Aging Changes the Body’s Nutritional Needs.
A balanced diet is the key to health and vitality. But what makes up a “balanced” diet? The body’s needs change as it ages, and the nutritional needs of seniors’ bodies are different than when they were younger. Adapting to the body’s changing needs can be a challenge, especially for seniors, who have become used to particular dietary rituals that have worked for them their entire lives.
“Learning to adapt along with your body can be confusing and challenging for seniors,” said Angelo Joaquin, Owner, Right at Home in Charlotte. “But fulfilling the body’s needs with a nutritious diet can keep seniors healthy and independent for much longer. Right at Home is dedicated to educating seniors and their loved ones about healthy eating to keep seniors vital, strong and independent.”
Seniors’ Changing Needs
As people age, their bodies change. These changes affect the nutritional needs and wants of the body. The metabolism begins to slow beginning at age 40, so seniors require fewer calories than they did when they were younger. When coupled with the reduced activity levels of most seniors, reduced calorie needs can require some significant diet changes to maintain a healthy weight. According to the National Institute of Aging, women 50 and older should consume 1,600 to 2,000 calories per day, while men 50 and older should consume 2,000 to 2,800, depending on activity level. A reduced metabolism also results in lower levels of stomach acid, which means seniors are not able to digest vitamins and minerals as effectively. Additionally, the senses become less sensitive over time, so foods sometimes taste differently than they did earlier in life.
A Balanced Diet for Seniors
Due to these natural changes, the nutritional quality of what seniors consume matters even more than when they were younger; they must gain the nutrients they need through a smaller amount of food. Following simple guidelines can help make every calorie count:
• Choosing a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables rather than sticking to just a few favorites helps seniors gain the greatest nutritional benefits from their servings. Seniors should consume 1 1/2 to two servings of fruits and two to 3 1/2 servings of vegetables each day.
• Seniors should keep bones strong with 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day. Dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese are great sources of calcium. Non-dairy sources include almonds, broccoli, kale and tofu.
• Keep the brain sharp with omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of these healthy fats has been linked to a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease. For optimal health, seniors should consume three to four servings of fish, nuts and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids each week.
• Fiber-rich whole grains can improve digestion, reduce risk of coronary heart disease and help the body absorb important nutrients. Seniors should eat six to seven ounces of grains each day; a slice of bread is one ounce.
• Seniors need to consume one gram of protein each day for every two pounds they weigh (half their body weight) to maintain energy levels.
• Many seniors may not feel as thirsty as they felt earlier in life, but they still need just as much water. Encourage your loved one to drink several large glasses of water throughout the day and not to wait until he or she feels thirsty.
• Seniors can benefit from adding vitamins and other supplements to their diets and should talk to their doctors to learn about which may help them stay healthy.
Smart Cooking
Starting with healthy raw foods is the first step, but how foods are cooked impacts their nutritional benefits, too. Overcome common cooking challenges for seniors and get more from each meal by cooking smarter:
• Although it’s important for seniors to reduce their sodium intake to prevent high blood pressure and other health conditions, seniors also have a reduced sense of taste. Stave off the impulse to douse meals in salt by cooking with more herbs and spices to keep meals flavorful.
• When cooking vegetables, opt to steam or sauté them in olive oil. Unlike butter, olive oil will keep bad cholesterols low and good cholesterols high. Steaming and sautéing preserve the most health benefits in veggies; boiling will deplete them of nutrients.
• It can take a while to get used to major changes in eating habits for seniors who have eaten a particular diet their whole lives. Taking small steps gradually to make healthier choices can have a more lasting impact than overhauling their entire diets at once.
The support and expertise of a senior care service can help seniors to adapt healthier eating habits and maintain them over time. Right at Home offers wellness services that can make healthy eating easier, including meal planning.
Eating healthy can improve strength, energy and mental acuity. It also keeps the immune system strong, reducing seniors’ vulnerability to disease — as well as the risk for many health conditions that become common with age, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, anemia and much more. A balanced diet is also linked to better emotional stability and higher self-esteem. With a balanced diet, seniors can live fuller, longer and more independent lives.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK and Brazil.
