Spending time outdoors is great for a senior’s mental and physical health. In addition to moving around and increasing their heart rate when they go outside, the sunshine can also help seniors produce enough vitamin D to keep their bones strong and organs healthy. Here are five great activities for…
ADHD is often thought of as a childhood disorder. However, it’s surprisingly common for an older adult to be diagnosed. Often, seniors will visit their doctors for symptoms such as forgetfulness only to find out they’ve been living with undiagnosed ADHD for years. Fortunately, this disorder can be treated at…
Too much exposure to high-decibel sounds over time can cause gradual deterioration of sensitive tiny hair cells lining the inner ear, eventually leading to hearing loss. Although other causes of hearing loss, including age-related causes, are common, following certain tips can prevent noise-induced hearing loss in aging adults. Wear Hearing…
Today’s seniors are more active than ever. Older adults are traveling in huge numbers, living longer, and staying healthier than previous generations. The American Heart Association recommends seniors get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise every week. If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your elderly loved one’s…
Once you become a family caregiver, it may sometimes feel as though you can never get enough rest, and it may only become more difficult to get enough sleep as your senior loved one experiences health issues that keep him or her up during the night. Since you need to…
Being diagnosed with a degenerative disease such as Parkinson’s can be devastating. While some seniors experience feelings of helplessness as certain abilities begin to decrease, others commit themselves to living lives rich with activities and enjoyment. With a proactive mindset, older adults living with Parkinson’s can maintain their independence and…
As a daughter, your responsibilities may include caring for a senior loved one. Aging adults with dementia require a substantial amount of care, but balancing life and dementia caregiving can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. Many daughters choose to care for their elderly parents on their own, rather than hire…
Non-fluent aphasia is a type of stroke-related speech impairment that can make it difficult or impossible for a stroke survivor to verbally communicate. Over time, the brain may rewire itself enough to restore this ability. While you’re waiting to see if this happens with your senior loved one, there are…
As people age, their sleep patterns change. Insomnia isn’t uncommon in seniors. However, if it isn’t recognized and treated, it can lead to serious health consequences. Here are some things that can cause seniors to not sleep well. Medication Side Effects If your senior loved one takes certain medications, such…
![There’s no single "miracle" diet specifically for arthritis. That being said, the Arthritis Foundation recommends the Mediterranean diet, since it includes an assortment of foods that can be beneficial for older adults with arthritis. Below, you'll find a rundown of what's included in this diet along with some additional suggestions for things to include in a senior loved one's diet if he or she is living with arthritis. Fatty Fish Whether pan-seared or roasted, included in a soup or stew, or served as part of a tasty sandwich, fatty fish can be a welcome addition to the diet of an older adult with arthritis. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and other fatty fish have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties that could help seniors manage arthritis pain. Fatty fish are also a good source of vitamin D, which is important because studies suggest seniors with arthritis have lower levels of this bone-beneficial nutrient. A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare meals and perform other daily tasks that are challenging because of arthritis pain and stiffness. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior care. Families trust Align Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. Nuts & Seeds Multiple studies, including one published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, have highlighted the known anti-inflammatory properties of nuts and seeds. Walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and almonds are the nuts that tend to be loaded with most of the nutrients that can be good for those with arthritis. With seeds, chia and flax seeds are the proven inflammation fighters. Fruits & Veggies Many fruits and vegetables contain cell-protecting antioxidants that can be beneficial for tissues likely to be affected by the inflammation that's characteristic of arthritis. Cherries, blueberries, and other red and purple fruits have pigments called anthocyanins with known anti-inflammatory benefits. Other fruits and veggies that are ideal for older adults with arthritis include: • Spinach, kale, and broccoli • Cabbage and lettuce • Oranges, grapefruits, and limes • Sweet potatoes, carrots, red peppers, tomatoes, squash, and other veggies from the nightshade family If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Align Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Kennebunk Align Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Whole Grains Brown rice, whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa, and other whole grains have an abundance of filling and healthy fiber, which can help seniors with arthritis stay within a healthy weight range. This is beneficial because excess weight places more stress on joints already affected by arthritis. Some studies show fiber-rich whole grains may also reduce levels of an inflammation marker known as CRP. Beans Full of fiber and phytonutrients, beans lower inflammation-causing chemicals, markers, and compounds found in blood. The Journal of Food Composition and Analysis took a closer look at nearly a dozen common bean varieties and found an abundance of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes red kidney beans and pinto beans are also high in cell-protecting antioxidants. Anti-Inflammatory Spices Many of the spices used in everyday cooking and baking have known anti-inflammatory benefits that can be good for seniors with arthritis. For instance, garlic has anti-inflammatory compounds that could reduce the production of certain chemicals associated with inflammation. It may also play a role in preventing cartilage damage. Additional spices that can be good for seniors with arthritis include turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, ginger, and cumin. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Kennebunk seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Align Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call [hca_phone] today.](https://alignhomecareservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nuts.jpg)
There’s no single “miracle” diet specifically for arthritis. That being said, the Arthritis Foundation recommends the Mediterranean diet, since it includes an assortment of foods that can be beneficial for older adults with arthritis. Below, you’ll find a rundown of what’s included in this diet along with some additional suggestions…