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Author: ltcep2023

What Are the Biggest Benefits of Home Care Assistance for Seniors?

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One of the ways that families can get support caring for aging family members is through home care assistance. But what is this type of care and what are the benefits for families?

Individual Care Solutions

No senior has the exact same situation as any other senior. That means that when they have help from home care services, they have unique needs that don’t fit a cookie-cutter plan. Care services assess seniors’ needs and put an individual plan together to work for everyone involved.

Familiarity and Comfort

Part of why seniors opt to age in place is because they want to stay where they are comfortable and surrounded by familiarity. Home care assistance works to keep seniors as comfortable as possible, while also helping them to stay safe.

Improved Independence

Seniors want to maintain their independence, which can make some of them think twice about accepting help from elder care services and even family caregivers. The reality is that when seniors have help with daily activities, they’re empowered to do more of what they are able to do. They conserve energy and keep their independence.

Security and Safety

Safety is absolutely crucial for aging adults and part of why family caregivers are interested in home care assistance is to keep seniors safer. Caregivers spend time with seniors and learn how to help them be as safe as possible. They can also spot safety issues and warn families about them so they can make changes.

Social Engagement

Seniors who are aging in place still need to have social interaction. Unfortunately, though, they can find themselves becoming isolated very easily. Home care providers get to know seniors and engage them in conversation. They spend a lot of time with aging adults, helping them to feel less alone and isolated.

Flexibility and Convenience

Some seniors need a lot of help, but others need only a little. In some cases, seniors may want very specific help, but want to do most things on their own. Because home care assistance is so individually tailored, the help that seniors receive is flexible and solves the issues they’re facing.

Improved Quality of Life

When seniors know that they’re supported and when they are getting their needs met, their overall quality of life is going to be much better overall. This helps so much with mental and physical health, keeping seniors engaged in the world around them.

Improved Family Support

It’s tough to be a family caregiver. There are demands everywhere and family caregivers can feel pulled in too many different directions. If they’re not sure they’re helping in the right ways, they may feel uncomfortable, too. But home care providers help family caregivers understand more about their senior’s needs and get time away when they need it.

Home care assistance is there to help families and seniors to make the most of aging in place. Seniors’ needs change over time, and home care can adapt to keep up with those various needs as they become more complicated to manage alone.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Companion Care at Home Offers More Than Just Conversation

Posted on by ltcep2023

Mental stimulation is vital for seniors, especially when they want to maintain both cognitive health and overall wellness. There are a lot of different ways for seniors to get mental stimulation, but possibly the easiest way is to start working with companion care at home. Companion caregivers offer more than just friendly conversations, although those are nice, too.

More Than Just Talking

Companion care at home is an easy source of conversation, of course. For seniors who don’t get out much or who aren’t able to spend time with other people as much as they might want, it’s helpful to have someone else there. But seniors need more than just conversation and elder care providers can help with that.

Tailored Care for Individual Needs

Some seniors like a lot of companionship while others need more time alone. Because of that, it’s helpful for aging adults to have options when it comes to working with companion caregivers. This type of care is very easy to customize, even as individual preferences change over time. It also helps seniors to feel more in control when they have a say how often they interact with companion caregivers.

Improving Cognitive Function

Companion caregivers get to know the seniors they spend time with regularly, so they get to know many of their preferences. Engaging in conversation, trying activities, and solving problems are all different ways to improve cognitive function in seniors. Being around other people is mentally stimulating in and of itself, so having home care providers there is a massive cognitive boost.

Reducing Boredom

Boredom is a huge problem for seniors. When they’re spending a lot of time alone and don’t have a lot of mental stimulation, that has a huge impact. Spending time with companion caregivers automatically alleviates boredom. That boost can inspire seniors to be willing to try new things, further reducing boredom.

Reducing Loneliness

Spending too much time alone is a common problem for aging adults. Often the other people in their lives are busy with other obligations and responsibilities. Many also live far away, making it difficult for seniors to spend time around the people they care about most. Companion care at home helps reduce loneliness simply by being there, but they can also help seniors get to events where they can be around other people more often.

