Leslie Newlife

Healthy Snack Ideas for Older Adults

Snacks are a crucial source of nutrition, especially for older adults and seniors. Experts assert that healthy snacking is good because it boosts energy, supplies nutrients and curbs appetite to prevent overeating. In short, it promotes healthy aging. On the contrary, unhealthy snacking has several downsides. Unfortunately, many snack items available on store shelves promote unhealthy snacking habits. They are calorie-packed, rich in sodium, and highly processed – they are not very good for seniors. 

Finding healthy snacks for older adults and seniors is not easy. But that’s where we come in. Below are six healthy snack ideas you can include in your routine. They are easy to prepare, yummy and healthy. But first, let’s dig deeper and learn why snacking is crucial for older adults. 

The benefits of snacking

Unlike kids and younger adults, older people must pay more attention to what they eat. They do this for various reasons. Some have difficulty chewing and swallowing. Others could be on medications that affect appetite or trigger nausea. Many have conditions easily aggravated by consuming food with the wrong nutritional balance. 

Being meticulous about food also means that meal times could feel more like a chore, and since many older adults live solo, skipping meals could be a regular practice.

Healthy snacking provides an excellent way to counter irregular eating habits. Plus, you don’t have to exert yourself preparing them. You can order healthy snacks to stay energized, close nutrition gaps, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. If you have friends coming by, add a little extra because snacking can also be a great way to socialize. Here are some healthy snack ideas for seniors. 

Granola with greek yogurt with berries

Greek yogurt mixed with blueberry granola or fresh fruit is a simple, delicious, and healthy snack. It combines good portions of healthy proteins, vitamins and minerals like calcium. Plain greek yogurt has a lower sugar content and could be a better choice for older adults. Gut-friendly bacteria in the live cultures are the best benefit of snacking on Greek yogurt. 

Unsalted nuts and seeds

We’ve already mentioned nuts and seeds as excellent ingredients when making granola. But did you know that you can enjoy them as snacks? Nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, and macadamia are excellent sources of nutrients like protein, healthy oils, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They promote good heart health and lower the risk of high blood pressure. Seeds, such as sunflower, chia, and pumpkin, are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They help reduce blood sugar levels. 

Nuts and seeds are a great snack because they are affordable, packed with the correct nutrients, easy to store, and seldom require preparation. But put a cap on the quantities of nuts because they often have high-calorie content. 

Hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs can be a great snack. They are easy to prepare, and egg white is an excellent source of protein. Enjoy them plain or with a pinch of pepper. 

Vegetables with hummus

There’s no doubt that vegetables are an excellent go-to option for snacks. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Vegetables like carrots and celery sticks make great snacks, are nutrient-packed, and can be enjoyed raw with humus or cooked. Include a variety of protein snacks (like nuts) and serve different colored veggies. It ensures a more balanced snack. Each veggie color represents various vitamins and goodness. 

Fruit

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. You can either eat them whole or be creative and make them more enticing by preparing fruit salads, blending and making smoothies, or baking and drying them to make them more storable.

Final thoughts

Think about the person’s health needs as you choose a snack. If the person has a nutrient deficiency, pick snacks that would close this gap. For instance, many older adults experience deficiencies in calcium and vitamins B and D. Older adults may also have other special needs. Some may have digestion or dental issues that limit their range. Pick snacks that are not only packed with nutrients but also appropriate.

What Caregivers Should Know About Low Blood Oxygen Levels

A person with low blood oxygen levels, or hypoxemia, can experience symptoms like headaches, a rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Read on to discover what caregivers should know about low blood oxygen levels so you can provide the best home care for your clients.

Causes of Hypoxemia

Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body. Cells in the tissues use oxygen to unlock energy. When someone has low blood oxygen levels, their body may not function properly.

Certain medications can also cause hypoxemia, but the most common cause is an underlying illness that affects breathing or blood flow, like heart and lung conditions. Your client might have hypoxemia if they can’t inhale enough oxygen or if the oxygen isn’t getting into the bloodstream.

