Good dental health means more than just a bright, confident smile. In this post, we explore ideas on how to maintain optimum dental health for seniors.
World Music Day is a global celebration that takes place every year on June 21st. It brings together music lovers from all walks of life. In fact, this special day is the perfect opportunity for seniors living at home to connect with their musical side and experience the many benefits music has to offer.
Water sports are excellent for seniors, as they often provide low-impact exercises that are gentle on the joints while still offering numerous health benefits. In this post, Senior Helpers will explore a variety of senior-friendly water sports that cater to different interests and skill levels.
Warm sunny days are a delight, especially as we grow older. However, too much sun can be harmful to our health. For seniors, it's crucial to prioritize sun safety in their daily routines. Not only does it protect them from sunburns, but it helps prevent long-term damage and health issues like skin cancer and heatstroke.
Are you a senior struggling with the aches and pains of arthritis? You're not alone! In fact, a lot of seniors are affected by arthritis. This makes it more important than ever to prioritize physical activity to maintain joint health. Engaging in low-impact exercises can help alleviate seniors' pain and increase their mobility.
Say goodbye to the winter season and hello to a fresh start this spring season. For some, the idea of spring cleaning can be a daunting task.
Many seniors are likely to accumulate unnecessary clutter or hold onto things that they no longer need. However, seasonal cleaning can be extremely helpful to physical health and overall well-being.
Physical activity plays a vital role in improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Regular exercise can help to improve mood, balance, sleep and increase mobility.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive nervous system disorder that is characterized by the loss of muscle control. It is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in movement control. As the disease progresses, individuals with Parkinson's disease may experience both motor and non-motor symptoms.
For seniors, their sense of smell, taste, and overall appetite may have changed over time. This change can often lead to a decreased interest in food. However, incorporating herbs and spices into meals can help enhance the flavors of dishes and make mealtimes more enjoyable for seniors.
Herbs and spices offer a range of health benefits, making them an ideal choice for seniors who may need to reduce their sodium intake or make necessary dietary changes. By incorporating herbs and spices into meals, seniors can add flavor and variety to their diets while also reaping the health benefits of these natural ingredients.
As people age, there can be a lack of thirst sensation and changes in the water and sodium balance that naturally occur, which puts seniors at a higher risk for dehydration. Dehydration in seniors can lead to negative health consequences such as confusion, fatigue, heat stroke, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even hospitalization. In fact, dehydration is a leading cause of hospitalization in seniors. According to a UCLA School of Nursing Study, 40% of older adults may be chronically underhydrated, making it a significant issue for this population. To combat this, it's important for seniors to prioritize hydration.
Living a healthy and active lifestyle is important, no matter our age. But for those of us who are more advanced in years, it might be a bit of challenge to stay reasonably fit, full of energy and actively engaged with others.
What can be done to ensure (as best as is possible), that the natural aging process doesn't create an obstacle to being active and living life to its fullest?*
Independence is an important part of life, that can affect your mental and physical health. For seniors, difficulties with mobility and health conditions can negatively impact their level of independence and confidence. It is no secret that keeping seniors healthy, both physically and mentally, is the key to living independently longer. Home care is an invaluable resource for seniors who wish to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home.
As people age, their risk of developing heart disease increases. Heart health is especially important for seniors, as it can help them stay active and independent. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Therefore, seniors should include heart-healthy activities in their everyday routine.
There are many activities that seniors can do to improve their heart health. With so many options, it can be easy to overlook the everyday activities that can help improve cardiovascular health.
The decision around home care for an aging loved one is important and can be challenging for those involved. The process of beginning homecare can feel intimidating and unfamiliar. However, it’s important to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible. Consider the tips below to help ease your aging loved one into home care.
Staying active during the winter can feel like a daunting task for some. In comparison to spring or summer, there may not be as many opportunities to take an afternoon stroll in the park or participate in other outdoor activities.