Boosting Mood

Spending time with other people does a lot to boost moods for seniors, too. Even the anticipation of being around other people can do a lot to help improve moods. As seniors connect more with other people, they also feel a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment, which is important for overall well-being.

Companion care at home is a huge part of helping seniors to improve their overall quality of life. They offer conversation, but that’s just a small part of how they help aging adults to have a better experience every day. Spending time with other people, even just a few hours a week, can have a huge impact on how seniors feel about their lives.

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Danville, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

How Can Home Care Enrich Quality of Life for Seniors?

Posted on by ltcep2023

Maintaining a familiar lifestyle is an important goal for aging adults. This is often a big part of why they choose to age in place for as long as they can. Eventually, seniors may need a little more help keeping their quality of life as high as they possibly can. Home care services can offer the support that seniors need to have the best quality of life as they continue to live their lives.

Cognitive Stimulation

Keeping their brains healthy and stimulated is so important for aging adults. There are lots of ways to help seniors keep their brains active and engaged. Conversation, memory games, reading, puzzles, and similar activities all foster cognitive stimulation and health. Spending time with elder care providers helps seniors to get more cognitive stimulation because of the activities that seniors engage in with caregivers.

Creative Expression

Being able to express themselves creatively is another enriching activity for aging adults. There’s no one way to practice creative expression, either. Seniors can engage in all sorts of arts, crafts, writing, or even making music. Finding new ways to express creativity helps to boost mental and emotional well-being for aging adults.

Physical Activity

Pretty much everyone has heard that physical activity is important for aging adults. But it doesn’t have to be exhausting or unpleasant in order for seniors to get benefits from moving more. Home care providers can help seniors remember to move more, even engaging in activities like impromptu dance parties in the afternoon.

Nutritional Assistance

Eating right helps boost overall well-being and quality of life, too. For many seniors, keeping up with meal preparation and planning is not easy to do, however. Home care providers help seniors to focus on what they can do and what they want to do while offering them healthy and delicious foods to eat on a daily basis.

Companionship

Social isolation robs seniors of so much enjoyment in life. Aging adults can easily become isolated simply because they start to have more trouble getting out and about or they stop driving. That can mean that they just aren’t able to keep up with social engagements any longer. Caregivers offer friendly conversation and companionship that is easy and that comes to seniors in their own homes.

Customized Home Care Plans

Every senior has different likes and dislikes. They also have different needs, requiring different types of care plans. Home care services offer unique plans for each person they help. Everyone has the assistance they need to meet their individual goals in their own timeframes. As needs and preferences change, the plans can change just as quickly.

Independence and Autonomy

Probably the most important part of helping seniors have the best possible quality of life involves protecting their independence and autonomy. Elder care providers are there to support seniors in the ways that they need and want, while allowing them to make their own choices about their daily lives. They’re supported in being who they are.

Home care services offer essential assistance in keeping seniors moving toward the best possible quality of life, whatever that means for them as an individual.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Concord, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Tips and Tricks to Help Seniors Improve Brain Health

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It makes sense that as seniors age, they worry more about preserving their mental capacity and general well-being. And while it’s true that aging can cause changes in brain function, seniors who focus on a few tips and trips may increase their chances of staying mentally sharp and energetic for years. Here are some of the ways seniors can improve brain function and how elder care might help them achieve their goals.

Remain Physically Active

Exercise is important for keeping the brain healthy in addition to being good for the body. Frequent exercise enhances overall cognitive function, stimulates the creation of new brain cells, and boosts blood flow to the brain. Walking, swimming, yoga, and Tai Chi are a few gentle yet effective fitness options that seniors can incorporate into their everyday routines. Elder care can help them increase their physical activity by encouraging them to get up and move throughout the day or even participating in the activity with them.

Keep Testing the Mind

To remain in good health, the brain needs regular exercise, just like the body. Seniors can try their hand at games like chess, Sudoku, crosswords, and learning a new language, or take up some brain teasers. Developing a new skill or pastime keeps their mind active and promotes the creation of new neural connections. Again, having elder care by their side helps, as it gives seniors built-in socialization opportunities and the chance to test their minds.

