It doesn’t matter how old we are, we all know that we need to be active; but sometimes we lack the proper motivation to get started or keep it up, and lets face it, hiring a personal trainer to keep us on track can become far too costly.

The AARP knows that seniors, perhaps more than anyone, require the motivation to remain active when it can be physically laborious and trying to get going, so they’ve introduced the Get Fit on Route 66 program. It’s essentially a daily exercise log, but as seniors enter every physical activity that they’ve completed; whether it’s 1 minute of walking, or 20 minutes of resistance training, they are treated to an interactive program that takes them on a journey from their Walnut Creek home through the history of the United States, and they receive motivational tips and nutritional guidance along the way to keep them motivated. Of course, the AARP doesn’t actually send seniors a car to take them on the journey, but the features are available for a new and innovative software package designed to give Walnut Creek seniors the motivation that they need to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle despite the trials and tribulations.

Sources:

1. AARP
2. Austin American Statesman

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

Q – My dad seems to have some misconceptions about resistance training – in summary, he thinks that it’s just not for “old guys”…and I quote. I have to believe that there’s benefits for people of all ages, and I think that this can help him to improve his overall health and his mobility. Is it common for seniors to have these ideas about strength training and older adulthood?

A – There are a number of myths surrounding resistance training for seniors that make them believe it’s just not the right physical activity for them. Your dad seems to share in these misconceptions, which while they do have some merit, should not discourage your dad from incorporating resistance training in order to receive the best benefits to his health. Here are the common myths that might be reasons that your dad avoids resistance training, and the realities that surround them:

• Resistance training is about getting buff – weight training isn’t just about building muscle mass to improve physical appearance, it can also have positive effects on insulin sensitivity, help high cholesterol, and improve bone density loss
• Strength training will make women look to bulky – senior women can lift light weights or use resistance bands in order to improve muscular strength, but not all resistance training activities cause seniors to have large muscles
• There’s an age limit on strength training – benefits can occur in people of all ages, and with a safe routine, there’s no problem for seniors of any age
• Strength training only helps with weight or fat loss if diet is changed – all seniors should maintain a healthy diet, but the benefits can occur in those who make no modifications

Sources:

1. Suite101

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

I’ve found that through my years of caregiving, one of the most common complaints from the Walnut Creek seniors that I care for relates to poor blood circulation issues. It’s not uncommon for seniors to have swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles, and while it seems natural to assume that this is a symptom of a blood circulation issue; the problem may not derive where you think. It’s a complicated problem that can lead seniors to believe they’re exhibiting signs of other common aging ailments. So, in order to help Walnut Creek seniors and their caregivers identify the common, I’ve put together a list of the effects of poor blood circulation and their corresponding symptoms, which I’ve learned from helping seniors treat their issues with doctors over the years. As caregivers, it’s up to us to help identify what our seniors are dealing with to ensure they get the appropriate medical care, and that their health remains top priority!

• Effects upon the brain – poor blood circulation can impact the brain causing fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, and frequent and unexplained headaches
• Effects upon the heart – poor blood circulation can have an impact on the heart, causing inability to perform simple aerobic activities like climbing stairs without breathlessness; high blood pressure and cholesterol, and chest pain can be other symptoms
• Effects upon the liver – symptoms of poor blood circulation in the liver can include lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss, and changes in skin tone
• Effects upon the kidneys – poor circulation to the kidneys are typically the result when there is swelling of the hands, feet and ankles. Other symptoms can include fatigue, altered heart rate and rise in blood pressure
• Effects upon the limbs – with poor circulation, cramps in the limbs, numbness and varicose veins can appear as symptoms

Sources:

1. Ezine Articles
2. Suote101

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

I work in a geriatric clinic in Walnut Creek where we see many seniors suffering from the later stages of Multiple Sclerosis. Mobility can be compromised due to problems with balance and muscular pain, and many seniors have increased sensitivity to heat. With these factors present, it can be hard for seniors to begin and stick to an exercise program; and many families and caregivers want to know how they can ensure that their loved ones remain active, while being safe.

