Good Nutrition is Important for Seniors

We know that good nutrition is essential for children’s growing bodies but did you know it is just as important for aging seniors?  In fact HelpGuide.org, a non-profit organization that deals with mental health and well-being issues, explains that eating well provides numerous benefits for adults over 50.  They state it can help with “increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems.” 

Studies have shown that a nutritional diet can make a difference in seniors’ mental outlook and aid in reducing the risk or to better manage conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, bone loss, certain cancers, and anemia. A healthy diet can also help to reduce high blood pressure and lower high cholesterol.

As seniors age, health conditions often limit the amount of physical exercise they get, and thereby, require fewer calories to maintain their weight.  This makes it is even more important that the food they do consume is enriched with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.  In addition many of these foods contain more fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to boost the immune system.

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important nutrient and can be found in brightly colored fruit, leafy veggies, and fish and nuts. Some studies indicate omega-3 fatty acids can help your focus and decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.   As we age, our need for calcium increases and can help to preserve bone health and lower blood pressure.  Also seniors should limit their sodium content and be sure to drink plenty of water. 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we provide Austin area families’ reliable and compassionate care that allows your loved one to live safely and comfortably at home.  Our range of nonmedical services includes meal preparations, daily personal care, and transportation.  SYNERGY HomeCare services are versatile, flexible, and customized for your comfort, peace of mind and well-being.

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most trusted agencies in the Greater Austin area for non-medical home care.  Our affordable, reliable and compassionate services provide families with everything from live-in care to short term wellness visits.  Contact us for a complementary home visit to discuss the ways we can provide your family with the best professional care.    

**This is for informational purposes only and is not to be used in place of advice from your health care provider**

Sources:

helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/eating-well-as-you-age.htm

nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

Osteoarthritis - Most Common Form of Arthritis in Seniors

The Mayo Clinic defines osteoarthritis as what “occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away. In some cases, all of the cartilage may wear away, leaving bones that rub up against each other.”  It is not only the most common type of arthritis in seniors but one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among older adults according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Osteoarthritis commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine, and occurs in both men and women.  When it occurs in adults younger than age 45, it is more often in men.  The NIH estimates that 33.6% (12.4 million) people 65 years and older have the disease.     

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: pain in the joints; tenderness when light pressure is applied to the joint; stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or when moving after periods of inactiveness; and loss of flexibility and range of motion.  You may also notice a grating sensation when using the joint or hard lumps that form around the affected joint known as bone spurs. 

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are medications that can help to ease the pain and reduce inflammation.  The Mayo Clinic says the two best things you can do is to maintain a healthy weight and get exercise.  Physical therapy is sometimes done as a way to strengthen muscles and occupational therapy is used to teach patients with the disease how to perform common tasks without causing as much pain.   

SYNERGY HomeCare’s team of compassionate caregivers is trained to help make living with osteoarthritis easier.  We provide Central Texas with a broad range of non-medical home care services for individuals of all ages and for any ailment. 

**This is for informational purposes only and is not to be used in place of advice from your health care provider**

Sources: nihseniorhealth.gov/osteoarthritis/whatisosteoarthritis/01.html

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/basics/definition/con-20014749

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most trusted non medical home health care agencies.  We provide families with affordable, reliable and compassionate services that include everything from short term wellness visits to live-in care.  Please contact us to discuss the range of services we can provide for you or your loved one.  Our offices are conveniently located throughout Central Texas.    

Why Seniors are at Risk for Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when a person is not taking in as much water as they are losing and seniors are more at risk for the condition.   Fluids allow our bodies to regulate temperature through sweating, to maintain blood pressure and eliminate bodily waste.  The Mayo Clinic cites the following reasons why older adults are more susceptible to dehydration: their ability to conserve water is reduced, thirst sensation is less acute, and seniors do not respond to fluctuations in temperature as well as when they were younger. 

Not only does aging make a person less aware of thirst but frail seniors may have more difficulty getting up to get a drink and postpone doing it. Other factors include taking medications that may cause patients to sweat more, or that act as a diuretic. Also it is around age 50 that the body’s kidneys do not conserve fluid as well as they use to, and after age 70, the problem worsens.  Another reason seniors become dehydrated is they tend to eat less and sometimes, especially for those living alone or in nursing homes, forget to eat and drink for extended periods of time.  Furthermore, other problems that can interfere with getting adequate fluids are chronic illness such as diabetes and dementia. 

Dehydration is serious and can cause confusion, weakness, urinary tract infections and kidney failure, pneumonia and even death.  Symptoms of mild dehydration include: dryness of mouth; constipation; decreased urinate flow; dark or deep yellow urine; cramping in the limbs; headaches, and sleepiness or irritability. 

SYNERGY HomeCare brings quality non-medical home care to families in the greater San Antonio area that are custom designed to meet their needs.  Our professional caregivers provide care for individuals so they can live safely and comfortably in their own home, and offer an affordable alternative to a nursing home or assisted living facility.  

As one of the most respected agencies for home care in the Greater San Antonio area, SYNERGY HomeCare offers families affordable and compassionate services for all ages, from expectant mothers to seniors.  We work with you to create a customized CarePlan for in home care for yourself or a loved one.  Please contact us to learn more about our range of services for professional in home care.

 

**This is for informational purposes only and is not to be used in place of advice from your health care provider**

Sources:mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/risk-factors/con-20030056