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Tag: Healthy Habits

How Seniors Can Make Daily Exercise Fun

Posted on by Craig Bass

Exercise is one of the most important things that seniors can do to protect their health as they get older. Seniors need exercise to maintain physical health and to prevent future health problems. When seniors exercise daily they are also more likely to retain their mobility as they get older.

Doctors recommend that seniors get at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk activity for a minimum of five days per week. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but for seniors who really don’t like exercise it can feel like a lot. When seniors are trying to lose weight or just trying to protect their health they know that exercise is important. But that doesn’t mean they want to do it.

Because exercise is vital for a senior’s health it can help if seniors find exercise fun. When seniors are doing something they enjoy it won’t seem like something they have to do. It will seem like something they want to do. Some things that seniors can do to make daily exercise more fun are:

Dance, Dance, Dance

Dancing is great cardiovascular exercise and it’s a lot of fun. Seniors who have home care can ask their provider to make a playlist of dance party songs. A mix of music from different eras and different styles can make a dance party lively. And seniors can even have theme dance parties and get dressed up in costume to make exercise something really special. A 70s disco dance party or a musical sing along dance party with costumes will make exercise something to look forward to.

Outdoor Walks and Nature Exploration

Seniors who have limited mobility or just don’t find exercise to be fun may enjoy hiking or going for outdoor walks. Spending time in nature has a lot of physical and mental health benefits for seniors. When seniors take walks in nature parks, gardens, or scenic trails the beauty of nature and the fresh air can make exercise exhilarating.

Water Exercises

Swimming or water aerobics are excellent options for seniors, particularly those with joint pain or mobility issues. Water workouts are low-impact and appropriate for almost any seniors. But they also are a great way to work on strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Many community centers and senior living facilities offer aquatic exercise classes designed specifically for older adults.

Fitness Classes

Joining fitness classes tailored to seniors can be a fun way to exercise and socialize. These classes may include yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or senior-specific aerobics. When seniors join fitness classes they can try out activities they’ve wanted to try but never had the opportunity to try.

Goal-Oriented Challenges

Exercise that is based on goal achievement can motivate seniors to exercise and give them a sense of accomplishment when they hit their goal. Gamifying exercise or making it like a game where they win if they achieve their goals can appeal to seniors who have a competitive streak.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm
https://ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60
https://familydoctor.org/exercise-seniors/

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

4 Benefits Seniors Get From Walking Everyday

Posted on by Craig Bass
In-Home Care in San Ramon CA
In-Home Care in San Ramon CA

Seniors need exercise. Study after study shows that consistent movement can make a huge difference in the health of seniors as they get older. Walking is one of the best things that seniors can do because it can be adapted to suit the needs of almost any senior. Seniors who have no mobility challenges can walk fast, challenge themselves to hikes, or enjoy long daily walks that include a variety of terrain. Seniors that have mobility challenges or have old injuries that limits their movements can walk around the block or take short walks through the neighborhood and still get the benefits of walking. Fast or slow, long distance or short, smooth pavement or hiking trails none of that matters. Walking is good for seniors no matter how they do it. Some of the biggest benefits of walking for seniors are:

Weight Loss

Seniors that need to lose some weight can lose weight walking. It’s not necessary for seniors to go through extreme workouts or push their bodies into long periods of exercise to lose weight. Making smart dietary choices and walking every day can be enough to help seniors lose weight. It helps if seniors have in-home care so that they get help cooking healthy meals and shopping for healthy food. But seniors can lose weight by walking.

Better Sleep

Another benefit that comes from daily walking is better sleep. There are millions of seniors that struggle with insomnia and poor sleep. Often seniors have anxiety at night or suffer from anxiety. But daily walks can help seniors reduce their stress levels. And physical exercise is a great way to correct the body’s Circadian rhythm so that seniors are tired at night and will sleep better. Within a walk of starting regular walks many seniors report being able to fall asleep faster and staying asleep longer than they did when they weren’t walking.

