Whether you’re a senior or a family caregiver who believes in formal New Year’s resolutions or not, you can make 2010 a better year by starting the year off right! This year, say goodbye to old habits like the ones below:

• Let go of your vices – whether you smoke, drink, or binge on junk food, get rid of bad habits

• Reduce your risk of having a stroke – there are no guarantees, but by making some simple changes you can improve the health of your heart. The Public Health Agency of Canada offers a Healthy Heart Kit which can help you understand warning signs and other essential information

• Stop neglecting your brain – like your body, your brain can undergo changes as you age. Exercise it with brain fitness programs, or try puzzles, brain teasers and crosswords

• Let go of things you don’t need – particularly older adults have the tendency to accumulate clutter because items have sentimental value. Keep some items that have some significance and declutter your home by donating or selling the other things you don’t need

In addition to saying goodbye to old habits, you can say hello to new ones that will help you take a greater enjoyment from life!

• Enjoy winter in Canada – seniors in particular have the tendency to stay indoors during winter months. Stay safe, but find ways to enjoy and take advantage of the weather offered in this climate

• Try new ways to save money – seniors and caregivers alike need to be money conscious, so start a new budget to keep your finances on track

• Get together with family – if your family normally comes to you, go to them for a visit. Or, suggest a family vacation

• Setup a comfortable office – whether you’re a caregiver with administrative tasks to keep up with, or a senior with hobbies, you need a comfortable space to get your work done. Create a home office with a focus on comfort

Via: About.com

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Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

While most of the population looks back on the previous year with fresh goals and aspirations for 2010, senior citizens do not seem to be doing the same. Most seniors do not even make those promises to the self. However, there are several improvements and changes to keep in mind heading into 2010 in order to extend an elderly person’s physical and mental health.

• Take a daily walk—Most people resolve to get into shape on New Year’s Eve. Seniors can do the same by exercising more into the New Year, helping to maintain better health.

• Quit those bad habits—With old age, most senior citizens believe in enjoying life and taking every day as it comes. However, those seniors that smoke and drink heavily can extend their lives a great deal by quitting the bad habits.

• Learn something new—Just because you are getting older, does not mean you cannot still learn new things. Not only is it good for the mind, but it could also prove useful to a senior. One ever-important task to know could be how to use a computer. A dialed-in senior can communicate more often with family and friends online.

• Enjoy life—Sometimes it can be a challenge to enjoy life to the fullest with painful illnesses or medical conditions putting a damper on attitude. Seniors can find those activities like board games and puzzles that help lift the spirits. Sometimes the best medicine for a senior may be just staying positive about life.

Source: niagarafallsreview.ca

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Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

You might notice that a loved one appears to be losing weight, and while in some cases that can be attributed to the aging process, there are other issues that can be at play. Seniors may change their eating habits for a number of reasons, and it’s not always to the benefit of their health.

• Senses change – food may just not be as appetizing as it used to be. As we age, our senses of taste and smell can change, making food taste differently or poorly

• Cooking may become challenging – getting to the grocery store, and navigating around the kitchen for meal prep may become a bigger challenge for seniors, resulting in poor nutrition habits

• Some seniors may worry about their health – as other health issues arise like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, seniors may cut out all foods they perceive as bad, including goods with “good” fats.

It’s important that family members notice any physical changes in their loved ones, and bring any concerns to the attention of a doctor. Severe weight loss could indicate another health issue, or could mean that seniors are struggling with some of the above that could cause future complications. It’s essential that improper nutrition is addressed before it has grave consequences for Canadian seniors.

Via: How to Care

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Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.