For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/homecare.asp or read the Right at Home caregiving blog at http://www.rightathome.net/seniorhomecare. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to www.caringnews.com.
About Right at Home of Charlotte, North Carolina
The Charlotte office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home Inc. serving the communities of Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville, and Charlotte. For more information, contact Right at Home of Charlotte at,www.rightathomeofscharlotte.com and 704-248-5133 by phone or by email at angeloj@rahofscharlotte.com.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Senior Driving and Traffic Safety
Senior Driving and Traffic Safety
Safety Tips for Older Drivers
While traffic safety is important for all drivers, seniors experience physical changes that can affect their driving abilities. Although some seniors can drive well into their 70s, 80s and 90s, others cannot. It can be a tough adjustment for people who are used to using their cars to visit friends and family, attend doctor appointments and go shopping. Seniors often equate losing their driving privileges to becoming dependent and losing control and spontaneity in their lives. However, there are simple safety steps older adults can take to ensure they are driving safely.
Vision
The ability to see clearly while driving changes with age. According to AAA, the amount of light needed to drive nearly doubles every 13 years. For example, a 45-year-old requires four times as much light as a 19-year-old, and a 60-year-old requires 10 times as much.
Change in vision is a common reason why many seniors have restricted licenses or have their licenses revoked. Good vision is crucial to driving and senior drivers should keep the following in mind:
• Get an annual eye exam. Your eyes change rapidly and early detection can slow the progress of many eye problems.
• Limit driving to the daytime. It takes more time for aging eyes to adjust to the glare of oncoming headlights.
• Keep your head and eyes moving. While driving look ahead of your vehicle for other vehicles, pedestrians, animals or hazards. While driving in the city look at least one block ahead and on the highway look 12 to 15 seconds ahead. Glance frequently in your rearview mirror.
• Keep your headlights, taillights and the inside and outside of your windshield clean. Choose a car with a clear windshield as tinted windows can reduce the amount of light entering the eye.
• Avoid wearing eyeglasses and sunglasses with wide frames that may restrict your side vision. Always keep your eyeglasses clean.
Medications
Many senior drivers take medications that may affect safe driving, leading to drowsiness and confusion. Seniors should talk to their doctors about the effects their medications may have on their driving abilities and follow these guidelines:
• Read the fine print. Many prescription and over-the-counter medication labels include the message “Do not use while operating heavy machinery.” Be cognizant of the warnings on your medications before getting behind the wheel.
• Consult with your doctor before taking any new medications. The interaction between certain drugs can affect your ability to safely drive.
• If any medications cause fatigue or disorientation, stop driving.
Physical and Mental Fitness
Driving takes strength, flexibility and coordination and seniors should continue to participate in physical exercise to keep their motor skills sharp. Mental fitness is also important as older minds sometimes react more slowly than younger minds. Here are some ways for seniors to enhance their physical and mental fitness:
• Take a brisk walk every day or start a garden in your backyard to stay physically fit.
• Stimulate your brain. Activities such as crossword puzzles, brain teasers and card games stimulate your mind and enhance your problem solving, memory, reasoning and concentration skills.
Alternatives for Older Drivers
A person’s driving ability is dependent on many factors. Chronological age is not always the best predictor of one’s ability to drive safely. If you or your loved one has had a series of minor accidents, is unable to concentrate, is getting lost on familiar roads or is unable to read or recognize ordinary road signs, it may be time to step out from behind the wheel. However, there are alternatives available. In-home care agencies such as Right at Home offer many companion services including transportation to doctor’s appointments and recreational activities, as well as shopping and errand services.
“We know that living independently has many benefits and we are privileged to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy a full life,” said [Insert Your Name, Title and Right at Home Location]. “All older adults and their loved ones should be aware of traffic safety.”
Seniors can also utilize public transportation where available. There are often community agencies that provide volunteer transportation services for seniors, as well. These alternatives can give retired drivers the independence they once had while keeping them out of harm’s way.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK and Brazil. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/homecare.asp or read the Right at Home caregiving blog at http://www.rightathome.net/seniorhomecare. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to www.caringnews.com.
