person’s age, New Year’s Eve is a great time to evaluate how the last year went and then to decide if there are things that could be done differently in the upcoming year. Your aging loved one may be wondering if there are areas in her life that she could make resolutions regarding. It doesn’t matter how old she is, she can also strive to have a better year going forward. That’s what gives a person hope and purpose.

Here are some simple ideas to get the creative juices flowing for new year’s resolutions.

Health

Health encompasses a large number of different factors but as your loved one looks back at 2022 and looks forward to 2023, what areas would she like to feel more healthy about and what kind of choices can she make to arrive there?

If eating right is her goal, then it has to start before she’s hungry. Poor eating choices often happen because of fatigue and the need to immediately satiate hunger pangs. Having a home care provider come into the home and prepare healthy meals, or even prep healthy snacks, can be one way to help your loved one eat better in 2023. Home care can make sure there is a fresh pitcher of water in the fridge for drinking and some veggies that are cleaned and prepped for snacking. They can also help by prepping healthy meals that your loved one can easily reheat for a meal instead of a frozen pizza.

If getting more physical activity is your loved one’s goal for 2023, start small with plans to increase activity routinely. Even adding a simple 15-minute walk around the block twice a day can be a great way to begin. Being more active has so many health benefits, that once your loved one starts, she won’t want to stop.

Social

One way to have a great 2023 and have things to look forward to is to increase your loved one’s social circle. Elderly people are often lonely as they have seen many of their loved ones leave or pass away. They can have a hard time creating new connections. A home care provider that comes into the home for a weekly game of chess could be one way to increase the socializing your loved one does. Or she could look at joining a local club or organization that is focused on something she loves.

Money Management

Your loved one may have discovered that she struggles with money management. 2023 may be a great time to hire a financial planner or even have a trusted family member review her finances, bills, and incoming income. She may be paying for things she no longer needs or there may be ways to consolidate some debts. It can always be helpful to have a second pair of eyes review her financial situation.

No matter what your loved one chooses, help her to stay committed to her resolution throughout the year by offering gentle and gracious accountability. Small changes can make a big difference in the quality of life.

Source
https://ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Paradise Valley, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Getting More B12 Into Your Senior’s Diet

Posted on by Craig Bass

Vitamin B12, commonly known as cyanocobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin required for optimal adrenal gland function, nerve tissue health, and red blood cell synthesis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 31 persons over the age of 51 had inadequate vitamin B12 levels, according to the results of a 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. More than 5% of people over 65 are also affected by the deficit. Vitamin B12 is especially essential for older persons since the body’s absorption of the mineral decreases with age.

Seniors might acquire dietary deficits and other major health problems as they age. Maintaining a good quality of life might be difficult for some seniors, but senior home care can assist them in accomplishing this aim. Families may rely on senior home care professionals to assist their elderly loved ones in making lifestyle choices that will boost their chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Understanding Vitamin B Deficiency

Seniors with insufficient vitamin B12 levels might develop pernicious anemia, which causes inexplicable tiredness, fast heart rate, joint discomfort, and trouble breathing. Memory loss and other cognitive impairment symptoms are typical in B12-deficient elderly and may be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or mental illness. Confusion and despair are common cognitive symptoms, as are hallucinations and paranoia. Other symptoms include numbness or tingling in the limbs, loss of muscular coordination, an inflamed and swollen tongue, and jaundice. Although symptoms may be mild at first, they might worsen with time and cause the deficit to worsen. Here are some ways senior home care can help to get more vitamin B in a senior’s diet.

Dairy Products Can Be Added to a Senior’s Diet

A bowl of fortified cereal is a simple method to receive B12. Whole-grain products often provide 25 to 100% of the daily minimum intake. Adding low-fat milk, skim milk, or yogurt to dry cereal boosts the B12 content by 15 to 20%. Another fantastic way to obtain nutrition is by consuming a couple of eggs and a dairy product.

Consume More Lean Meats

Vitamin B12 is abundant in lean meat. As an alternative, consider buffalo meat. Buffalo meat is naturally reduced in calories, saturated fat, and total fat content, while still supplying heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids to seniors. Organic grass-fed beef is another rich source of B12.

Seafood Can be Added Into Meals

Four to five ounces of salmon, sardines, or trout in a lunch or dinner meal is an excellent approach to increasing B12 levels. Clams are an additional option. Three ounces of clams provide 100 percent of the necessary dose of the vitamin, as well as iron, selenium, zinc, and protein.

Adding Nutritional Yeast On Foods

Vegans, vegetarians, and seniors who do not consume red meat can consider adding nutritional yeast to their diets. To increase daily consumption, add one tablespoon to casseroles or other meals. Although certain plant foods include trace levels of vitamin B12, nutritional yeast is a superior source.

When In Doubt, Check with Their Doctor About Supplements

Vitamin B12, folic acid, and other B vitamins are often included in over-the-counter multivitamins. When inserted beneath the tongue, sublingual vitamins dissolve. Seniors with severe deficits are often administered vitamin B12 injections as a supplement. Other medication alternatives include vitamin-containing nasal gels.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-vitamin-b12-dosage-for-older-adults

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Queens Creek, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Dental Care Tips for Senior Citizens

Posted on by Craig Bass

This is the time of year we are looking forward to candy on Halloween, big meals on Thanksgiving, and family dinner for Christmas. But where does that leave your teeth? Many seniors forget how important it is to focus on dental hygiene as they age. However, seniors must keep a routine need to maintain a consistent dental hygiene routine, too. Here are a few important oral health tips and how companion care at home can help with them.