In order to ensure that my patients have safe physical experiences, I send the families home with the following checklist to ensure that their routines make sure that health and safety always remains the top priority. When seniors with MS do use these methods, they can help to improve their overall physical condition, even with the disease present.

• Anytime you feel pain, overexertion or feel physically sick you take a break to rest, and if the feelings continue, you consult a medical professional
• You avoid exercising outside or in the heat of the day, especially if you are sensitive to hot temperatures
• You have built up your endurance by starting with 5 or 10 minute exercise periods at a time, until you are comfortable enough to exercise for 30 minutes
• You exercise near a grab rail or other safety support to assist with balance
• You exercise in a safe area where there are no tripping hazards

Sources:

1. Science Daily
2. MS Society
3. WebMD

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

After watching the progression and decline of my own grandparents in recent years, I’ve begun to take a long hard look at senior care options so that I can make a better decision when it comes time to care for my own parents. While that time still might be a decade away, it’s time to start thinking about what we’ll do if and when they begin to need assistance. My mother, who is in her senior years herself provides care for my elderly grandparents for 6 months out of the year. They don’t live with her, but are around the corner, so she’s only a phone call away. I can see the stress that she’s under every time the phone rings, or even when it doesn’t, wondering if something has happened to her parents.

I can’t help but wonder if they would be better off living under the same roof, so my mom always knows what’s going on with her parents, and this is something that gets me thinking if that would be a good option for me with my own parents when the time comes. I know that it would come with its own stresses, and that  great deal of planning and conversation would need to happen to make sure the transition would occur smoothly for everyone living under the same roof. I know that there would be positives and negatives of living under the same roof and providing care, just as there would be with living separately, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Via: Home Instead Senior Care https://www.homeinstead.com/Lists/doclistlib/Attachments/257/Too_Close_For_Comfort_Booklet.pdf

mage Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688

.

Many seniors believe that once they’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s the end of the world as they know it. From the point of diagnosis, they believe that their physical health is only going to continue to decline and they will be left immobile. But guess what? Osteoporosis isn’t final, and it doesn’t mean that Walnut Creek seniors are going to be bed-ridden or unable to go about their daily activities. After a senior receives a diagnosis of osteoporosis, they don’t need to admit defeat; they need to take action to prevent the affects of the disease. Vitamin D and calcium can have an impact on improving overall bone strength, but the most important way to improve osteoporosis and loss of bone density, is to get active! I know that for many seniors, this is the last thing they want to do for fear of seriously injuring themselves, but by engaging in physical activity, they will actually be reducing their likelihood of an accident or injury as a result of osteoporosis.

In order to improve osteoporosis, seniors can try weight bearing activities and resistance training exercises, which can both improve bone strength and improve flexibility; reducing the likelihood of injuries. Weight bearing physical activities can include anything that makes the muscles and bones work against gravity when exercising; such as walking, jogging, dancing and certain sports like soccer. Resistance training can be done with free weights or on an exercise machine to directly help seniors to strengthen their bones.

So seniors, if you receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis; don’t let that scare you off of physical activity. Instead, let it motivate you to get started!

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. MayoClinic

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

Q – After being diagnosed with hypertension, my father, who lives in Walnut Creek is really willing to turn over a new leaf, and he’s planning on starting with his diet. He knows that eating healthier is important, but isn’t really sure how to get started; I’ve done some reading about the DASH diet, but what is it and how will it help my dad?

A – The DASH diet was developed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to help seniors across the nation control high blood pressure, so one of the world’s most silent killers doesn’t take them as victims. The DASH Diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and it can certainly help your father; because overall, it focuses on reducing sodium intake and incorporating vitamins and minerals through food that can improve blood pressure quickly. According to studies, the DASH diet is beneficial, because it reduces all types of hypertension, and can do so within a 2 week period.