Some people have periodic hypoxemia. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing starts and stops, and it can cause hypoxemia during sleep. You can improve your client’s quality of life and boost their energy by thoroughly understanding sleep disorders in the elderly.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Caregivers should know the symptoms of low blood oxygen levels. If you notice any signs of hypoxemia, call a healthcare provider or bring your client to the nearest emergency room. Seek medical attention immediately for fast treatment that can prevent organ damage in severe cases. Symptoms of low blood oxygen levels include:

  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Confusion
  • Bluish skin, fingernails, or lips

The physician will listen to the patient’s heart and lung function. They can use a pulse oximetry monitor to non-invasively measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. Or they might conduct an arterial blood gas test on a blood sample taken from the patient’s wrist, groin, or arm.

Treatment

Treatment regimens focus on the underlying causes of hypoxemia. The doctor might prescribe an inhaler for people with lung disease, and a CPAP machine can treat sleep apnea.

For a patient with an ongoing risk of hypoxemia, the doctor might prescribe supplemental oxygen. Your client might need to use portable oxygen at their home or in the hospital. You and your client can continue monitoring blood oxygen levels at home with a pulse oximetry monitor.

Why Wound Management Is So Important for Seniors

With growing age, the human body’s ability to regenerate and heal wounds becomes weak. As a result, it might take longer for an elderly person to heal their wounds. A scrape on a young kid or adult might be gone after a week. But that is not the case for elderly people since it can take weeks and even months for the wound to recover. 

Furthermore, mature skin further increases the chances of infections and other complications. So, it is important to manage the wound properly for a good recovery. 

Wound Management: Chances of Infections

An important thing to note is that older people have mature skin that naturally takes longer to heal. It gives the pathogens an optimal breeding ground if there is no proper wound management. 

Seniors who don’t have the mental/physical capabilities to care for the wounds on their own are at a high risk of infection. If the wound leads to an infection, it can lead to serious issues for the older person, such as decreased mobility, pain, discomfort, etc.   

Also, an important thing to note is that older adults have weak immune systems. It makes them prone to severe issues and infections that can spread quickly. In severe cases, it can also threaten the patient’s life. 

Treatment for Chronic Wounds

Any trauma or pressure can damage the tissue, causing a wound. One thing to note is that wounds are not only open injuries but closed injuries are also wounds known as contusions. The body begins the natural healing process that would heal these wounds over time. 

It usually involves the body’s defense system fighting dangerous pathogens and regenerating damaged tissues. However, this process can be relatively slow for older people because of their old age and mature skin. Consequently, it can lead to a chronic wound, which heals slowly or not at all. 

The only way to deal with a chronic wound is to ensure proper wound management. It means covering the wound with Hydrofera blue dressing to ensure the tissues regenerate. Doing so will provide a better environment for the wound to heal and stay safe from possible complications. 

Wound Management beyond the Facility 

Chronic wounds require treatment from professionals such as physicians or doctors. But wound management goes beyond that since patients need proper care and attention all the time. Also, some people limit wound management only to cleaning and changing the bandages. 

Other aspects also play a crucial role in the healing process of the wound. For example, medical professionals might also recommend other exercises and physiotherapy at your home to increase blood circulation in the injured area. 

Also, they would advise you to follow a specific dietary plan to aid in the wound’s recovery process. All these things will allow the patient to heal their wound quickly. 

Seek Medical Assistance for Proper Wound Management 

Proper wound management is vital for elderly patients. It not only prevents them from serious complications but also reduces the duration of recovery. This way, you can protect the other person’s well-being and ensure their quality of life doesn’t suffer. 

However, you should seek assistance from a relevant professional healthcare provider that will help you with wound management for your loved ones. Ensuring the healthcare provider you choose has a compassionate approach will help you get the best coverage for your elderly. They will also help overcome the trauma and depression associated with the injury.

Can You Find a Job After Retirement?

Retirement, to most people, is a time to relax and enjoy their lifetime savings. However, a retiree can continue working as they have many skills obtained over years of working experience. It is recommended that people work for the longest time possible. Well, working after the stipulated retirement age has many benefits, including keeping you healthy, happy, and, most importantly, young. However, the biggest hurdle is finding a job at that age; however, with technological developments, you can find places you can land a job effortlessly, like Jollity. Nonetheless, below are several tips that will make your journey of finding a new job super easy and explain why it can be hard to find a job at this age.