Stronger Core Muscles

Walking is great exercise for the legs, but it also works the core muscles and the arms and shoulders too, especially if seniors wear hand weights or pump their arms while they walk. Increasing core strength will help seniors move more easily, breathe deeper, and hold themselves up better. Increasing core strength is something that many doctors recommend but ab workouts can be difficult for seniors. Walking is really a full body exercise without the stress and struggle of a strenuous workout.

Better Mental Health

Getting outdoors into the fresh air every day can significantly improve a senior’s mental health. Seniors with in-home care who are able to walk daily while a care provider helps with the household chores report lower rates of depression and anxiety than seniors who don’t walk regularly. Being outdoors in nature can be very healing and lower stress. Seniors who can handle walking on an unpaved trail can enjoy big mental health benefits from hiking as well as the physical benefits. Encourage your senior parent to go hiking for their health.

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

How Do Nutrition and Oral Health Work Together for Seniors?

Posted on by Craig Bass
Personal Care at Home in Alamo CA
Personal Care at Home in Alamo CA

Maintaining good oral health is essential for aging adults to enjoy a healthy and vibrant life. Nutrition plays a crucial role in helping to support oral health, as diet influences the strength of teeth and gums. Personal care at home is one solution that makes both nutrition and better dental hygiene easier for aging adults.

The Impact of Diet on Oral Health

Aging adults should be mindful of their diet as it significantly influences oral health. Certain foods and nutrients play a key role in maintaining strong teeth and gums. Calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals support tooth enamel strength. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and peppers, aids in gum health. Additionally, foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and green tea, help reduce inflammation and protect oral tissues. On the other hand, frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Limiting sugary snacks, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods like citrus fruits can help protect tooth enamel and reduce the risk of dental problems.

Foods for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Incorporating specific foods into the diet can promote optimal oral health for aging adults. Raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables can stimulate saliva and help to remove plaque from teeth. They’re also high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that contribute to health. Dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and milk, are rich in calcium and phosphates, which strengthen teeth and support remineralization. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines possess anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to gum health. Drinking fluoridated water or using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can also aid in maintaining strong teeth and preventing cavities. Changing a senior’s daily diet is a lot easier when they have help from home care providers to prepare meals, help with meal planning, and assist with cleanup.

Personal Care at Home and Oral Health

For some seniors, keeping up with daily oral health practices is a lot more difficult now than it once was. Personal care at home can help immensely with both nutrition and oral health. Eating regular, well-balanced meals that include a variety of nutrient-dense foods is crucial for overall health, including oral health. Adequate hydration is essential to maintain saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and prevent dry mouth. Proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash, should be followed diligently to remove plaque, prevent tooth decay, and promote gum health. Caregivers can offer hands-on help with all of these tasks.

Additional Tips for Optimal Oral Health

In addition to a nutritious diet and personal care at home, there are other tips to enhance oral health for aging adults. Quitting tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, is essential for maintaining healthy gums and reducing the risk of oral cancer. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to oral health, as alcohol can irritate oral tissues and increase the risk of oral diseases. Lastly, practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help minimize teeth grinding or clenching, which can damage teeth and lead to jaw pain.

Aging adults can foster better oral health by prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet, following proper oral hygiene at home, and seeking regular dental care. Personal care at home can assist seniors in getting the nutrition that helps them to keep their teeth healthy and to get better nutrition as well.

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

4 Fun Ways Seniors Can Move Every Day

Posted on by Craig Bass
In-Home Care in Danville CA
In-Home Care in Danville CA

April is Move More month and it’s a great time for seniors to focus on moving more every day. Doctors say that the single best thing that seniors can do to stay healthy as they get older is move more. And more activity doesn’t have to mean doing hard workouts. Seniors can set small manageable goals to start adding extra activity into their day and still get the massive health benefits of daily exercise. When it comes to exercise any movement is good movement. Here are a few ways that seniors can start adding more movement and activity to their everyday life, and how in-home care can help.