Focus on Socialization

Speaking of socialization, engaging in social interactions is beneficial to the brain. Frequent social contact helps prevent depressive and lonely moods, which can impair cognitive performance. Fostering social ties is essential for maintaining brain health, whether it takes the form of volunteering, joining a club, or just spending time with friends and family.

Eat Foods That Promote Brain Health

Keeping the brain healthy requires a balanced diet. Seniors should concentrate on eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. This consists of an abundance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Additionally, drinking sufficient water throughout the day is important for maintaining good brain function.

Get Enough Sleep

Good sleep is necessary for memory consolidation and cognitive performance. To encourage restful sleep, seniors should set a regular sleep routine and strive for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Establishing a soothing bedtime routine, abstaining from technology and caffeine before bed, and making sure the sleeping environment is comfortable can all improve the quality of sleep.

Manage Stress

It’s important to develop appropriate techniques to control stress levels because prolonged stress can have a negative impact on brain function. Seniors can decompress and lower their stress levels by practicing techniques like yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and spending time in nature. Elder care can also remind them to take time out for self-care activities that support emotional stability and relaxation.

Even though there will be some aspect of cognitive decline as seniors’ age increases, that does not mean they can’t incorporate tips and tricks to get the most out of their brain health. With elder care by their side and their loved ones support, seniors can continue to enjoy a high quality of life long into their older years.

Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/staying-sharp.aspx
https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/hapiguide/senior-brain-boosters-tips-for-maintaining-brain-health/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Why Do Seniors Get Cold So Easily?

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Aging bodies undergo a variety of different changes that make it tougher to regulate temperature properly. That can sometimes mean that seniors find themselves feeling cold more often. Feeling cold can cause seniors to be uncomfortable and might even make it more difficult for them to stay as healthy as they should. Feeling cold all the time also affects how well seniors are able to manage chronic health issues, which is a big problem. Senior home care providers can help aging adults manage temperature regulation and stay comfortable.

Challenges Due to Aging

Aging itself is responsible for a great many of the challenges seniors experience with temperature regulation. Metabolisms slow down and circulation changes as well. These changes affect how well the body distributes heat, especially in the extremities.

Underlying Health Conditions

Some health issues that seniors tend to experience can contribute to feeling cold easily. Diabetes, anemia, thyroid issues, and heart conditions can all be a part of the problem. Keeping these conditions under better control can help with temperature regulation. But it’s also important to realize that some medications that are meant to help with these issues can also have side effects that impact temperature regulation.

Decreased Activity Levels

Very often seniors are less active as they age than they were when they were younger. That decrease in physical activity can contribute to feeling colder more often. Physical activity helps to generate heat in the body, which helps the body maintain its core temperature. When seniors are more sedentary, it’s more difficult for their bodies to generate the heat they need.

Decreased Appetite

Many aging adults don’t eat a lot of food and this can cause issues with temperature regulation. Poor nutrition and eating fewer calories than they truly need affects both energy levels and metabolism. Dehydration is another issue seniors battle and getting too little water may have more trouble with circulation as well as feeling colder.

Keeping Seniors Warmer

There are lots of ways seniors can stay warmer and more comfortable. Layering clothing and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the house helps. It also helps a great deal for home care providers to help seniors eat nutritious meals regularly. Senior home care providers can also monitor seniors to see how well they’re doing overall. When home care providers notice signs that seniors are more sedentary than usual or that they are experiencing other challenges that could cause them to feel colder than usual, they can help seniors find solutions for those problems.

A variety of different factors can cause seniors to feel colder than they should. The key is for family caregivers to determine what could be contributing to the problem so that they can solve those issues. Senior home care providers can help considerably with this goal, helping aging adults to be as comfortable as possible. Feeling warmer and avoiding cold-related health issues improves overall well-being and quality of life, making it easier for seniors to live the lives they want while they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Effective Care and Treatment Strategies for Arthritis

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Millions of people worldwide suffer from arthritis, a common ailment among the elderly. It can cause discomfort, stiffness, and decreased movement, which can have a major negative influence on their quality of life. However, seniors can effectively manage their arthritis and continue to lead active lives with the correct care and treatment approaches. Here are a few things to know about living comfortably with arthritis, and how home care can help your senior accomplish this.