High Salary Expectations

Due to the high years of experience and obtained skills, there is a tendency to want a higher salary. However, there is a need to compromise on the salary and ask for other better compensation forms.

Outdated Skills and Younger Bosses

It is human nature to love and like working with people within your age bracket. However, to quickly find a job, it is advisable to be comfortable working and rubbing shoulders with colleagues from different generations to ensure they are comfortable around you. In addition, culture and technology are now changing and evolving faster than ever witnessed before in humankind’s existence.

For example, applying for that dream job can now be quickly done via a tweet or email, unlike the old days when you had to send hardcopy applications. It would be best if you kept up with technological changes. Nowadays, most people are meeting online across different geographical locations, and keeping up with all these developments will keep your brain evolving and in a young shape.

Do You Have A Desired Job?

Reinventing yourself can start at any age. If, for example, you have been working in sales, you can choose a different career path. Ensure you select a job that you enjoy working on and has the most conditions you so desire. For example, you can choose a remote, full time or part-time job. What are the requirements you want? Is salary the most important factor? At this age, ensure you get most of the things you want in a job.

How About Your Resume?

Your resume is your selling point; ensure to make it shine. Keep it short and exciting and only include the most relevant working areas and experience. And instead of using your landline and old email address, ensure to use your cellphone number and recent email addresses. Remember to update your social media accounts like LinkedIn, as most employers are more open to working with people who are equally present in the online world due to higher chances of increased business links. If you still find adjusting to the new changes hard, you can read more on how to get retirement jobs on different websites like Jollity.

In conclusion, finding a job after retirement can be easy if you follow the provided tips. However, it is vital to rebrand yourself and be ready to work with the younger generation. Having an updated resume, marketing yourself online, searching for jobs online, being creative, and having a solid reason why you want to be employed will help you land that dream job.

Oversleeping: 6 Effects & Health Risks of Sleeping Too Much

Oversleeping is a common problem that can have severe repercussions if not addressed.

Yet, the potential benefits of a few extra winks are impossible to ignore while we continue to climb up ever-taller ladders of success in our personal and professional lives.

Finding the right amount of sleep and consistently achieving it can be difficult. Therefore, reflecting upon one’s sleeping habits can go a long way in ensuring future well-being.

By educating oneself about good sleep patterns and practicing those patterns, oversleeping can become a thing of the past. Educating helps in consistent, healthy, restorative sleep, which is vital for our physical and mental health.

Health Issues Related to Oversleeping

Studies have proven that getting more than your required hours of sleep each night can be just as damaging as not getting enough.

Let’s look at six effects and health risks associated with sleeping too much.

Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

If you are already prone to depression or anxiety, sleeping too much can aggravate these symptoms.

Studies show that those who sleep more than nine hours per night are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety than those who get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

It is believed that excessive sleep causes the body’s hormones to become imbalanced, leading to increased levels of serotonin and cortisol—the hormones responsible for mood swings.

Memory Loss

Sleeping too much can also lead to memory loss or difficulty concentrating. This is because when we get more sleep than necessary, our bodies don’t go through the full range of stages of restful sleep needed for proper cognitive function.

As a result, our brains remain inactive, making it difficult for us to remember information or focus on tasks at hand.

Poor Physical Health

In addition to mental health issues, sleeping too much can also lead to poor physical health.

For example, those who consistently get more than nine hours of sleep per night are at greater risk for stroke and heart disease. This happens due to their lack of physical activity during the extra hours spent in bed.

They may also be more likely to gain weight as they consume fewer calories when they are asleep than when they are awake and active throughout their day.

Weight Gain

Those who sleep too much may also be more likely to gain weight due to impaired metabolism. This is caused by overeating in bed combined with decreased physical activity due to extra time spent resting instead of exercising or being active throughout the day.