The Dash Diet focuses upon the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products and whole grains. It also denotes the importance of reducing sodium intake and limiting alcohol. Under this diet, herbal supplements should also be avoided, including ephedra, ginseng, licorice and feverfew, because they can boost blood pressure readings. Walnut Creek seniors should also increase their potassium intake through foods that contain the mineral and also ensure that they receive the recommended daily intake of calcium. It has proven results, so if a doctor believes it will be healthy for your dad to change his diet according to the DASH plan, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t give it a try!

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Health Castle

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

Seniors often believe that they are too old to begin an exercise program, for fear of injury or health repercussions; and for some, it’s just a question of lack of interest in physical activities. Seniors don’t need to use these reasons as excuses not to exercise, because if they do, they’re not doing themselves any favors by potentially increasing their chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia, lowering their immune systems, and harming their mobility through reduced flexibility. Seniors, it’s time to stop avoiding exercise, because you are harming your health. Instead, see how you can put the most common excuses for not exercising aside and get yourself active!

• Seniors are afraid that they’re just too old – in reality, a fit 70 year old can be stronger and in better health than a senior who is sedentary
• Seniors are afraid that they might injure themselves – while this can be a reality, seniors need to choose activities that are well-suited to their physical abilities; and if they are concerned can talk to a doctor and a fitness expert who has experience working with seniors
• They are afraid it will harm their health – while overexertion can have negative health repercussions, seniors who pay close attention to the signs and symptoms generated from their bodies and know when to take it easy will likely avoid the risks
• They get bored – seniors should choose activities that they enjoy – this can be through trial and error – but generally, any physical activity is beneficial. By varying their routine and sticking with the exercises they enjoy, they will be more likely to keep it up

Sources:

1. Mature Fitness
2. MedicineNet

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

Q– I am a home caregiver for an 87 year old Walnut Creek senior; we used to do a lot of activities together outside, but after a recent accident her mobility has changed. I need to come up with some entertaining activities that can keep her stimulated while inside the home. What would you suggest?

A – Art activities are ideal for seniors regardless of their age, health, or physical abilities; and best of all, there are endless benefits! Art has proven benefits to helping seniors with self-expression, boosting self-esteem, improving memory, and generally, stimulating their minds. Art takes many forms, so you can choose an activity that has specific interest to your senior, or you can combine a variety of different art projects into your day-to-day caregiving routine. Art can include drawing, painting, pottery, crochet, knitting, quilting, playing a musical instrument and even writing.

Many of the supplies that you’ll need can be purchased from a Walnut Creek arts or craft store, and can be relatively inexpensive if you’re planning to start the art at home. If you’re working with a senior who suffers from a cognitive impairment like Alzheimer’s or dementia, you will need to consider safety when making your purchases. Make sure none of the tools have sharp ends, and that any paints or other materials are non-toxic.

Sources:

1. Smart Senior
2. Seniors Making Art
3. My Optum Health

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

If your elderly loved one has a birthday approaching and they are staying in a Walnut Creek nursing home or assisted living facility, the birthday festivities don’t have to be put on hold. For senior women who would rather not have a big, lavish party, you can simply drop by their Walnut Creek residence with your immediate family members with a bouquet of flowers and a card to let them know that they’re being thought about. Just spending time with their closest family and friends and sharing their birthday with their grandchildren will help lift their spirits and know that their birthday means something.

Senior women who are not able to leave their facilities can still have a small gathering, families simply ask to use a public space within the facility that will accommodate their guests. During nice weather, a birthday party can be had for Grandma outside on the nursing home’s land; to make it more festive, family can provide simple decorations like balloons and streamers, and they can celebrate over picnic food and cake.

Sometimes to make a birthday special all a grandmother needs is her family around her and the opportunity to reminisce over warm family memories.

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. Helium

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.