A healthy lifestyle is a common focus of doctors and other health care professionals to help seniors who are getting older preserve their health and avoid the onset of disease and illness. But, Canadian doctors often forget to mention one key element that can truly make a difference in the lives of seniors and that’s socialization. It doesn’t always take the obvious to change how a senior lives, and studies show that there is a direct correlation between quality of life and health and social interactions. For those seniors who want to get out there and start socializing, here are some ideas.
1. Volunteer in the community – interacting with anyone is beneficial, seniors can even volunteer to read with children at a local school
2. Learn a new hobby at a community event – join a class to learn a new hobby but make sure that it’s one that would encourage socialization
3. Don’t withdraw from family events – seniors may withdraw from events put on by family and friends, but it’s important to attend and ensure that accommodations are made for any special needs for the sake of comfort
A well-balanced, healthy lifestyle for seniors is about far more than eating well and exercising, socialization can truly make a difference for overall well-being.
As we age, many of us begin to lose the ability to move around freely. Not only is this a concern for seniors, but it is also a concern for caregivers. Lack of physical activity can lead to other health problems. It is important for seniors to remain as active as possible. When seniors begin to be less active, they could suffer from frailty. This does not only affect the physical capacities of seniors, but it also can cause depression and have a negative effect on social life. Below is a short list of facts about seniors who have a lack of physical activity.
1. Canadian seniors were surveyed recently. The survey showed that people over the age of 65 face two major challenges: maintaining independence and staying physically active.
2. Seniors also experience challenges when managing their finances, maintaining a healthy diet and staying involves in their social life.
3. The increasing number of inactive seniors has motivated Home Instead Senior Care to develop a program that delivers public awareness updates. The program is designed to help seniors remain physically active. This can help reduce the possibility of frailty in a large number of seniors.
Mississauga Home Care helps aging adults stay safe, active and healthy in their own homes.
Vitamin D Prevents Heart Disease
Heart disease runs rampant in many families and it can be a big concern for many seniors or those reaching the middle ages that they might follow the trend of those in their families. Lifestyle can make a big difference when it comes to preventing heart disease and one thing that seniors can do to help prevent heart disease is to take advantage of vitamin D. There have been studies conducted that prove that using this vitamin, either through food or in a supplement can reduce the chances of heart disease.
1. In addition to reducing the possibility of heart disease, Vitamin D can also decrease the risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
2. Seniors who have high levels of Vitamin D will be able to reduce their chances of developing heart disease by more than 40%.
3. It is easy to increase daily intake of Vitamin D. This vitamin is found in many foods, including fish, such as salmon and tuna.
4. Seniors can also get vitamin D by exposing their body to natural sunlight. It only takes about 20 minutes in the sunlight to trigger a synthesis for vitamin D.
5. Many seniors with heart disease also will have a type of diabetes. Vitamin D levels can ward off the development of diabetes by 55%.
For many seniors who have a history of cancer, heart disease or other forms of potentially life-altering diseases. Many live with the fear their whole lives that they might be the next one to fall victim to one of these genetic illnesses. Family caregivers can have similar concerns, and sometimes it’s hard to convince an older adult to go into a doctor’s office if they feel like they’d rather not know. But detection is essential in providing care.
There is a new technology under development that could change that, offering bedside detection of changes in health for seniors, plus also the opportunity to test for different types in cancer by changes in fluid levels. The device tat’s being developed will be very small and convenient so it will offer practical use for seniors and their healthcare or senior home care providers.
Early detection of diseases like cancer can help to ensure that it’s caught before seniors have even recognized symptoms. They also don’t even have to leave home initially in order to learn that follow-up medical care may be required.
This is another example of how technology can help keep seniors living at home longer!
Mississauga Home Care helps aging adults stay safe, active and healthy in their own homes.
When a senior is diagnosed with breast cancer, they will need some kind of support system. Many seniors rely on the support of family members and loved ones. Dealing with cancer can be a stressful and exhausting event, so having the means of support is essential. There are many support groups available for those who are battling breast cancer. The following list provides some information and resources for finding support groups.
1. Support groups provide a great outlet for people with breast cancer. Through these groups, patients will be able to connect with other patients and learn new coping strategies.
2. Many people who are involved in support groups discover strength and friendship. Being in the company of someone else who is also battling the disease can be comforting for many seniors.
3. Many patients involved in a support group will find it easier to cope with their disease. They will also feel less isolated because they find that there are many others with the disease.
4. BCSS offers five different support groups. These different groups are designed for women in different age brackets as well as for the different stages of the disease. All meetings are open to any patient living with breast cancer.
Canadian seniors may focus on just one element of “exercise” in older adulthood, whether it’s trying to improve their body, mind and soul. But, all three are equally important and can make a big difference to the overall well-being of older adults and there are a number of things that can help seniors to accomplish and incorporate all of these elements into their lives.
For the mind:
• Dial the phone numbers for family and friends from memory – stop using pre-programmed phones or consulting an address book when it’s time to pick up the phone and dial; for close friends and family, dial the numbers manually!
• Take a different route – we all fall into routines, but you don’t have to take the same route every time you go out to pick up a loaf of bread at the supermarket; vary the route!
