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Do you keep New Year's Resolutions? Consider some healthy resolutions noted in the article below for your senior and yourself.
Our first show of the year will be the Senior Expo, February 19, 2011, from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Ethel Berger Center in Sierra Vista. If you are in the area, stop by our table to ask questions and pick up information. Don't forget to sign up for our free drawing. One or more gift cards for possibly Applebee's or Walmart will be given away in the drawing.
The Ethel Berger Center in Sierra Vista hosts a free caregiver class each month. The next class will be February 17, 2011, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Topics will be diet, nutrition, special diets, weight loss with some illnesses, food for the home bound, and optimizing bowel and bladder function. Family and professional caregivers are welcome. Session includes time for questions, problem solving, and support. Presented by the Area Agency on Aging.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Sandra Chancellor, General Manager
3965 E. Foothills Dr., Ste. F, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 | T: 877-841-8248
mailto:sandrachancellor@comfortkeepers.com |
www.ComfortKeepers.com/office-194
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| Aging Gracefully: What to Expect As You Age |
Aging: The inevitable evolution of life that began the day we were born. In its early stages, aging is exciting. It is thought of in terms of "growing up" and looking forward to what the future holds. Later in life, as wrinkles and graying hair start to show, our bodies begin to change in ways which are expected, but may be somewhat discouraging as well.
This is the first article in a series that will discuss the aging process and explain changes one may expect from the inside out. One of the most important things to know about aging is what is considered normal in the process, because not every bodily change is related to aging. Knowing what to expect can make it easier and help determine which changes are due to aging versus those that may indicate other conditions.
The effects of aging extend far beyond the surface of the skin and hair color. Aging bodies are unable to perform as younger bodies once could. Muscle tone and bone density are compromised and degrees of vision and hearing loss are likely. Memory function is affected as well as one's digestive system, weight and sexuality. Because every person is different, the process of aging varies from one person to another. However, there are some aspects of aging that are typical of everyone. Below is a list of some of these characteristics to be covered in upcoming articles:
- Cardiovascular issues and healthy tips
- Advice regarding preserving muscles, joints and bones
- Digestive system, urinary tract and bladder problems and solutions
- Tips for maintaining memory, sight, and hearing
- Changes in hair, teeth and skin and ways to keep them healthy
- Help regarding changes in height, weight gain or loss, and sexuality
Nothing stops the process of aging, but there are steps to take that can allow a person to age gracefully, depending on the healthy choices made. Until the next article in this series is published, we suggest your goal be to make a firm resolution to age gracefully by taking steps towards living a healthier lifestyle. Our challenge is for you to commit to doing a few simple things, with the permission of your physician: Exercise regularly. Take a walk for twenty minutes every day, go to a local gym to work out or take a yoga class a few times a week. Also, add plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet. A nutritious diet is crucial in maintaining overall good health. If you smoke, quit now! It is never too late, and doing so increases your odds of becoming healthier than you are right now, no matter what your age.
Growing older is unavoidable, and it presents some challenges. You can choose to age with grace! Make a promise to yourself to do exactly that, and make changes in your routine that promote a healthy, active older-adult lifestyle. Doing so will positively influence the way the aging process affects you, and you will begin to look forward to the golden years, and enjoy them to the fullest!
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| Top Five New Year's Resolutions for Seniors and their Families |
Life is full of traditions, many handed down through the years, and some newly created between families and friends. Either way, traditions are part of the colorful fabric that intertwine our lives and hold us together, transcending time and distance. One common tradition many people have is to make New Year's resolutions - promises of actions to make ourselves better, happier and healthier; and commitments to keep in touch, to quit bad habits, and to pursue the good things in life. Making New Year's resolutions is easy and can be quite fun. The hard part is putting those resolutions into action and maintaining the momentum to keep those promises throughout the year.
This year, try something different. When making your list of resolutions, think of ways to involve family members and friends as support. Whether you live near or far, deciding to join forces and make New Year's resolutions together increases the odds that you stay true to your goals. Providing accountability for each other presents not only valuable reinforcement, but also offers the opportunity of staying in touch on a regular basis throughout the year. New Year's resolutions made together can be especially important if you have a senior in your life. By helping each other, you each gain a greater sense of purpose, which can be very meaningful in the life of a loved one who is growing older.
Comfort Keepers®, one of the nation's leading in-home care networks for adults, is known for enriching the lives of seniors through Interactive CaregivingTM. Research indicates that keeping seniors physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally engaged can help them retain better cognitive function, stay healthier and live independently longer.
For 2011, Comfort Keepers introduces several unique New Year's resolutions to make with your senior loved ones. These resolutions promise to keep you connected, in touch, and in tune with each other the entire year long.
Click here to read about suggested New Year's resolutions.
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| Encouraging Independence in Seniors - Maintaining Quality of Life |
As a caregiver, it is important to encourage independence in seniors, but also to interact with them in ways that provide the opportunity for them to maintain a better quality of life for themselves. By participating in activities with your senior loved one, not only are you showing that you care - the acts you undertake together can help improve their overall health. In fact, research indicates that keeping seniors physically, mentally, socially and emotionally engaged can help them retain better cognitive function, stay healthier and live independently longer.1
As the seniors in our lives grow older, daily interaction is vital to their health and happiness. However, when caring for a loved one, it is easy to get into the habit of doing things "for" them rather than "with" them. Let's face it - it can be more efficient to do everything yourself. Seniors are seasoned pros at doing things for themselves, but, due to aging bodies or underlying health issues, aspects of everyday living sometimes become a bit challenging both mentally and physically. Seniors may need your help, but doing everything for them is neither the answer nor does it cultivate a better quality of life that can be achieved by learning the art of Interactive CaregivingTM.
Interactive Caregiving is not just a term defined by Comfort Keepers®, it is a specific, engaging way of life that its caregivers, known as Comfort Keepers®, undertake when caring for people. By definition, Interactive Caregiving promotes physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing. When put into action, this philosophy focuses on the person as a whole, helps seniors live the highest possible quality of life by keeping them happy and engaged, and fosters healthy independent living within their own homes.
The true art of caregiving for the elderly extends beyond task-oriented responsibilities and includes engaging in activities that help maintain a healthy spirit and body. Talk to the senior in your life to help determine what their interests are, then form a plan to do those things together! When planning your activities, keep the elements of Interactive Caregiving in mind.
- Physical activity, which should always be approved by the senior's physician, helps reduce the severity of illness, and makes seniors stronger and less likely to fall. Dancing can reduce high blood pressure, strengthen bones and lower the risk of heart disease. Dancing with friends also provides a social outlet that stimulates the mind and can reduce the effects of dementia. Activities such as gardening and cleaning the house inspire positive self-esteem and higher qualities of life.
- Socializing with family and friends, as well as attending parties or other events, makes seniors feel less isolated and promotes good memory retention. The effects of being socially active are just as beneficial as physical activity in terms of self-esteem and achieving a higher quality of life, which is important to note for seniors who are unable to exercise.
- Mental stimulation, such as crossword puzzles or other brain games, keeps minds active and facilitates healthy mental and emotional function. Mental wellbeing fosters a sharp mind and a positive outlook on life.
- Emotional wellbeing depends on several factors, such as feeling connected to family and friends, being involved in the community or taking on a hobby. Emotional stability helps seniors be happy and optimistic, which can keep depression at bay.
Click here for additional activity ideas that seniors can participate in that can improve their quality of life.
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