Walk Around The Block After Breakfast

A super easy way to increase activity and move more is for seniors to just take a quick walk around the block before or after breakfast. A walk around the block just takes a few minutes but it will improve circulation and get seniors moving before they start taking on the day. An in-home care provider can walk with your senior on a daily basis and offer physical support as well as encouragement. Even just a 10-15 minute walk around the block can dramatically improve a senior’s health when it’s done every day.

Park At The Furthest Parking Spot When Running Errands

Another way that seniors can rack up more steps and get more activity is to park their cars in the furthest spot from the door when they run errands. That extra walk to the door will add up to lots of additional steps and that will help seniors stay healthy. After doing that a few times seniors won’t even really notice that they’re walking extra far to get to the door. But they will definitely notice that their health improves doing it.

Set Up Some Yard Games

Spring is coming so why not set up some fun yard games? Take advantage of the back yard and play some spring and summer yard games with family members, neighbors, or an in-home care provider. Pickleball is a very popular backyard game. So are horseshoes, bocci ball, or your senior loved one can set up a mini-golfing course in the backyard so they can practice their golfing. Playing in the backyard is an easy way to get moving everyday and it will also give seniors a reason to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Do Some Volunteer Work

Seniors can volunteer for organizations where their volunteer work will encourage them to move. For example, seniors may want ot volunteer for the local humane society where they can walk dogs, play with puppies, or help feed the cats and other animals. They also may want to work with kids which would require them to be active and engaging with the kids. There are so many great volunteer opportunities out there that any senior should be able to find a volunteer role they would really enjoy.

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

Different Nuts Your Senior Should Add To Their Diet

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care in Moraga CA
Home Care in Moraga CA

Diet is crucial for a senior to maintain a healthy life, especially if they wish to age in place. Nutrient-rich foods like nuts can help a senior maintain weight, energy levels and reduce risks of chronic disease. Eating healthy helps boost immune systems and keep a senior’s mind sharp instead of feeling sluggish all of the time.

Finding food for your loved one can be challenging, especially when there is so much misinformation online. Your senior should always be talking to a doctor or someone they trust with their health. When a doctor gives you directions on eating, you should always try to follow them. Here are some nuts a home care provider can prep for your senior loved one.

Cashews

One of the best things about cashews is they’re filled with protein which can help keep a senior full for longer. They are super low in calories, especially raw cashews, and they’re filled with dietary fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Cashews make one of the best snacks for a senior; the only downside is they can be relatively expensive. They are nuts that require a lot of labor to grow and process for consumption, so their cost is higher than other nuts. However, for a tasty snack, this is something that home care may want to pick up for your loved one.

Walnuts

If you’re worried about your seniors’ weight and the doctors say they need to gain more weight, they should snack on walnuts! These nuts are filled with protein and healthy fats, making them great for weight gain. In addition, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and boost heart health, making them a great option for seniors.

Almonds

When you think of snacking on nuts, you may automatically think of almonds. They are often the first found in the store, and they can be healthy. Eating almonds can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. They can also help to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, which is vital for seniors. Almonds are the perfect snack if a senior is trying to manage their weight!

Hazelnuts

These are funky nuts because you do have to prep them unless you get pre-peeled hazelnuts. They come with an outer shell that needs to be peeled before consumption. These nuts have tons of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, folate, magnesium, and zinc. All of these are so important for health, and a senior needs a certain amount of each. Hazelnuts are not always on store shelves because they are typically harvested from August to October. These are also nuts that are more expensive in stores because they grow in clusters that have to be handpicked, unlike other nuts! Each tree also takes a long time to mature, which can impact the price of nuts.

If your senior needs to focus on diet, finding the right kind of nut can be crucial for them. All nuts have different flavors and textures; seniors may need to experiment to find the kind they like and how to eat them. Some nuts are best plain, in yogurt, or even on a salad. If you are worried about certain vitamins and minerals, it’s time to have home care help drive a senior to get some blood work done.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-healthy-nuts

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

Can Sleep Be Impacted by Foods?