Additionally, those who get excessive amounts of sleep tend to make poorer food choices due to fatigue from extended restfulness periods. And this, combines with feeling groggy during the day from oversleeping.

Heart Disease & Stroke Risk 

In addition to mental health effects, oversleeping has been linked to increased cardiovascular disease and stroke risk in some individuals.

One study found that women who slept nine or more hours a night were 38% more likely to die from heart disease than those who slept seven or eight hours per night.

Meanwhile, men who slept 11 hours a night were twice as likely to die from stroke than those who got six or fewer hours of sleep per night.

It is unclear why this occurs. However, it could be due to hormonal disruptions related to stress levels which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke over time if left unchecked.

Lethargy & Lack of Focus  

Another potential consequence of sleeping too much is lethargy and lack of focus during the day when you should be awake instead.

Since your body’s natural circadian rhythms are disrupted by sleeping too much at night, you may feel groggy and unfocused during times when you should be alert and productive—such as at work or school.

It could affect your performance over time if not appropriately addressed.

Conclusion 

As you can see, there are many effects and health risks associated with sleeping too much that you should consider before hitting snooze several times each night.

If you find yourself sleeping longer than necessary regularly, speak with your doctor about possible changes to achieve the optimal amount of restful sleep without putting yourself at risk for any adverse side effects or health concerns down the road.

And if you want some more information related to sleep, we would like to recommend SweetIslandDreams.com to you.

Managing Money in Retirement

Retirement is a long-awaited and exciting moment. This is an opportunity to exhale, relax and be alone with yourself, your loved ones, and all those activities for which there was not enough time. However, with retirement, we can’t forget about everyday chores like utility bills, grocery shopping, and more. This means that managing money in retirement is as much a necessity as ever. Or maybe more important, since your income inevitably decreases and you don’t want to worry every month about whether there will be enough money for the next one.

You can manage even a small amount of money and live comfortably at the same time if you follow important rules. We have prepared tips for you on how to manage money in retirement.

Five Tips for Managing Your Finances in Retirement:

Retirement money management does not automatically mean saving, and saving does not mean a poor standard of living or poverty. With the right money management, you can live comfortably and afford more than those with a higher income but do not know how to properly allocate the budget. We have prepared for you some tips on how to manage your finances and not worsen the quality of your life.

#1. Remove Negative Financial Attitudes

There are many stereotypes in our heads that retirement entails many restrictions and that it is necessary to deny yourself everything, but this is not so.

Retirement is not the end of a phase. It is the beginning of a new one. However, the phrase: “If not now, then when” is most relevant in this period. You can do everything that you’ve been putting off for years. No matter what you dreamed about: a huge TV or a trip to Thailand. Even if you do not have the necessary funds here and now, there are loans for seniors available to almost anyone.

Payday loans, personal loans, and other types of loans are available to you even after you retire. Under different conditions, for any period, you can take the amount of money you need and spend it on your needs, and then return it from the next pension or other payments.

#2. Determine Your Budget

To properly manage your finances, you need to determine your budget. It is worth starting with a monthly budget, but you can also define an annual budget. The monthly will include all regular payments like utilities, television, Internet and phone, fuel, and food. The annual can include expenses for travel, seasonal clothes, necessary small home repairs, and purchasing gifts for the holidays.

After calculating all your estimated expenses, you can determine how much money is left. After that, it would be nice to set aside some of the money in a personal insurance fund or simply in a nest egg. This is your fund to cover various contingencies. It is worth allocating 10-15% of monthly income if such an opportunity exists.

You can use the rest of the money as you wish or save for something more important if you are planning a trip or a large purchase.

#3. Review Your Assets

After retirement, you will no longer receive regular paychecks, but this does not mean you will be left without income. On the contrary, if you previously worked and retired in due time, income sources may even be numerous; among them:

401(k) and Similar Plans

Gains in a 401(k) account are tax-free in the case of traditional 401(k)s retirement plans and are tax-free in the case of Roths. When a traditional 401(k) retirement plan account holder withdraws funds, that money (which has never been taxed) will be taxed as ordinary income. Roth account holders (who have already paid income tax on the money they contributed to the plan) will not pay tax on withdrawals if they meet certain requirements.

