There comes a time in all of our lives when we’ll need assistance from the ones we care about. Health and mobility are usually the first things to decline as we age. But how do you know exactly when a parent or older family member needs help? Keeping in mind that your senior has probably lived a full, independent life will work to everyone’s benefit when thinking about how to approach care giving for a loved one. But that also makes it difficult for them to admit they can no longer take care of themselves. The fear of losing
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Archives for Healthy Living
Is Laughter the Best Medicine?
Who knew that a good laugh was a lot like a moderate workout? Well, according to psychologist and laugh therapist, Steve Wilson, MA, CSP we change our physiological state when we laugh. Our muscles stretch, the pulse and blood pressure go up, breathing increases sending more oxygen to the tissues. Wilson says when you combine laughter and movement it boosts the heart rate. And researchers say that 10-15 minutes of laughter can burn almost 50 calories. Other ways that laughter can be beneficial to the health of your older loved one is that it helps boost the immune system. A
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Enduring Allergy Season as a Senior
Fall allergies have costly, negative effects on millions of Americans each year. In fact, statistics show that over 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, resulting in about $7 billion dollars in lost productivity each year. Many seniors are particularly susceptible to allergies, because with age, the mucus membranes in the nose dry out, causing chronic nasal congestion. Fall allergen put others with chronic diseases are at risk, as well. And with unseasonably warm winters in some regions, longer, hotter summers and extended periods of drought, allergy season could last longer than usual this year. Those of us at Freedom
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Prescription Medications Can Effect Your Ability to Drive
At some point in their lives, nearly every American will have taken some form of prescription medication. The statistics increase with age, as seniors between 65-79 are given more than 27 prescriptions each year. And according to The IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, many take five or more different types of medications a day. For millions of Americans, taking prescriptions in order to treat temporary or chronic health conditions, is a fact of life. But when consuming these medications before driving, the results can be potentially dangerous. And depending on the type and dose, once in your system, they
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Senior Nutrition Tips
There are changes that happen to our bodies as we age that make it almost impossible to maintain the same kind of eating habits that we took on in earlier years. Therefore senior nutrition is important. Things like a slowing metabolism, loss of appetite and chronic health issues often trigger dietary changes. These changes, in some way, are all related to each other. Many seniors experience a loss in appetite as they get older, which translates into fewer calories being burned. Fewer calories are being burned because many older people are likely to be less active. They’re likely to be
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Activities for Homebound Seniors
Just because your senior parent or relative is not able to get around as much as they used to, doesn’t mean they have to forgo doing some of things they love to do. As we age, physical and mental activity becomes paramount to a long, healthy life. Today, homebound seniors are not limited to playing bridge and doing crossword puzzles all day. There are numerous ideas and activities that your loved can take advantage of and Freedom Home Care has come up with some unique ideas to keep your senior in balance – mind, body and spirit. Health & Wellness
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Maintaining Physical and Mental Health
As our bodies begin to age, it’s even more important to maintain healthy habits to remain your fittest both mentally and physically, especially if you are not receiving professional in-home care services. While it may seem daunting to start these habits now, gradual changes could prove to be very beneficial in the long run. Here are some simple activities Freedom Home Care came up with to incorporate into your everyday routine to help improve your mental and physical health. Add Some Fiber To Your Diet Fiber helps lower cholesterol and fight heart disease. High fiber foods like oats, barley, beans
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Exercises That Help Improve Arthritis in Seniors
It’s a little known fact that exercise can actually help improve the lives of people who suffer from arthritis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention aerobic activity can help lessen the effects of joint pain and stiffness, while improving flexibility, mobility, mood, general health and well-being. As more and more Americans over the age of 65 are diagnosed with the condition, FHC, a Chicago Home Care Service, created a list below to help raise the awareness about the benefits of exercise in arthritic patients. For many with the condition it’s difficult to even imagine swimming and biking with joint pain
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Tips for Choosing the Right Walking Cane
Choosing the right cane requires a little more planning than most people can imagine. Before investing in a cane or walker, seniors should first identify the reason they need walking support, if they need it to support their full weight and the appropriate type, size, and fit of the device. Canes and walkers provide different levels of support for the person using them. They can be beneficial to seniors with pain, weakness and problems balancing on their own. They’re also helpful in avoiding falls and providing extra support when needed. And according to Lori Ramage, physical therapist and the Joint Club
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Equipment Free Exercises For Seniors
Exercise is ideal for maintaining good health, losing weight, and staying in shape. But as we age, our body begin to lose muscle mass. Sarcopenia or the loss of muscle, is the responsible for fractures, falls, low bone mineral density and insulin resistance. For seniors, strength training is not only key to fighting these deficiencies, but it’s also an effective way to build muscle, burn calories, and increase stamina and agility. In one study, a group of people in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s developed a strength training routine. Soon after, they noticed improvement in bone density, faster metabolism, greater
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