Understanding Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints is referred to as arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most prevalent forms of arthritis among seniors. Osteoarthritis, which results from the gradual deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, causes pain and stiffness. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system unintentionally targets the joints, leading to inflammation and destruction.

Strategies for Care and Treatment

Home care can assist seniors in many ways as they struggle with arthritis. The way they assist depends on each senior’s needs. Some of the strategies they may use include the following:

Management of Medication: Ibuprofen and naproxen are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) that can help lessen arthritis pain and inflammation. At the same time, acetaminophen is an analgesic that reduces pain without increasing inflammation. For rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs) are used to reduce the disease’s progression and maintain joint function. It’s essential for seniors who want to properly manage their arthritis symptoms to collaborate closely with their healthcare providers and choose appropriate medications and dosages.

Exercise and Physical Therapy: Joint strength, range of motion, and flexibility can all be enhanced with physical therapy. Additionally, walking, cycling, and swimming are examples of low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints and can support the maintenance of general fitness. Home care can encourage seniors to get moving, as well as move right along beside them when needed. Even simple stretching can increase joint mobility.

Assistive Technology and Adaptations: Canes, walkers, and braces are examples of assistive technology that can offer stability and support, lessening the burden on arthritic joints. Loved ones may also consider installing grab bars, handrails, and raised toilet seats, among other home environment modifications that can improve accessibility and safety for seniors with arthritis. For added support, home care can evaluate seniors’ living environments and suggest changes to facilitate and ease daily tasks.

Pain Reduction Methods: Beyond medication management, there are other ways to help seniors ease the pain of arthritis. For instance, warm baths or heating pads are examples of heat treatments that can help ease joint discomfort and relax muscles. Also, ice packs or cold compresses as part of cold treatment help numb sore joints and lessen inflammation. Home care may even introduce relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery.

Seniors with arthritis may face difficulties, but they can still enjoy active, satisfying lives if they receive comprehensive care and treatment. Home care can help them effectively manage their arthritis symptoms and preserve their independence by implementing pain management techniques, assistive equipment, physical therapy, medication management, and more into their daily routines. Additionally, seniors with arthritis must collaborate closely with their medical professionals to create individualized treatment programs that take into account their particular requirements and preferences.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/management.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20046440
https://canohealth.com/news/blog/5-tips-for-treating-osteoarthritis-in-the-elderly/

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Alamo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Navigating Cholesterol Levels: A Guide for Seniors to Maintain Heart Health

Posted on by ltcep2023

The importance of heart health becomes more paramount as we age. In particular, cholesterol levels are vital to cardiovascular health. But knowing what cholesterol is and how to control it can be challenging, particularly for older adults. In this blog, we’ll go over the fundamentals of cholesterol, its importance to seniors, and natural strategies to keep healthy cholesterol levels as we age. We will also explore how elder care supports seniors in their heart-healthy journey.

Understanding Cholesterol

The waxy, fat-like material that makes up blood is cholesterol. Although excessive cholesterol can cause plaque to accumulate in the arteries, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke, it is essential for the development of healthy cells. There are two primary forms of cholesterol to take into account when discussing it:

  • Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL cholesterol can impede blood flow by narrowing the arteries due to plaque accumulation.
  • High-Density Lipoprotein, or HDL Cholesterol: HDL, sometimes referred to as “good” cholesterol, lowers the risk of heart disease by assisting in the removal of LDL cholesterol from the arteries.

Sustaining ideal cholesterol levels is essential for seniors in order to avoid cardiovascular problems and maintain general health. Some natural ways to do this are explored below.

Adopt a Heart-Healthy Eating Habit

It’s important to give special attention to whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Additionally, including foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados, is a good idea. However, some seniors might struggle with these foods, especially fish. This is one place where elder care comes in, helping seniors prep and cook things like fish in particular. At the same time, seniors should be encouraged to reduce their intake of processed snacks, fried food, and fatty foods that include saturated and trans fats. Also, while limiting fatty foods, elder care can encourage seniors to drink water or herbal tea rather than sugar-filled drinks and refined carbs, as these can raise their triglyceride levels.