Posted on by Craig Bass
Personal Care at Home in Clayton CA
Personal Care at Home in Clayton CA

When a senior sleeps well, it directly impacts their overall health, which is crucial for aging in place. There are some changes in sleeping habits as a senior gets older, but the truth is that no matter what, they should still be getting 7-8 hours per night. Personal care at home can help a senior stay on a nightly routine that may help them get to sleep easier or even prepare some tea for your senior before bed. They provide a lot more than companionship. Personal care at home can prepare tea and foods that may help a senior sleep better. Here are some of the foods you need to know about when you want to ensure your senior sleeps better.

Oatmeal and Milk

You may be thinking that oatmeal and milk are breakfast foods, but the truth is that they can help a senior sleep at night. Personal care at home can help a senior prepare this meal. The best thing about oats and milk is that they can be placed in the fridge overnight in case they want to eat them in the morning with some fruit. Complex carbs are great before bed because they’re rich in calcium and magnesium, which can promote better sleep.

Yogurt and walnuts

Yogurt, both Greek and normal, contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is well known for its sedative effects. Tryptophan is metabolized in the body into sleep-inducing chemicals like melatonin. If you sprinkle some walnuts on top of your yogurt, you’ll receive the extra advantage of magnesium, which has been found to reduce sleeplessness in the elderly.

Eat a Salmon Dinner

Salmon and oysters both provide a high-quality protein that has been shown to improve sleep quality. These foods are not just rich in vitamin D, which promotes restful sleep, but also in omega-3, a nutrient that controls the mood-altering chemicals. Quick and wholesome, these salmon foil packets are a breeze to make. If you want your senior to sleep well, consider making a salmon salad for dinner! This is high protein, low fat, and filling without being a heavy meal before bed.

Are There Foods to Avoid for Seniors?

Diet can have a major impact on sleep. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you get the energy you need during the day, while avoiding unhealthy foods and beverages filled with sugars can help you get a better night’s sleep. Eating a nutritious dinner can help you wind down for the night and fall asleep faster. Eating too close to bedtime can cause indigestion and discomfort that can keep you up at night. Something to consider is that if a senior is drinking any liquid right before bed, it can cause them to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

A senior should avoid alcohol right before bed because it disrupts sleep stages and may also have an impact on sleep walking. This can be super dangerous for a senior because they may hurt themselves from sleep walking.

Reference
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/better-sleep-3-simple-diet-tweaks
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition

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

What Causes Sleep Deprivation for Seniors?

Posted on by Craig Bass
24-Hour Home Care in Danville CA
24-Hour Home Care in Danville CA

It’s not unusual at all for aging adults to start having trouble getting enough sleep. If that goes on too long, sleep deprivation isn’t far behind. So, what’s causing these sleep problems your aging family member is having and what can you do about them? There might be more you can do to resolve the situation for her, including bringing in 24-hour home care to get through sleepless nights safely.

Simple Aging

Sometimes the sleep problems she’s experiencing creep in just because your elderly family member is growing older. As people age, their habits and routines change. But their bodies and the needs their bodies have also can change a bit. Your elderly family member may find that she simply doesn’t experience sleep the same way she used to experience it.

Health Issues and Medications

There might also be health issues your elderly family member is experiencing that can affect her ability to sleep. Pain, breathing problems, and other health conditions can all make sleeping a lot more difficult than it used to be. If your elderly family member is taking medications, then side effects could be affecting her ability to sleep as well. One way to keep an eye on how your elderly family member’s health issues are impacting her life is for 24-hour home care professionals to be there with her.

Worry, Anxiety, and Stress

It might seem as if your elderly family member doesn’t have anything to worry about, but that’s not the case for anyone, really. Your senior may find that she’s anxious about her health or worrying about people that she loves. Any of these concerns can be enough to interfere with her ability to sleep as well as she would like. Knowing that caregivers are there with her can make a huge difference for you both.