Never Stop Brushing Or Flossing

If you’ve been taking good care of your teeth your whole life, you know the fundamentals already: brush and floss twice daily. Some alterations may be made to these two fundamentals despite their continued significance as you mature. You should treat your teeth and gums gently since they have endured a lot just by being alive. Plaque becomes more stubborn and more rapidly accumulates in people over 50.

Something that may help your seniors stick to a brushing and flossing routine is to have them switch to an electric toothbrush with very soft bristles. Companion care at home may also help remind them to floss after each meal to keep the bacteria down.

Use Mouthwash But Be Careful

A strategy change may be required if you have been using mouthwash many times daily. While it’s true that using mouthwash regularly may help reduce the likelihood of developing cavities or plaque, it also has the potential to alter the mouth’s pH and lead to dry mouth. While dealing with an elderly person, you should exercise caution when using mouthwash due to the prevalence of dry mouth in this demographic. You just need to give your teeth and gums a quick rinse before night. Also, you might benefit from trying something that doesn’t include alcohol.

Implants and Dentures

Dentures may not be your best choice if you’ve lost teeth and are looking into replacing them. In many cases, dental implants might be a far better option than traditional dentures. Implants are a permanent solution that mimics the appearance of your natural teeth without the risk. Implants stabilize your jaw bone, improving your chewing, and protecting your jaw joints from damage. Consult your dentist for advice tailored to your needs.

Dentures need special attention to hygiene. Dentures need daily cleaning with a denture-cleaning solution. In addition, you should remove your dentures and rest your mouth often. It is recommended that dentures be removed from the mouth for at least four hours every day (when sleeping is ideal).

Watch for Medication Side Effects

What, if any, drugs do you take? Maybe they’re making your mouth dry, which might be bad for your teeth. If you suffer from dry mouth, you should know that it’s not only an irritation; it may also be harmful to your oral health since it makes it easier for plaque to stick to your teeth and speed up the progression of cavities and gum disease. Keep an eye out for any changes to your mouth, teeth, and gums after beginning a new medicine. If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to your medication, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

Focus On Drinking Water

If you’re thirsty, choose water instead of soda. Regular citrus fruit juices and sodas contain a lot of sugar. Consuming an excessive amount of sugary beverages may lead to a decrease in dental enamel, the development of cavities, and even tooth loss. If you want to help out your mouth, ditch the sugary drinks and drink plenty of water instead. There are many positive effects on one’s health by regularly consuming water. Water is a natural preventative for dry mouth and will help rinse away acids in your mouth.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Scottsdale, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Keeping the Senior Mind Active

Posted on by Craig Bass

Memory loss is a normal part of becoming older, but it doesn’t always mean you’re at risk for developing Alzheimer’s or another kind of dementia. There are many things you or a loved one can do to maintain or even increase memory and cognitive abilities as we age. With the aid of mental workouts and games, you may develop neuroplasticity within your brain. Neuroplasticity refers to our brain’s ability to evolve and adapt to new experiences or data. To maintain our neuroplasticity in good shape, we must regularly do mental workouts. If your senior needs help in developing a routine, it may be time to look into hiring in-home care for your loved one.

It is possible to categorize mental activities as either skill-developing or skill-retaining. Studies show that one of the best ways to keep our minds active and growing as we age is to continuously learn new things. Your senior loved one may also have difficulty remembering skills or talents they formerly had, which is essential for maintaining a high quality of life. If your senior is struggling to remember skills or how to do basic things like getting dressed, they may need in-home care to help around the house so they can age in place. Here are some other things to remember about keeping the mind active:

Pick Up An Instrument or Paintbrush

To challenge your brain, learn a new skill, particularly a more difficult one. It’s never too late for your older relative to learn anything new if they’re willing to put in the effort. Learning new skills may not only improve one’s cognitive abilities, but it can also keep a person engaged and motivated. Taking a pottery class near you might be a great way to keep your mind fit and motivated simultaneously.

Stop Using a List

Our smartphones and shopping lists make it difficult for us to practice “recall,” a key mental element. The best technique to improve your memory is to practice recall in tiny, non-threatening ways. Allow yourself to be guided by your memories and imagination by having a loved one tell you about their childhood house or pet.

Practice Using All Senses

Learning and remembering are tightly linked to our senses; therefore, using our senses may help us stay engaged and ready to learn. Fortunately, there are many methods to experience the senses in your own house. You and your loved ones may appreciate new aromas, textures, and flavors together if you encourage them to assist you in the garden or cook something new.

Keep Moving No Matter How Old You Get

In addition to exercising your mind, don’t overlook the advantages of exercising your body. Moving your body not only alleviates stress and elevates your mood but also improves the amount of oxygen sent to your brain, resulting in better neuroplasticity and a lower chance of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If you’re looking to improve your mental and physical health, non-stressful activities like going for a stroll around the block or listening to your partner’s favorite music might help.

Source
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Chandler, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!