Get Up and Move

Seniors should make it a habit to exercise frequently. In fact, they should try to get in at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise. However, for seniors with mobility issues or those who lead a more sedentary life, they may need encouragement from elder care. This encouragement comes easy, especially if they work with seniors consistently and find something, or a few things, that keep their interest. For example, consider activities that don’t seem like exercise, such as gardening or walking around the block. Getting consistent physical activity throughout the day promotes general cardiovascular health, raises HDL cholesterol levels, and aids in weight management.

Manage Stress in Healthy Ways

Prolonged stress can raise cholesterol and lead to bad lifestyle choices. To relieve tension and enhance general wellbeing, seniors should try relaxation methods like yoga, tai chi, meditation, or deep breathing. There are classes they can find in the community or online with the help of elder care and loved ones. Also, both loved ones and elder care can participate with seniors, especially as they’re learning.

Seniors who want to emphasize heart health as they age must understand cholesterol levels and how to naturally manage them. They can do this easily with elder care and loved ones by their side.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935
https://www.mutualofomaha.com/advice/live-a-better-healthier-life/tips-for-seniors-to-lower-cholesterol-naturally-and-still-enjoy-life
https://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/10-cholesterol-lowering-tips-for-older-adults

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Concord, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Posted on by ltcep2023

As you get older, it can be harder to manage your house without help, which can make aging in place harder than it needs to be. If you want to age in place, you may need the help of family members, cleaners, and in-home care to continue living a high-quality life. In-home care can help with daily tasks such as getting dressed, cooking meals, reminders, and helping you stick to a routine. But they may also help with things like laundry and smaller chores that help keep your house clean, like dusting and vacuuming to reduce dust and dander. These are important tasks that improve air quality.

Here are a few things to know about improving air quality for seniors aging in place:

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Seniors?

When your house has poor indoor air quality it can have several impacts on your health as a senior. It can lead to more allergies especially if you have animals, extra fatigue throughout the day, irritation of your lungs, headaches, and eye aches. Keeping your house clean is one part of controlling the air quality but there may be more that you or in-home care can do to keep the indoor air quality better. Here are tips you can use to get your air cleaner!

Use an Air Filter

Your home may come with HVAC which has an air filter but you may need to buy an additional one if you have more animals. These can be places around your home to purify the air and keep it cleaner. It will remove dust, dander, hair, and other allergens that could be bothersome. This is crucial to maintaining a clean home. On the other hand, these do require maintenance. You need to change the filter occasionally or clean them out to ensure they are empty and usable. If you don’t clean these out they become clogged, dirty, and may not help the air quality around the house.

Clean Your Vents

Your house will have vents that help the airflow of your home. They will usually push out hot or cold air to keep your house at a lovely temperature. However, these also need to be maintained especially if you own your house, no one else will do it. You need to dust the outside of them regularly, but you may also need to clean the insides of them too. It’s important you dust them to keep your house from spreading allergens. A quick dust on the top of each vent can be done once a week and a deep clean should be done once every few months. This may be something an adult child or house cleaner needs to help you with.

Keep The Carpet Clean

Carpet and rugs can be the best for your home because they trap any dust, dander, and dirt, and it truly won’t spread in the air. But that is good and bad news. Yes, it traps things for you, but that also means you have to clean your rugs and carpets regularly. You should be vacuuming your carpets as often as one time a week. If you have animals you may need to clean the carpets like two or three times a week. In-home care may help you do small areas once a week if you ask them for help!

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

What Helps Seniors to Stay Well Emotionally?

Posted on by ltcep2023

Emotional well-being is a bigger part of overall health and wellness than many people realize. Seniors in particular need to focus on emotional wellness in order to help improve their quality of life. Taking a variety of approaches, including increasing socialization with companion care at home, makes a huge difference for aging adults.

Boost Creativity

Encouraging seniors to find ways to express their creativity seriously improves emotional well-being. Activities like painting, writing, making music, or even gardening can all provide avenues for self-expression, creativity, and joy. Engaging in creative pursuits is also incredibly important for mental stimulation and cognitive function. Seniors feel a huge sense of accomplishment when they engage in creative pursuits, too, making this even more important to engage in regularly.

