Today’s active seniors are looking to get the most out of their retirement. When weighing the options for senior living, consider how much the senior living industry has grown in the last five years. Independent living has become a retirement haven for seniors who want flexibility and peace of mind. It is designed for the independent senior with an active lifestyle who wants to simplify their worries of home maintenance, commuting, safety, social isolation, and health. Senior living in an independent living community is designed to streamline your life to give you the time to do the things you want to do.
Community News
Food for a Healthy Brain
Good nutrition plays a key role in brain health for seniors. A balanced diet rich in nutrients helps protect cognitive function, memory, and mood. Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, combat oxidative stress, while omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish reduce inflammation linked to cognitive decline. Whole grains provide steady energy, and nuts, seeds, and avocados supply healthy fats essential for brain health. Seniors should also aim to reduce refined sugars and saturated fats, which can negatively impact cognition. Staying hydrated and limiting processed foods also helps. Prioritizing a nutrient-dense diet supports overall brain vitality and mental sharpness.
Trivia Answers
1. False. Sugar is sugar to the body!
2. Vitamin A
3. Magnesium
Hearing Loss and Balance
Hearing loss is one of several factors that can cause falls. Individuals who have even a mild degree of hearing loss are three times as likely to experience accidental falls. Studies have shown that wearing hearing aids improves balance compared to an individual who does not wear hearing aids but who has hearing loss. There are three major ideas for why hearing loss can affect our balance: 1) hearing loss causes less awareness of our environment, which means less awareness of people or activities around us; 2) hearing loss decreases spacial awareness, which makes it harder to know where you are compared to your surroundings; and 3) hearing loss uses more brain energy, which means there is less energy for balance.
Vital Collagen Benefits
Collagen, constituting 90% of the body’s protein, plays a pivotal role in skin, bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments, acting as a joint-binding glue. As age advances, the body’s natural collagen production diminishes, exacerbated by factors like sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet. Collagen supplementation gains popularity for addressing concerns such as wrinkles, cellulite, stretch marks, and joint health. Depletion of collagen may result in joint issues and visible signs like sagging skin. Recognizing collagen’s potential in supporting joints, bones, and skin underscores its widespread appeal as a versatile protein. Its multifaceted benefits make collagen a focal point in health and wellness discussions.
Trivia Answers
1. Eros 2. Oxytocin 3. Endless Love by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
Book of the Month:
Sleep Drink Breathe: Simple Daily Habits for Profound Long-term Health by Michael Breus. Millions of people are suffering from the effects of poor sleep, hydration, and oxygenation – burnout, reduced immunity, cognitive issues and so much more. Dr. Breus reveals how fixing our poor sleeping, drinking, and breathing habits can immediately improve our health, lower our risk of disease, decrease stress hormones, and access new clarity and energy. Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org
February Events for Seniors at RDPL
Red Deer Cancer Connect (February 4 & 18). Bring, Brag, Break with the Alberta Genealogical Society (February 8). Readers’ Theatre (February 20). Sip n’ Stitch (February 20). Travel Memories (first Wednesday of each month). First Thursday Concert Series (first Thursday of each month). Book Clubs (various dates/times). Red Deer Reads 2025 (details at rdpl.org/reddeerreads). For full details, visit rdpl.org/events
February Trivia
1. Cupid has what name in Greek mythology? 2. What brain chemical is known as the “cuddle” or “love hormone?” 3. What tune did Billboard name as the top love song of all time?
Seniors & Heart Health
Maintaining heart health is crucial for seniors, as aging increases the risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes can significantly improve heart health in older adults. Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, strengthens the heart and lowers cholesterol. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps manage weight and blood pressure. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and managing stress are essential. Seniors should monitor heart health through routine check-ups, addressing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure promptly. Early detection and healthy habits promote longevity and overall well-being.
February is Heart Health Month
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often goes unrecognized and untreated because there are no symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke, by: 1. Reviewing your medications, helping you take them as prescribed and managing potential side effects. 2. Teaching you how to use a blood pressure monitoring device properly and testing your blood pressure regularly. 3. Advising you how to maintain a healthy weight, and a diet that’s low in sodium. and 4. Guiding you through a step-by-step quit smoking plan. Learn more about how to keep your blood pressure under control by speaking with your pharmacist.