Living on Her Own

As much as your elderly family member might love living on her own, there’s a certain level of angst that goes along with living alone. This can have a big impact on her sleep, including causing her to have significant trouble sleeping. One solution is for 24-hour home care professionals to be there with your senior, to help alleviate any concerns she might have about being on her own.

Lack of Routine

Routines are so important for people of all ages, but they’re especially essential for seniors. Your elderly family member’s routines keep her on target with all of the areas of her life. When she’s not getting enough sleep, her routines suffer. That then becomes a continuing problem because without routines, she’s probably not getting to bed at the right time and she might be getting up too late. All of that can continue to make bigger problems as time goes on. Home care professionals can do a lot to make sure your senior’s routines are easier to keep.

If your elderly family member is still having trouble sleeping, there might be more behind the problem. She should talk with her doctor to see if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Danville, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Five Important Dental Hygiene Tips for Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care in Braselton GA
Home Care in Braselton GA

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? This time of year is the perfect time to take a closer look at what issues your senior might be having around dental hygiene. Evaluating what’s working and what isn’t helps you to figure out what solutions you can put in place for her. Ignoring dental hygiene can create bigger problems than your senior might expect.

Aging Causes Lots of Changes in Dental Health

There are lots of changes your senior is facing as she grows older, and dental health is on that list. Your elderly family member may start to experience things like dry mouth, darkening teeth, or just regular wear and tear on her teeth that she’s not used to managing. Her dentist can help her to manage these issues and develop a plan for handling conditions that are new to her.

Hydration Is Crucial

When your elderly family member isn’t drinking enough water, that can contribute to a lot of different health issues. This even affects your aging family member’s dental hygiene and dental health. Keep water available and find creative ways to help your senior to get as much water as she needs. That might mean including hydrating foods, like gelatin, soup, and fruits or vegetables that are high in water content. 24-hour home care providers can be a huge help in keeping your senior properly hydrated.

Medication Side Effects Can Include Dental Symptoms

The medications that your elderly family member takes can have a variety of different side effects. Some of those side effects make keeping her mouth and teeth healthy a little more difficult. Some of those side effects are ones that you can mitigate with some new habits or at least knowing what is going on. Working with both your senior’s doctor and her dentist can help you put a plan together.

Health Issues Can Also Affect Dental Health

Your elderly family member may have health issues that impact her dental health. Diabetes, for instance, can cause blood sugar issues that lead to periodontal disease. Keeping blood sugar under control suddenly becomes something that also helps your elderly family member to maintain her dental health, too.

Your Senior May Need a Help from 24-Hour Home Care

Everyone needs a little bit of help now and then, and your elderly family member is no exception. Home care providers can assist with a variety of different situations, but your senior may start to need more personal help and at varying times. 24-hour home care providers are there to help your senior to manage those situations, including personal care tasks like dental hygiene and caring for her body in other ways. This is essential if your elderly family member is finding these tasks impossible to manage on her own.

Proper dental hygiene is so important for your elderly family member’s mental and physical well-being. Getting her the additional help that she needs for some of these tasks ensures that your senior is not left struggling on her own.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Braselton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Best Tips for Creating Low Sodium Meals for Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care Assistance in Concord CA
Home Care Assistance in Concord CA

Just because someone has to eat low sodium doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy their food. Not all seniors know how to cook low-sodium meals, but this is a lifestyle choice that a doctor may recommend for a senior. If you are worried about the health and nutrition of your senior, it is time to look into home care assistance providers who can help monitor nutritional needs. A low sodium diet, sometimes known as a no salt added diet, includes very little sodium.

Although it is tough to have a sodium-free diet, at-risk seniors may frequently reduce their risk of sodium-related health disorders by removing additional sodium, such as table salt. The CDC advises that consumers limit their salt intake to less than 2,300mg daily. You should always visit your doctor to determine what daily consumption is optimal for you since it varies from person to person. Before making any dramatic dietary changes, always consult with your doctor. Here are some tips on keeping sodium low in every meal.

