By Anna Hazard
Introduction
With spring in the air and a spring to everyone's step (not to mention all the leftover supplies unearthed due to spring cleaning), it's time to whip up some seasonal decorations that will be a fun & healthy way for your senior loved ones (or anyone else in a crafty mood) to pass their time.
Most crafts can be made with supplies found around the house or with a few additional & inexpensive supplements for certain styles & tutorials (such as foam forms, special terrarium plants, or just a bit of iron-on hemtape to avoiding sewing).
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By Anna Hazard
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Part 1 - Exercise & Precautions
Diet
As well as the clothing and skin protection discussed in our previous blog post, seniors should take care to remain hydrated especially if they are engaging in outside exercise during warmer weather. As one ages, the body's ability to notice thirst may decrease and the presence of medications or pre-existing conditions that are more likely to occur in the elderly can also lead to easier dehydration. Dehydration interferes with memory & concentration as well as greatly increases the risk of falling.
When it comes to keeping hydrated, healthier choices include water, tea, and fresh vegetable or fruit juices instead of indulging in coffee, processed fruit juices, or sugary sodas. The heavier meals of winter can also be replaced with salads, light soups, and other lightly cooked fares. Fruits & vegetables should be plentiful for a healthy & balanced diet, with a special focus on those that are now in season that should be at their peak when it comes to flavor and nutrients (and less expensive compared to imported out-of-season produce). Seasonal spring fruits & vegetables include asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, collard greens, corn, peas, rhubarb, and spinach as well as apricots, honeydew melon, limes, mango, oranges, pineapple, and strawberries.
By Anna Hazard
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Part 2 - Diet & Allergies
Introduction
With the advent of spring and more welcoming weather, people are coming out of their own inside hibernation during the past winter months. Now that the temperatures are more co-operative, seniors as well should take advantage of the chances for outside exercise, as the greater exposure to sunlight helps in the production of Vitamin D, something that the body produces less and less efficiently as one ages and which can often fall below the healthy threshold for seniors during winter months.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a small sampling of recipes suitable for seniors in the cold winter months. The focus is on a meal plan, from appetizer to dessert to drinks, that will be both warming, easy-to-make & store, uses ingredients that will be in season & thus readily available during this time of year, and which possesses the necessary nutrients to help seniors fend off chills, colds, and other winter maladies.
Recipes
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
As seniors are less likely to go outside during the cold winter months, they are one of the highest demographics for suffering the symptoms of not receiving enough sunlight which ranges from lower Vitamin D levels to experiencing SAD.
SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by receiving inefficient natural sunlight which upsets the sleep-wake and other circadian cycles and disrupts the production of melatonin(a hormone that causes drowsiness and lethargy) and the mood regulating neurotransmitter serotonin as well as epinephrine. It symptoms include depression, lethargy & tiredness, irritability, agitation, increased appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Here are a couple suggestions for both caregivers and seniors alike when it comes to combating SAD and the general winter blahs. As always, consult your family doctor before beginning a new therapy routine or if symptoms of depression continue to persist. Gadgets
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
Helping your elderly loved ones remain warm & safe while on the go during winter weather is of paramount importance. While its generally advised that the elderly remain inside during icy and snowy weather due the greater chance of taking a dangerous fall, such excursions are often unavoidable and many healthy & robust seniors will still prefer a hands on approach when it comes to driving and maintaining their own cars.
The following items, while particularly helpful for those who may have with problems with strength during physical activity, hand dexterity, or other mobility problems, are also useful for anyone of any age that would like an added bit of comfort and convenience while traveling in the winter months. Gadgets
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
As more than half of all hypothermia-related deaths in the USE were comprised of people over the age of 65, special care must be taken for the elderly in colder regions. Seniors are especially at risk due to their greater chances of having impaired mobility, trouble properly communicating, a lower percentage of subcutaneous fat, as well as a slower metabolism and a diminished ability to sense temperature.
Here are a couple of suggestions regarding safe & relatively inexpensive items that can help keep the chill away from seniors and younger people alike. Gadgets
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
The following items will help prevent falls to the elderly (the leading cause of death & nonfatal injuries to those age 65+) during the winter, when snow and icy conditions make even the slightest of trips far more common.
While falling presents an increased danger to seniors, especially to those with pre-existing health conditions, these items can be helpful to all ages during those cold, wintry months.
By Anna Hazard
Due to many various reasons ranging from decreasing appetite and the ability to taste with age or trouble chewing and swallowing, seniors are often lacking in proper nutrition, which is particularly detrimental during the winter months where good nourishment is required to help the immune system fight off colds, flu, and other wintry illnesses.
For those whose senior loved ones are living in colder climates, it must also be kept in mind that the winter season may present even further obstacles such as when snow, ice, or other inclement weather prevents trips to the grocery store for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods or makes such supply runs far more dangerous. Here are suggestions for helping your elderly with their nutritional needs during this particular season, including a list of foods that are good for the health all year round, but are but are particularly abundant or helpful during the winter months.
By Anna Hazard
The few months of fall are the last bits of reprieve before the incoming of winter's cold grasp in the northern states. Since temperatures tend to remain brisk instead of outright chilly, our list of autumn seasonal activities for seniors will include both outdoor and indoor options.
At such a colorful time of year, there's plenty to do, see, and create even for the more dexterity and mobility challenged. A few such pastimes include...
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