Both traditional and Roth 401(k) owners must be at least 59.5 years of age—or meet other criteria set by the IRS, such as being completely and permanently disabled—when they begin withdrawing funds. Otherwise, they will typically face an additional 10% early allocation penalty on top of any other tax they owe.

Roth IRA Individual Retirement Account. How does an IRA work? Unlike a traditional IRA, deductions to a Roth IRA are post-tax only, but any money earned using this account is not subject to further taxation. Early withdrawal of funds from the retirement accounts is possible without penalties, but with the condition that 5 years have passed since the first deduction.

Pension 

Your former employer or union may pay you a defined-benefit pension.

In most plans, such payments begin after the retirement age of 65; however, there are cases when you can start receiving money earlier.

Social Security Benefits 

The Social Security Pension Act, which is still in effect today, was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935. According to this document, all persons whose age exceeds the officially established threshold are paid a cash allowance, the amount of which depends on the average level of wages.

Do not forget that the later you start receiving payments, the greater your social security benefits will be. If you have other sources of income and assets, then it makes sense to wait until the full retirement age of 70 before you start receiving social security money.

Investment and Savings Accounts 

You can also receive funds from your non-retirement accounts at any age. The amount of funds that you can receive from your individual retirement account depends on how much money and under what conditions you deposited there before. 

If you have many accounts, a certified financial planner can help you with managing retirement funds.

Job Income

Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you can’t have a part-time job, for example. You can work as a babysitter, walk dogs, or freelance.

It does not always have to be very profitable, and it is enough that any work helps to maintain the daily routine and social contacts.

In addition, you can also create sources of passive or conditionally passive income. The more such sources you have, the more cash flow they will generate.

The most common asset options that could generate income are:

  • Stock;
  • Bonds;
  • Real estate;
  • Patents, copyrights, and intellectual property;
  • Websites and blogs.

#4. Save Money

“Setting aside money is a compromise. You take a little away from your today to improve your tomorrow.” – Bodo Schäfer, German author, speaker and entrepreneur, financial coach.

As we wrote earlier, saving is not always about denying yourself pleasure. Savings are also possible within your habitual lifestyle if you reconsider old views. Pensioners have access to discounts that were previously unavailable to them, as well as various promotions and offers. Here is a small list of what you can save and how exactly:

Buying Food And Household Chemicals

Most consumers (especially retirees) are aware of promotions and discounts on groceries and essentials. The purchase of some goods at a promotional price allows you to save up to 50% of the cost of the check. It is important to remember about grace hours when pensioners are given an additional discount, do not forget to use store bonus cards, and always check the expiration dates of promotional products so as not to throw money away. 

Seasonal preparations will help with the grocery basket. Fresh vegetables and fruits, bought at a lower price during the season, diversify the table in winter if they are frozen, dried, and processed into preservation.

Payment For Utilities, Cable, Internet

A reduction in the amount of payment for housing and communal services in the form of compensation or subsidies is provided to pensioners and other categories of citizens, depending on the category of benefits. Therefore, when choosing a tariff for television and the Internet, you need to analyze which channels are really needed.

You can also save money on paying for mobile communications – often, users overpay for unnecessary services. To choose the best tariff, you need to analyze your needs and the tariffs offered by the operator.

Clothing And Footwear

At the end of the season, shops usually offer good discounts. For example, you can purchase winter shoes at a discount of up to 70% at the end of winter. Summer shoes are offered at a reduced cost from August-September. Also, discounts can be caught in online stores. Often, the price in a retail network differs from the price in an online store. Therefore, before purchasing the product you like, it makes sense to check the price on the online platform of the same trading network.

Health Care

The older you get, the more medical expenses will be. Therefore, it is in your interest not only to provide yourself with insurance but also to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay in good shape for as long as possible and visit doctors less frequently.

Another important principle of saving the cost of medical services is visiting a doctor and specialized specialists in a timely and regular manner. For example, an emergency ultrasound for urgent diagnosis and treatment can be very expensive. Regular visits to the doctor will allow you to get important information in time. Failure to comply with the doctor’s recommendations or self-treatment is the risk of harming oneself.