Everyone knows that exercise is “good for you” but how beneficial is it actually? Consistent physical activity can make a world of difference in your health and wellbeing, especially as you age. Below are five reasons to stay active this winter and beat the winter blues.
Finding a gift that your aging loved one will use and enjoy can be a challenge. How do you give a gift to someone who seems to already have everything they need? Many seniors have limited space to hold their belongings and would prefer to have a more practical gift. Whether you’re shopping for a parent, grandparent or an elderly neighbor, here are a few gift ideas for seniors that they’re sure to love, appreciate and use.
Spreading joy, celebrating traditions, and spending quality time with loved ones are some of the best parts of the holiday season. Decorations are often a large part of the celebration, but they may become hazardous to your aging loved ones. As they age, your loved ones may not be as mobile or strong as they once were. While it may be one of their favorite activities, decorating their home alone can be a major safety hazard. This holiday season, be mindful to minimize falls and other injury while decorating.
Thanksgiving is an exciting holiday for everyone to look forward to. It’s the time of year where friends and family gather to share a large meal and give thanks. Everyone, from the youngest to oldest, takes time to visit and reconnect with each other. It is often one of the only times of the year you can see all your loved ones together.
The process of end-of-life care is an emotionally and physically difficult time for all involved. Considering the prospect of death and all its moving parts with an aging loved one can be overwhelming. You may never feel prepared enough to make life-altering decisions regarding the health and wellbeing of a loved one. However, there are several practical steps that may help alleviate some anxiety and frustration as you make challenging end-of-life decisions.
Baby Boomers, the generation of Americans born between 1946 to 1964, are currently the second largest generation in America. By 2030, all baby boomers will be age 65 and older. According to Census Bureau projections, older adults are projected to outnumber children under age 18 for the first time in U.S. history by 2034. Technology plays an important role – now more than ever – in aiding the growing population of seniors that wish to age in place.
Fall. Hospital. Rehab. Repeat. Sound Familiar? A peer reviewed article published in the Summer 2022 issue of the Journal of Aging Life Care™ shares how Senior Helpers LIFE Profile assessment uses research-based strategies to prevent risks that lead to hospitalizations for seniors.
The fall season comes with many different activities and holidays to look forward to. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in America, with different activities to celebrate alone or with the whole family. This fall, try incorporating some of these spooky-season activities with children, seniors, and everyone in between.
As the seasons change, many people who live with arthritis may be feeling an increase in pain and stiffness. Arthritis is a leading cause of work disability in the United States, with an estimated 24% of all adults affected. October 12th is world arthritis day; a global awareness day used to inform and educate people of the chronic disease that causes joint inflammation. In addition to consulting your doctor, there are a few general remedies that may help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and improve overall well-being.
Depending on where you live, natural disasters may affect you in different ways. From floods, tornados, hurricanes, forest-fires and more. It is important to be mindful of how each of these may affect you and your loved ones.
Preparing ahead to the best of your ability, will help you in the event of any emergency. If you have an older adult in your life, near or far, it is important to make sure they have a plan as well.
This year, the autumn equinox lands on Thursday, September 22, which marks the first official day of fall. Depending on where you are in the country or world, fall can look and feel different. If you are in the United States, there are a few common themes you will find throughout the country to solidify the cozy feel of fall.
Whether it is picking or decorating pumpkins, celebrating Halloween, or making your family’s famous apple pie, there are several activities that you and your loved ones can enjoy together. As you age, the ability to participate in activities changes, but this does not mean that you are no longer able to enjoy them. Modifying activities to best fit the abilities of your senior loved one can be a great way to enhance everyone’s experience.
When one door closes another door opens. There are many new opportunities that arise once you enter retirement. Seniors have a newfound freedom that gives them the chance to pursue goals that were not feasible during their younger years. They no longer worry about deadlines, work schedules and using their small amount of free time to get other tasks done. Retirement is the best time to pick up a new hobby, experience new places, and best of all, continue to learn and pursue new opportunities!