Track Your Sodium Intake

Once you’ve determined how much sodium you or a loved one should consume based on their health requirements, you should begin monitoring your daily salt consumption. There are many approaches to keeping track of everything. If you prefer more traditional approaches, you may maintain a diary. Simply keep a notebook and record daily how much salt you ingest at each meal or snack. Make careful to maintain the record up to date and precise — no sneaking odd pieces of food without documenting them, since that sodium will rapidly pile up. The second, and probably quicker, option is to utilize a food monitoring app. Several applications are available, but the majority enables you to monitor each meal and salt intake. You may also monitor things like calories and sweets. It may seem difficult initially, but the more you do it, the simpler it will get. Tracking salt consumption will become second nature after a time.

Plan Meals In Advance

Making a plan is the greatest approach to preparing for anything. Create a meal plan based on low sodium recipes for seniors if you need to start lowering your salt consumption. Everyone’s approach to meal preparation differs. Some individuals like to simply plan out a menu for each day of the week, while others prefer to spend an hour planning meals and ensuring they have everything they need. Home care assistance can help a senior prep foods and cook meals in advance. This allows them to just reheat things that have already been made. It can help your elderly loved one stick to their diet easier.

Make Wise Decisions

Try to consider wisely before picking what to eat. What is the healthier alternative? Consider it assisting your body in feeling its best and being as healthy as possible. You must make sound decisions for the sake of the rest of your body. This means seniors need to read labels and avoid things with high sodium. Things like canned foods, lunch meat, and freezer meals tend to have many preservatives that are not always the best. They tend to be convenient foods but not the wisest decision for elderly people.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/low-sodium-eating

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

Is Your Senior Getting Enough Vitamin C?

Posted on by Craig Bass
In-Home Care in Concord CA
In-Home Care in Concord CA

In the past, you might not have worried a lot about how much vitamin C your senior was getting. But as she ages, her body needs vitamin C and other nutrients more than ever before. Her body has to have these building blocks to keep her as strong and as healthy as possible. Here’s what you need to know about vitamin C and your senior, and how in-home care can support her nutrition.

What Does Vitamin C Do?

Most people know that vitamin C is helpful to the immune system, but they may not realize what it does. Vitamin C helps your senior’s body to build white blood cells, which fight off infections. But it’s also important for heart health, collagen formation, and converting cholesterol into bile salts. All of this and more is why vitamin C is so important for your senior’s daily diet.

Your Senior May Not Be Getting Enough Vitamin C

It might surprise both you and your senior to realize that it’s possible that she isn’t getting enough vitamin C through her diet. This can happen if your elderly family member isn’t eating a lot of fruits and vegetables or is relying mainly on “junk” food. Some of the side effects of vitamin C deficiency can include being cold more often, experiencing symptoms of anemia, bruising easily, and more.

Increasing Vitamin C Levels

If you’re wondering if your senior’s vitamin C levels are too low, it’s a good idea to talk with her doctor. Your senior’s doctor can examine her and look for signs of deficiency, but there is also a blood test that can definitively show whether your senior’s vitamin C levels are too low. From there, her doctor can help your senior to put together a plan to raise her vitamin C levels.

Foods That Are High in Vitamin C

So, what can your senior eat to improve her vitamin C levels? Fruits, particularly citrus fruits and berries, are great choices. Lots of different green vegetables are also high in vitamin C. This includes broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, and peppers. Potatoes are also good sources of vitamin C. If your senior is particularly low in vitamin C, her doctor may recommend supplementation in addition to changing her diet.

In-home Care Can Make All of This Easier

Balancing all of this can be overwhelming for your elderly family member, especially if it means making big changes to her diet. That’s where elder care providers can really help out. In-home care providers can remind your senior to take her medications and supplements. They can also help her to have meals and snacks that are full of the types of foods she needs to be eating in order to support her health. Your elderly family member doesn’t have to figure all of this out on her own.

Ensuring that your senior is getting the nutrients that she needs is the best way to help her to feel as well as she can. It can even help her to get health issues under better control, further improving her quality of life.

Source
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/

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