Travels

You can save on group excursion offers (an excursion or a trip in a group often costs several times cheaper than an individual one). Many cultural and leisure organizations provide discounts for pensioners.

Federal and regional recreation programs offer subsidies for certain categories of pensioners (according to the profile of professional work experience and/or federal benefits).

You can find discounts on flights, trains, and buses for senior citizens. Entire cruises at a reduced price are also popular, where you can relax and spend time with peers with whom it will be comfortable and interesting.

Social service authorities also provide recreational and leisure activities for pensioners free of charge or at a reduced cost.

#5. Take Care Of Yourself

It’s great if retirement income and retirement savings allow you not only a comfortable life but also help and support your family. However, in retirement planning, put yourself and your needs first.

You have certainly done much to support the family, provide for children, and everything else. Put yourself, your interests, and your needs first now.

Do not refuse to help parents, elderly or sick family members, but your younger family members have the opportunity to earn on their own.

Final Word

Retirement brings about changes in your financial life that can be intimidating. Retirement finances can be less than your last salary, while retirement expenses can be somewhat larger.

This can make managing money in retirement seem like a daunting task. Still, with the right approach, you can easily distribute all your income and enjoy a new page in life without worrying about finances.

Common Medical Malpractice Risks for Seniors

As a senior requiring health care, the last phrase you probably expect to hear attached to the medical attention you receive is “medical malpractice”. However, this is a risk that anyone who needs to see a doctor or other health practitioner has and is the result of providers that do not offer their patients the expected standard of care. If this has happened to you or to a loved one, the best way to go about ensuring you get the compensation you deserve is by working with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.

What Are Some Common Types of Medical Malpractice Incidents?

Seniors are particularly at risk when they get medical treatment or when they are in a nursing home or other care facility. They may be misdiagnosed, prescribed incorrect drugs, or even left unmoved in a hospital bed for far longer than necessary. Other aspects of medical malpractice may include

  • Bedsores
  • Infections caused by catheters
  • Blood clots
  • Falls
  • Diseases contracted while in hospital
  • Failure to provide information regarding possible risks of the treatment that you will be receiving
  • Failure to provide information about a diagnosis
  • Incompetence when providing treatment

Seniors and Medical Complications

Although anyone can face risks when it comes to medical malpractice, an increase in health conditions means that the elderly tend to require more frequent medical visits and hospital stays than the younger population. They may also have a tougher time recovering from improper medical treatment and may suffer more when doctors make mistakes.

Some Medical Malpractice Statistics

Medical malpractice happens more frequently than you might imagine to the point that it has been estimated that on a global scale, over 43 million medical malpractice incidents happen every year. Additionally, in this country alone 9.5% of all yearly deaths are the result of medical malpractice, making this the third leading cause of death in the United States after cancer and heart disease. Sadly, many of the deaths that occur due to medical malpractice could have been prevented.

Get Legal Representation

The legal system is complicated enough without you having to file a claim while trying to recover your health. Senior citizens may feel even more out of their depth when it comes to legal issues. That is why it is essential to get legal representation for a malpractice case. A medical malpractice attorney will increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve by conducting an investigation into the case and gathering evidence.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Medical Malpractice Claim?

It is not always easy to recognize medical malpractice or to provide evidence to back up your claim. In general, in order to file a successful medical malpractice lawsuit, you would need to prove these elements:

  • That your doctor had a duty of care toward you.
  • That this healthcare provider failed in fulfilling that duty of care.
  • That it was this provider’s negligence and malpractice which caused you to suffer physical or mental damage and that you deserve compensation to cover the expenses you have incurred now and in the future.

In cases where you suspect that a loved one has died because of the negligent actions of a healthcare provider, a lawyer will be your best option to prove this suspicion and build a strong case to defend it.

