March is National Nutrition Month®. Healthy eating looks different for everyone. As we age, proper nutrition is crucial to help prevent chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and enhance overall well-being. Nutrient-rich foods for seniors include *Protein: lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Seniors require more protein to maintain muscle mass. *Calcium and Vitamin D: dairy products, broccoli, kale, almonds, and fatty fish. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. *Fibre: Fibre aids digestion, prevents constipation, and regulates blood sugar levels. *Water: Staying hydrated is crucial for seniors, especially those who take medications.

Did you know that knitting has mental health benefits? Knitting involves the movement of the hands and fingers. This active finger and wrist movement, dexterity, and fine motor coordination can facilitate improvements in other functional skills. Recent studies show that knitting can help with: ▪Lowering blood pressure, ▪Reducing depression and anxiety, ▪Slowing onset of dementia, ▪Distracting from chronic pain, ▪Increasing sense of wellbeing, ▪Reducing loneliness and isolation. Knitting is one of many activities offered and encouraged at Sherwood House.

Caregiver burnout is the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that occurs when caring for others. Family caregivers who are experiencing burnout may feel depression, anxiety, fatigue, and even physical ailments such as pain or illness. If you are a caregiver for a loved one, be honest about how much care you can realistically provide. Seek help, such as by talking to a trusted friend or co-worker; find a support group; and be realistic about your loved one’s state of health. Recognize that it may be time to hire outside caregivers. We are here to help.

Seniors generally wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls; falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and bringing winter risks indoors is among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing foot wear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly – try layering your clothes, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about vitamin D supplements and clean up any puddles from any weather you’ve tracked inside your home.

Now that the holidays are over, many of us will go back to our busy lives, resulting in less time to spend with family and friends. We challenge you to keep an element of “Holiday Quality Time” going in January and throughout the year. We encourage you to see someone close to you with more frequency than you did in 2023. You will both benefit. A previous director of the Harvard Grant Study, a 75-year comprehensive study of adult development and happiness, said, “The only thing that matters in life are your relationships with other people.” (George Vaillant)