• Stretch your singing muscle – everyone likes to listen to music or enjoys the chance to sing along to a favorite song in the car. Memorize the lyrics so you can sing to more than just the chorus of a song you like!
For the body:
• Strengthen your grip – to get a grip on your exercise routine, use a tennis ball to strengthen your grip
• Keep on moving – practice walking and do resistance exercises for the legs. Older adulthood doesn’t have to mean immobility
For the soul:
• Take in a movie – go out with a family member or friend to see a feel-good movie
• Support the troops – volunteer in an activity that supports the troops
Home Care Mississauga cares for a number of aging adults afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease. This disease can cause serious problems, not only for the patient, but for those around them as well. For many loved ones, it may be hard to understand the disease and what is happening. It is important for all caregivers, family and friends to understand what could possibly happen when Alzheimer’s is present.
An Ontario study reported that almost 18% of residents who were admitted to long term care directly following an acute care hospitalization in 2007 -- 2008 had Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia as the principle diagnosis.
The Rising Tide study on Alzheimer’s and related dementias described four potential intervention scenarios which could help reduce the impact of dementia.
1. Increasing physical activity
2. Delay onset of dementia
3. System navigation
4. Caregiver training support
As far as Caregiver training support, Home Instead Senior Care developed the first training program of its kind for non-medical caregivers. The program gives its caregivers comprehensive practical training for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s. It includes:
1. Understanding the pathology and symptoms of Alzheimer’s
2. How to build a positive relationship with a sufferer
3. How to work safely within the person’s physical surroundings
4. How to manage their changing behavior
5. How to keep them active in their daily tasks and independent for as long as possible
“Our program is unique”, says Greg Bechard, who is involved with the Alzheimer Society of Peel’s training program for family caregivers and who operates Home Instead Senor Care in Mississauga. “It takes 90 days and involves testing, It includes placement in a dementia unit in a seniors’ residence or long-term caqre facility. And it includes a history of the disease and the physiology of the disease, along with how a caregiver should behave in certain circumstances.”
Canadian seniors may focus on just one element of “exercise” in older adulthood, whether it’s trying to improve their body, mind and soul. But, all three are equally important and can make a big difference to the overall well-being of older adults and there are a number of things that can help seniors to accomplish and incorporate all of these elements into their lives.
For the mind:
• Dial the phone numbers for family and friends from memory – stop using pre-programmed phones or consulting an address book when it’s time to pick up the phone and dial; for close friends and family, dial the numbers manually!
• Take a different route – we all fall into routines, but you don’t have to take the same route every time you go out to pick up a loaf of bread at the supermarket; vary the route!
• Stretch your singing muscle – everyone likes to listen to music or enjoys the chance to sing along to a favorite song in the car. Memorize the lyrics so you can sing to more than just the chorus of a song you like!
For the body:
• Strengthen your grip – to get a grip on your exercise routine, use a tennis ball to strengthen your grip
• Keep on moving – practice walking and do resistance exercises for the legs. Older adulthood doesn’t have to mean immobility
For the soul:
• Take in a movie – go out with a family member or friend to see a feel-good movie
• Support the troops – volunteer in an activity that supports the troops
Seniors who injure themselves often face a long period of recovery in the hospital, and while that can be trying some of the greatest challenges start once seniors return home. As they recover, even the most independent seniors can struggle to take care of themselves; it becomes a challenge to get to necessary medical appointments and manage the upkeep of their home. Seniors may not require ongoing home help, but these seniors need to make their recovery a priority and may benefit from home helper services such as:
• Escort to medical appointments, rehabilitation facilities and other crucial aspects of the recovery process that seniors need to attend to out of their home
• Personal services to help seniors as they’re recovering like reminding them to take medications and helping them to dress and bathe
• Help around the home so seniors can focus on recovering rather than maintaining their home. Home helpers can do light housekeeping, laundry and help prepare meals
Alzheimer’s is a widespread health issue that affects many Canadian seniors. This is a fact that you’re likely aware of, but I bet you’re not familiar with the real numbers. Will there be an increase in the number of seniors with Alzheimer’s? Are we prepared as a society to help provide care for these individuals? These numbers give you an idea of where things stand, and the truth is a little bit frightening.
• Prevalence – it’s estimated that today more than 500,000 seniors have Alzheimer’s disease in Canada. As the senior population grows with the baby boomers, there may be a rapid increase of adult onset Alzheimer’s just because of the sheer number in the demographic. Right now, the numbers equate to 1 in every 11 Canadian seniors
• Impact upon health care – with health care provided to Canadian seniors, the costs are estimated to be about $15 million each year.
• Caregiver impact – 1 in 5 people in Canada provide care to an older adult, typically a family member. There is a greater occurrence of emotional issues in those that care for someone with Alzheimer’s as they witness someone they love changing drastically before their eyes
• Timeline for a cure – researchers suggest that there may be a cure, or at least better treatment options within 7 to 10 years for Canadian seniors. Considering baby boomers are already entering their senior years, it might not be soon enough to handle the increased need for Alzheimer’s care