Details You Should Go Through Before Deciding on Senior Living

Senior living is some residential care for the elderly. The senior living arrangement is constructed and designed specifically and exclusively for older adults. Most families with older adults prefer putting them in these homes once they cannot take care of themselves by doing simple daily activities. However, some people are against the idea of senior living arrangements and prefer to take care of older adults in their homes rather than get them into a nursing home. Nonetheless, situations are different and depending on the intensity of the current condition, you can choose whether senior living is best for you and the older adult you are catering to. As much as senior living options are essential and seem simple, you should consider a few aspects before choosing a specific option.

The Different Types

Senior living comes with different types, making it easier to choose which one best suits the older adult you want to put in a home. Knowing the different types helps you determine what needs are met and at what intensity. The different senior living options cater to different categories of older adults, so it would be best to identify what category the older adult is in; then, you can figure out what plan is best for them. The senior living options include; age-restricted communities, independent living, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, and skilled nursing facilities.

The Pricing

Senior living is not necessarily cheap and can cost a lot if you have yet to plan for it beforehand. You must note the health and general condition of the older adults in your family, then talk about it with other family members and whether you would like them to be placed under senior living after some time. Suppose the older adult you plan on placing under senior living can fit into any category mentioned. In that case, you can compare the cost of living for seniors in different categories and see which one best fits your budget.

The Location

The senior living home you choose should be at an ideal location. It should be at a point that you can visit whenever you have free tie to check on the older adult you have placed there. It would help if you also put plans into consideration. Is your family considering moving to a different state in a couple of months? Consider what would be best, enrolling the older adult in the new state or enrolling the older adult in a plan in the current state, then transferring them later onwards, or withholding senior living till everything is settled. The choice is all yours.

The Community You Choose

Is the community friendly and welcoming? Is it a safe space for everyone? It is essential that older adult sticks to a community they feel loved, appreciated, and well taken care of. The community’s choice makes senior living bearable and fun for older adults. It is also essential to analyze what amenities and services are offered in the senior living arrangement to ensure that all is up to your taste and preference.

Suppose you are torn between caring for an older adult or putting them under a senior living plan. In that case, you can compare the cost of living for seniors living with their families and those living at senior homes and see which suits your budget most.

How Is Physical Fitness Important to Reduce Dementia Risk?

Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms associated with a progressive decline in cognitive functioning that affects a person’s ability to perform the activities that make up daily life. Mild memory loss to severe intellectual and physical disabilities are all possible.

People with Dementia have difficulty with communication, decision-making, and even mobility. Memory problems are the most common symptom of Dementia. Still, there are other signs, such as changes in personalities or behaviors, difficulties carrying out everyday tasks, and confusion in familiar surroundings.

Even though no cure exists, there are treatments and therapies which can help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life.

Why Does Dementia Occur?

Dementia may be brought on by several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, which may be the root cause in up to 70% of cases.

Injuries to the head from falls or accidents, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) are some additional potential causes.

In some cases, Dementia may also be caused by lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition or alcohol abuse.

Dementia Types

Let’s look at some of the most common forms of Dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease 

The most prevalent type of Dementia, accounting for up to 70% of cases, is Alzheimer’s disease. It is brought on by a buildup of amyloid plaques and tangles, which are proteins that result in the death of brain cells.

Symptoms include difficulty remembering recent events, confusion about time and place, changes in personality or behavior, trouble communicating, and problems completing everyday tasks.

Treatment focuses on symptom management and quality of life enhancement through physical activity, social interaction, stress reduction, and prescription drugs like cholinesterase inhibitors.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia is brought on by a reduction in blood flow to the brain due to stroke- or blood vessel-related damage in the brain.

It generally affects people over age 65 and can cause memory loss, confusion, difficulty thinking logically or planning, and difficulty walking or speaking typically.

Treatment focuses on controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and managing symptoms with medications such as antidepressants or cholinesterase inhibitors.

For people with balance issues brought on by vascular Dementia, physical therapy may be advised.

Lewy Body Disease

Lewy body disease occurs when abnormal deposits called Lewy bodies to form in areas of the brain responsible for movement, mood regulation, behavior control, sleep patterns, memory formation, and thinking processes.

