Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Seniors

The New Year means new starts, and that typically involves making New Year's resolutions. While the old-faithful standbys still exist, adults over the age of 65 can greatly benefit from making healthy resolutions – especially those that help prevent illness and injury.

Here are five resolutions that we recommend for seniors entering the New Year:

Participate in cognitive health activities...

Mental health is an important aspect of health that we tend to overlook as we extol the benefits of staying physically fit. Keep your mind engaged and stimulated through a language class, book club or by playing brain games and trivia on the computer.

Exercise or start a new physical activity...

Exercise doesn't have to be exhausting, and it certainly doesn't have to feel like work. Older adults are increasingly looking to classes such as yoga and tai chi to not only increase physical health, but to meet people and widen their social circles. Other activities like local walking clubs can be found at many senior organizations and community centers. Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Eat more fresh foods...

Processed foods are easy to throw together for a meal, but they come with a host of health issues and concerns, and frankly, they're not worth the hassle. Make a promise to eat more fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables and you'll see a noticeable difference in the way you look and feel – and it takes very little work on your end.

Make your home safer...

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three adults over the age of 65 fall each year. Many of these falls are preventable, especially if home safety tips are implemented. Tips like moving cords out of walkways, having good lighting near beds and taping down edges of carpets and rugs can help tremendously to decrease the number and severity of falls for seniors.

Schedule regular checkups...

Unfortunately, with age comes an increased risk of illness and other complications, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other medical conditions. Making sure that you schedule a regular annual checkup can help in early detection and prevention.

Not only will these New Year's resolutions improve your mental and physical health, they'll provide social opportunities and benefit your life in multiple ways. What are some of your goals and resolutions for the upcoming year?                                                                                                               

Source:  NYC Senior Care

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Keep Your Gas Tank Full!

Did you know that your gas tank accumulates a ’sludge’ build-up in the bottom? To avoid this sludge from clogging your fuel pump, or causing problems with the carburetor, keep a full tank of gas. When your gas gauge shows half empty (or half full), fill up the tank. This also helps when you have a travel emergency arise; you won’t have to worry about running out of gas at night or in the middle of a snow storm! When you drive with your tank 1/4 full or below, the sludge is sucked into your pump and/or carburetor, eventually causing expensive repairs.     

Source: seniortips.com

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The Elderly Should Never Try to Shovel Snow

This year we will see a relentless number of snow storms across the United States. Snow removal crews will be out in full force, and many people will be out in the elements shoveling snow trying to clear their way to the nearest street. Unfortunately, many seniors believe they do not have anyone who can help them clear their sidewalks and driveways, and try to remove snow at great risk to their health. Not only are seniors at risk of a heart attack while shoveling snow, but they can also suffer severe injuries or illness such as pneumonia from trying to do too much in the freezing cold weather. This is also a time when many seniors fall on ice or slippery porch steps or sidewalks and break their hip or other bones in their body.

No one who is elderly, out of shape, or has a history of heart problems should try to shovel snow. Shoveling snow has caused an untold number of heart attacks over the years.

What can you do instead of shoveling snow?

1. Look for a local resource who will routinely remove snow when it reaches a certain height such as two or three inches.
2. Enlist younger family, friends, or neighbors to help.
3. Many communities now have volunteers who will help with snow removal. Contact city hall in your area to get on the list of those who need help.
4. Contact Seniors Home Care and we will make a referral.

Source: www.eldercarecafe.net

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Therapeutic Shoes for Foot Pain & People with Diabetes

Therapeutic shoes are often used to accommodate cases involving diabetic foot issues. A therapeutic shoe protects and cushions the foot to reduce friction. To qualify as a therapeutic shoe, it must:

• Come in half and whole sizes
• Offer three different widths
• Have extra depth to allow for inserts (custom or over-the-counter)
• Have a form of adjustment, such as Velcro or laces (not be slip-on)

It’s important to wear non-binding socks that won’t cut off circulation to the foot. The feet may have no feeling so make sure that objects are not left in the shoe that could cause problems. Individuals with diabetic foot problems should inspect their feet daily.

For foot pain questions, contact SHC’s registered nurses.  Medical equipment companies, such as Medical West, have products to ease or heal foot ailments.  In addition to finding the best suited product, their expert staff is knowledgeable of product coverage by Medicare or insurance.

Seniors Home Care offers our experiences only. Despite extensive medical knowledge, we are not doctors. Before making any decisions or forming an opinion, you should talk to your doctor about individual circumstances.

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Rise with Ease LiftWalker

Even if you only occasionally need help rising, this walker provides assistance for both you and a caregiver. Telescoping poles snap securely in place, providing a sturdy lift-assist as you stand or sit. Brakes on front wheels hold the walker safely in place. Made of aluminum with rubber wheels. Folds for storage and easy transport.

www.goldviolin.com  1-877-648-8400

 

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References in this newsletter to any specific commercial products, process, service, manufacturer, company or trademark does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by Seniors Home Care.