Consider an Exercise Routine

Regular physical activity boosts overall physical health, but it also boosts emotional health. Seniors should always talk to their medical providers before starting a new exercise program, just to make sure that they’re able to start a new exercise program. Exercising releases endorphins and other brain chemicals that enhance mood and improve emotional wellness. Activities like walking, yoga, swimming, or chair exercises are all good options.

Make Social Connections Easy

When it’s easy to be socially active, seniors get lots of benefits. Finding ways to make it easy for family members and friends to stay in touch with seniors is important. It’s also helpful to consider options like elder care providers who can offer hands-on help along with companionship. The easier it is to socialize, the less likely it will be that seniors have to deal with isolation and feelings of loneliness. Companion care at home can be there with seniors to engage in all sorts of activities or simply to be a friendly conversational partner.

Support Relaxation

Incorporating relaxation techniques into everyday routines can help seniors to improve their emotional wellness. Activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle stretching help to relieve stress and promote relaxation. They can also help to boost moods and make it easier to sleep well. Mindfulness activities help seniors to focus on what’s happening right now in the present moment, which can be a huge help for seniors who are battling anxiety and depression.

Offer a Strong Support System

Having a strong support system is essential for seniors. When they feel less alone, they’re more likely to express their concerns, emotions, and needs. This helps family caregivers to offer even more of the support that seniors need in order to live their best lives. Home care services can also be there to offer not only companionship but also support with daily activities and needs.

Maintaining emotional well-being for seniors involves taking a holistic approach to daily activities as much as possible. Using as many different strategies as possible to improve emotional wellness helps aging adults to get their needs met and get invaluable support. Companion care at home helps seniors to navigate the various challenges of aging without having to worry that they’re being a burden to anyone.

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Moraga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Six Tips to Help Seniors Stay Active All Year Long

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Staying active is a huge part of helping seniors to stay healthy and vital as they grow older. Once seniors become more physically active, they need to keep going. But when the weather is bad or during the winter it’s all too easy for seniors to back off of being more physically active. Home care assistance can offer seniors a lot of support in their goal to stay active all year long.

Find Indoor Exercise Options

Indoor exercise options mean that seniors can stick with their workout plans no matter what is going on outside. This could mean joining fitness classes, enjoying workout videos at home, or using a home gym on a daily basis. Working out inside means that there’s a climate-controlled environment. If seniors are working out at home, they don’t have to worry about getting to another location at all. Also, it’s important for seniors to talk with their doctors about what exercise options are healthiest for them.

Explore More Low-impact Activities

Sometimes the weather wouldn’t keep seniors from exercising, but it does something else, like cause discomfort in joints, that makes exercising more difficult. That means that it’s also a good idea to ensure that exercises are low-impact and support complications seniors might encounter. Activities like walking, yoga, Pilates, and more can all offer serious benefits for seniors.

Emphasize Strength Training

As seniors age, they lose muscle tone gradually. It’s really important to slow muscle loss as much as possible and strength training can help seniors to do this. This can be as simple as using resistance training or bodyweight exercises to maintain and build muscles.

Prioritize Balance and Flexibility

Another common problem is that seniors lose flexibility and balance over time. Both of these skills help to prevent falls, so it’s important to improve them as much as possible. Some of the exercises that can help to build strength can also help with both balance and flexibility. Yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and more can all be great options.

Find a Fitness Buddy

Working out with someone else can be tremendously motivating for seniors. It can also help to serve as a distraction for seniors who don’t like to exercise. This fitness buddy could be a friend, a family member, or even senior care providers. Having that layer of companionship ensures that seniors stick with their exercise routine and that they meet their socializing needs at the same time.

Set Realistic Goals

When fitness goals aren’t realistic, they’re really difficult to meet. The right goal is going to help seniors stay motivated and consistent, even when they can’t get outside to get that workout in. Starting out with smaller goals can help seniors to build up their stamina as well as the mindset around working out on a daily basis.

Staying active all year long is tremendously helpful for aging adults. Home care assistance can offer support that seniors need in order to keep working out, even when the weather outside doesn’t support being physically active. The key is finding activities that feel good and that move the needle toward being healthier.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in San Ramon, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.