It can lead to cognitive difficulties, including visual hallucinations; sleep disturbances; rigid muscles; tremors; impaired movements; changes in alertness; difficulty speaking; depression; anxiety; paranoia; delusions; agitation; aggression; addiction issues, and increased risk for falls.

Treatment typically includes medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors or dopamine agonists, along with counseling from psychiatrists or psychologists specializing in treating people with Lewy body disease.

How Physical Activity Lowers the Risk of Dementia

Numerous studies have shown that people who regularly exercise are less likely to develop Dementia. Read on to find out how.

Increased Cognitive Function

Physical activity has been shown to increase cognitive function in older adults. Studies have found that individuals who exercised regularly had better scores on tests related to attention, memory, and executive functioning than those who were significantly less active.

In addition, according to one study published in the journal Neurology, regular exercise was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults over 75. Exercise may support maintaining brain health as you age.

Better Blood Flow

Exercise also helps improve blood flow throughout the body. This improved circulation increases oxygen levels in the brain, which can help boost cognitive performance and reduce the risk of Dementia.

Regular exercise can also aid in keeping cholesterol levels in check, which in turn helps to improve blood flow throughout the body, particularly to the brain. Even spending a few minutes daily on a recumbent bike can make a big difference.

Lowered Stress Levels

An increased risk of developing Dementia later in life has been linked to high levels of stress. Exercise has been shown to lower stress levels by increasing endorphin levels in the body, elevating mood generally, and promoting relaxation.

Exercise also works as a distraction from everyday worries or anxieties, which can help reduce overall stress levels and combat potential mental health issues like anxiety or depression that could contribute to dementia risk factors down the line.

Conclusion

Your risk of developing Dementia later in life can be significantly decreased by staying physically fit. Regular exercise boosts cognitive performance while providing other mental health benefits, such as reducing stress levels through improved blood flow and endorphin release into your system.

Incorporating regular exercises for dementia prevention into your daily routine is vital when it comes to maintaining optimal brain health and reducing the likelihood of developing the disease over time. Now get out there and start moving.

4 Ways Caregivers Can Improve Quality of Life for Seniors

It is the role of caregivers to ensure that the seniors they care for live comfortably. While these caregivers are most likely doing a good job, there are ways to improve their work. These methods will help seniors have a better quality of life and feel more content in their old age.

Create Activities for Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is an important part of life to keep your mind sharp. Seniors will have a better lifestyle when they have mental stimulation and tasks to focus on. The mental stimulation may also provide fun activities for them to build their knowledge base and find new interests.

Caregivers can spend time playing a game of chess or dominoes with the senior in their care to provide enjoyable mental stimulation. The activity will also create a bond between them, improving the senior’s quality of life and building better relationships.

Give Them Company

The company of other people is helpful when going through a challenging time. Some seniors may face physical, mental, or emotional difficulties that may worsen when left alone.

Caregivers will help a senior’s quality of life by sitting down and conversing with them. Conversations about current events or memories of the past may help uplift their spirits and make for an interesting conversation that will help put their minds at ease.

Make Cleanliness a Priority

As we get older, daily hygiene practices become more difficult to maintain, and it’s easy for messes to pile up. The caregiver’s job is to ensure the seniors they care for have a living space that doesn’t present health or safety hazards, such as clutter. A dirty or cluttered living space will cause discomfort to a senior and may cause anxiety and depression.

Keeping areas of the home or living space tidy will leave room for seniors to feel joy, as a clean room is always a pleasure to look at. Ensuring the senior is clean is also an important part of caregiving, especially if they are incontinent. Consistently cleaning the senior’s body will help prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis. The feeling of being clean will also help them feel invigorated and healthy.

Mitigate Causes of Depression

Depression is a looming threat for many, and seniors are one of the most susceptible groups to its effects. Physical illness, loneliness, and retirement are a few things that can lead to anxiety and depression in seniors.

Caregivers should do what they can to remove the causes of depression and help seniors feel more hopeful about improving their quality of life. The methods listed above are only a few ways to help seniors feel less depressed.

Improving a senior’s quality of life is important in ensuring they have a better time in their old age. Caregivers may use these tips to help the seniors they care for feel better about their lives and make more room for happiness.