An AARP study found that 90 percent of people over the age of 65 would rather live out their later years in their own home rather than move into a senior living community. That’s understandable. Home is comfortable. Home is a part of us. But consider the risk of isolation posed by staying at home. Maybe you or your loved one don’t get around as well as you used to, or maybe driving is no longer an option. Studies have shown that social interaction goes a long way toward boosting health and happiness, especially among seniors, and living at home can be a barrier to an active social life.
Community News
Seniors’ Nutrition
As people age, proper nutrition can become a challenge. For example, seniors may have smaller appetites, making it difficult to eat enough to ensure good nutrition. They may also have health conditions that change their sense of taste or smell, making some foods unappealing. In addition, seniors who once cooked big, healthy meals for family can find themselves uninspired by the thought of cooking for one or two. But good nutrition is important at every stage of life. Seniors should focus on eating a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, with some whole grains and protein to help ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
Improve Your Focus & Concentration
Very often, the brain and nervous system become fatigued and overloaded. Much like a computer receiving too much data all at once, the brain can become overwhelmed, slow down, or even crash. This can result in an inability to focus, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHD-like symptoms, a “wired” feeling, or the inability to cope with daily life. The key to turning these conditions around is to give the body what it needs to strengthen specific areas of the brain and nervous system. This can be achieved naturally with specialized nutritional formulations, which will replenish the body and alleviate symptoms.
Time to Move!
We all know exercise is important, but how much exercise should we be getting? According to the Canadian physical activity guidelines, most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more, to achieve health benefits. Muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups should be done at least 2 days a week. Start by finding something you enjoy doing, like a new sport, a walking club, or a walking/cycling commute to work. A physiotherapist can also help you achieve your exercise goals!
Clearing up Keto Confusion
There is often some confusion between the ketosis of the keto diet and diabetic ketoacidosis. Diet ketosis is a metabolic state of low sugar levels and low to normal insulin levels, with moderate ketone levels in the blood secondary to the keto diet. Ketoacidosis is a state of extremely high glucose levels secondary to either low insulin levels or insulin resistance in diabetics. Diabetics cannot utilize glucose, so they excrete it in the urine. This causes hyperosmolality, and to sustain energy, the fat cells break down into high levels of ketones. Since they are acidic, this causes acidosis.
Serrapeptase – The Little Miracle Enzyme!
Proven to be a safe and effective natural alternative to NSAIDs (drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), Serrapeptase breaks down long protein chains into amino acids that the body needs. It helps to reduce pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis, joint pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, and post-operative swelling. It even thins out mucous which in turn eases chronic sinusitis. Serrapeptase should be in a delayed release or enteric-coated capsule taken on an empty stomach. This allows the Serrapeptase to pass through the stomach to the small intestine, where the enzyme is then released.
Meal Prep for Seniors
For seniors, failing to eat properly isn’t unusual. One way to help may be by getting involved with meal prep! Assisting your loved one with cooking meals in advance can make it easier for them to get the nutrition they need. Protein-packed foods can help slow muscle loss and keep your loved one from feeling too weak. Think nuts, yogurt, mashed avocado, eggs, tuna fish, or a protein powder added to smoothies. Whole grains can help with heart health and digestion. Remember, many older adults have problems with chewing and swallowing, so you may want to focus on preparing softer foods.
Improve Your Focus & Concentration
Very often, the brain and nervous system become fatigued and overloaded. Much like a computer receiving too much data all at once, the brain can become overwhelmed, slow down, or even crash. This can result in an inability to focus, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHD-like symptoms, a “wired” feeling, or the inability to cope with daily life. The key to turning these conditions around is to give the body what it needs to strengthen specific areas of the brain and nervous system. This can be achieved naturally with specialized nutritional formulations, which will replenish the body and alleviate symptoms.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
Everyone experiences muscle pain from time to time, but myofascial pain syndrome is when the pain gets worse and does not go away. Sometimes patients have it for years and it’s commonly misdiagnosed. If it is treated by a pain specialist, it can be reversed, but it might take a couple of acupuncture sessions to find all sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) and deactivate them. With acupuncture, most patients get to be pain free. Complications associated with MPS include sleep problems, depression, anxiety and may even play a role in the onset of Fibromyalgia. Don’t wait until it becomes a chronic pain disorder.
The Value of Self-Worth
Self-worth is often mistaken for self-esteem, yet the two qualities are quite different. Self-esteem is a measure of how you feel about yourself at any given time. Your self-worth is your right to be here on Earth. You are born worthy, not to be defined by your intelligence, looks, talent, or accomplishments. Each time you treat yourself kindly, listen to your personal boundaries, allow your needs to be met, and respect yourself, you are honouring your innate value. Seeing your mistakes and failures as a part of the journey allows you to learn and grow.
Keep Your Cat’s Mind Sharp
Cats kept indoors live much longer than cats that roam outside, but they also need more stimulation to keep their minds sharp. From kittenhood, you should provide your cat with things that keep them mentally fit, such as scratching posts, a variety of toys, and puzzles for play and mealtime. As cats age, continue to spend time playing with them, and keep them occupied with access to a window and vertical spaces for them to climb. You can also work on training your cat throughout their lifetime when it comes to things like walking on a leash, for example.