About Right at Home of [Insert Your Right at Home Location]
The [Insert Your Right at Home Location] office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home Inc. serving the communities of [Insert Communities Your Location Serves]. For more information, contact Right at Home of [Insert Your Right at Home Location] at [Insert your Right at Home Website and Hyperlink], [Insert Your Phone Number] or by email at [Insert Your Email Address].
Safety Tips for Older Drivers
While traffic safety is important for all drivers, seniors experience physical changes that can affect their driving abilities. Although some seniors can drive well into their 70s, 80s and 90s, others cannot. It can be a tough adjustment for people who are used to using their cars to visit friends and family, attend doctor appointments and go shopping. Seniors often equate losing their driving privileges to becoming dependent and losing control and spontaneity in their lives. However, there are simple safety steps older adults can take to ensure they are driving safely.
Vision
The ability to see clearly while driving changes with age. According to AAA, the amount of light needed to drive nearly doubles every 13 years. For example, a 45-year-old requires four times as much light as a 19-year-old, and a 60-year-old requires 10 times as much.
Change in vision is a common reason why many seniors have restricted licenses or have their licenses revoked. Good vision is crucial to driving and senior drivers should keep the following in mind:
• Get an annual eye exam. Your eyes change rapidly and early detection can slow the progress of many eye problems.
• Limit driving to the daytime. It takes more time for aging eyes to adjust to the glare of oncoming headlights.
• Keep your head and eyes moving. While driving look ahead of your vehicle for other vehicles, pedestrians, animals or hazards. While driving in the city look at least one block ahead and on the highway look 12 to 15 seconds ahead. Glance frequently in your rearview mirror.
• Keep your headlights, taillights and the inside and outside of your windshield clean. Choose a car with a clear windshield as tinted windows can reduce the amount of light entering the eye.
• Avoid wearing eyeglasses and sunglasses with wide frames that may restrict your side vision. Always keep your eyeglasses clean.
Medications
Many senior drivers take medications that may affect safe driving, leading to drowsiness and confusion. Seniors should talk to their doctors about the effects their medications may have on their driving abilities and follow these guidelines:
• Read the fine print. Many prescription and over-the-counter medication labels include the message “Do not use while operating heavy machinery.” Be cognizant of the warnings on your medications before getting behind the wheel.
• Consult with your doctor before taking any new medications. The interaction between certain drugs can affect your ability to safely drive.
• If any medications cause fatigue or disorientation, stop driving.
Physical and Mental Fitness
Driving takes strength, flexibility and coordination and seniors should continue to participate in physical exercise to keep their motor skills sharp. Mental fitness is also important as older minds sometimes react more slowly than younger minds. Here are some ways for seniors to enhance their physical and mental fitness:
• Take a brisk walk every day or start a garden in your backyard to stay physically fit.
• Stimulate your brain. Activities such as crossword puzzles, brain teasers and card games stimulate your mind and enhance your problem solving, memory, reasoning and concentration skills.
Alternatives for Older Drivers
A person’s driving ability is dependent on many factors. Chronological age is not always the best predictor of one’s ability to drive safely. If you or your loved one has had a series of minor accidents, is unable to concentrate, is getting lost on familiar roads or is unable to read or recognize ordinary road signs, it may be time to step out from behind the wheel. However, there are alternatives available. In-home care agencies such as Right at Home offer many companion services including transportation to doctor’s appointments and recreational activities, as well as shopping and errand services.
“We know that living independently has many benefits and we are privileged to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy a full life,” said [Insert Your Name, Title and Right at Home Location]. “All older adults and their loved ones should be aware of traffic safety.”
Seniors can also utilize public transportation where available. There are often community agencies that provide volunteer transportation services for seniors, as well. These alternatives can give retired drivers the independence they once had while keeping them out of harm’s way.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK and Brazil. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/homecare.asp or read the Right at Home caregiving blog at http://www.rightathome.net/seniorhomecare. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to www.caringnews.com.
About Right at Home of [Insert Your Right at Home Location]
The [Insert Your Right at Home Location] office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home Inc. serving the communities of [Insert Communities Your Location Serves]. For more information, contact Right at Home of [Insert Your Right at Home Location] at [Insert your Right at Home Website and Hyperlink], [Insert Your Phone Number] or by email at [Insert Your Email Address].
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