August 5, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Senior Health and Nutrition in Rhode Island | Tagged: Aging adults, Rhode Island processed foods, Senior unhealthy lifestyle choices
Alzheimer's and diabetes have forever been paid blame to by genetic factors and even unhealthy lifestyle choices; but a new research study shows that these diseases can be attributed to more than just genetics. It turns out, that there are environmental factors that could play a role in Rhode Island seniors developing these conditions in older adulthood, so no matter how much we try to eat well, exercise and prove that we won't follow in the footsteps of older generations; we might still be at risk.
According to the study, nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines found in processed foods and even pesticides can play a role in the development of age related diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes. According to the research, these substances can break down insulin resistance and damage DNA, resulting in an increased risk for these illnesses.
Of course, exercising and eating well will still help Rhode Island seniors to fortify themselves against potential disease and illness - but as it turns out, there are some things that may just be out of control as they are present in the environment.
Sources:
1. Medical News Today
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
August 7, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Senior Activities in Rhode Island, Senior Health and Nutrition in Rhode Island | Tagged: Aging concerns, Practicing yoga, Rhode Island seniors
Q. Although I have been practicing yoga for years, my mom is reluctant to give it a try because she seems to have bought into a number of myths about practicing yoga as a Rhode Island senior. She is relatively active, and I truly believe this is an activity that she will enjoy and that can improve her oval health. What can I tell her to try her to convince her that her preconceptions about yoga are just myths and that practicing yoga could benefit her life?
A. Many seniors have the belief that yoga is an activity that's reserved for younger generations, and part of that has to do with the fact that it's so trendy today. Here are a few of the most common myths about yoga for seniors that might be of concern for your mom, and the truths behind them!
- Fiction: yoga isn't suitable for seniors. Fact: yoga benefits seniors in a large number of ways, and some of the founding yoga masters that practice are older adults - one is even 90!
- Fiction: yoga requires a high level of flexibility. Fact: yoga can be adapted for people of all ages, and physical fitness levels
- Fiction: yoga will result in injury for older adult. Fact: when under the supervision of a yoga instructor who typically works with older adults, seniors will receive only benefits to their muscular strength and overall physical fitness
- Fiction: seniors with existing medical conditions shouldn't try yoga. Fact: yoga can actually help seniors to manage and improve cardiovascular health, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes and more
Sources:
1. AARP
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
August 3, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Common Problems and Problem Solving | Tagged: Older adulthood, Pet companionship, Rhode Island seniors
Having had pets all of my life, I couldn't imagine not having them around me on a daily basis - not even in older adulthood when it can become increasingly more difficult to care for yourself, little less a demanding pet like a dog. But while there might be challenges, I don't think that would stop me from having a furry companion in my home as a senior, because it's a time of life when companionship is needed more than ever. Fortunately, I think that it's even more of a realistic reality for seniors to keep pets today, and will be even more so in the future with the availability of pet technologies that can make pet care more simple and convenient for older adults.
- Hyrdosurge - an all-in-one dog bathing system that automatically suds with shampoo, combs and rinses. It's a device that can be attached to any faucet, and it resembles the end of a garden hose. This can help seniors who face physical strain when struggling to restrain a pet and fumble with multiple bathing devices and products
- GoDogGo - every dog needs exercise, but throwing a ball can be physically laborious for seniors, so this is a product that automatically shoots out tennis balls to entertain and exercise a dog
- Komfort Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier - you're never supposed to leave a pet in the hot car, but when out and running errands with pets, seniors are able to leave their pets in the climate controlled pet carriers. They adjust the temperature of the carrier if the car temperature is too hot or too cold
- The Haptic Creature - for those seniors who really can't have a living pet, there's a robotic version that provides the same therapeutic benefits, as the pet responds to touch and sound just like a real animal
Sources:
1. Forbes
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
July 31, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Common Problems and Problem Solving, Senior Health and Nutrition in Rhode Island | Tagged: Communication techniques, Rhode Island senior strokes, Verbal apraxia
Q "My dad was diagnosed with verbal apraxia following a series of strokes. We have already implemented some tips that a doctor gave us to help us to communicate with him and vice versa, but I'm wondering if there are any treatment options available in Rhode Island that can help improve the condition or communication techniques in general?"
A "Many of the techniques that are used do work on improving communication techniques, not so much from the family's perspective, but from that of the senior's. They might not be able to regain their speech with these conditions, but can potentially learn to communicate more effectively so they aren't relegated to a life of silence. Many seniors who require treatment for aphasia or apraxia receive treatment from a speech or communication pathologist. Your local Area Agency on Aging in Rhode Island can help point you towards the appropriate resources if your doctor is unable to.
Sources:
1. Stroke Association
2. The Aphasia Institute
3. Orange Blossom Farm
4. About
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
August 5, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Senior Health and Nutrition in Rhode Island | Tagged: Aging adults, Rhode Island processed foods, Senior unhealthy lifestyle choices
Alzheimer's and diabetes have forever been paid blame to by genetic factors and even unhealthy lifestyle choices; but a new research study shows that these diseases can be attributed to more than just genetics. It turns out, that there are environmental factors that could play a role in Rhode Island seniors developing these conditions in older adulthood, so no matter how much we try to eat well, exercise and prove that we won't follow in the footsteps of older generations; we might still be at risk.
According to the study, nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines found in processed foods and even pesticides can play a role in the development of age related diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes. According to the research, these substances can break down insulin resistance and damage DNA, resulting in an increased risk for these illnesses.
Of course, exercising and eating well will still help Rhode Island seniors to fortify themselves against potential disease and illness but as it turns out, there are some things that may just be out of control as they are present in the environment.
Sources:
1. Medical News Today
July 29, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Senior Activities in Rhode Island, Senior Health and Nutrition in Rhode Island | Tagged: Aging adults, Resistance training exercises, Rhode Island senior women
Q "I've always felt that resistance training will benefit my mom who suffers from osteoporosis, but she seems to have the perception that weight and strength training is just for the body builder types who want to become stronger and build muscle. Tell me that there really are benefits to senior women so I can convince her it is a good idea, despite her misconceptions.
A- Resistance [strength] training is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or reason for doing it. Senior women don't need to have aspirations to become body builders or build large muscle mass in order to benefit from resistance training, which has the following benefits to people of their age and sex:
- Increases bone density
- Improves muscular strength and endurance
- Improves sensitivity to insulin, preventing diabetes
- Helps with cholesterol control by increasing HDL [good] cholesterol and decreasing LDL [bad] cholesterol
- Can improve emotional well-being
- Decreases intra-abdominal adipose tissue in healthy older women
- Helps to control potential fat gain and associated complications
Sources:
1. Suite101
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
July 27, 2009 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Senior Activities in Rhode Island, Senior Health and Nutrition in Rhode Island | Tagged: Aging adult activities, Aging concerns, Rhode Island senior health
There's no denying that getting older is stressful; as we age we cope with many anxieties and uncertainties that can go hand in hand with changes in health, loss of loved ones and changes in lifestyle that can make seniors feel like they're out of control. But stress doesn't have to be a natural result of aging that Rhode Island seniors accept; with some simple methods, such as exercise, stress and anxiety can be reduced. It's important that seniors keep some simple techniques in mind when beginning an exercise program to ensure that it reduces their stress level and improves their health, without being an additional source of anxiety.
- Always choose activities that are enjoyable, otherwise seniors will grow to resent being physically active
- Avoid activities that are competitive to avoid creating natural tension. Seniors don't need to do activities solo, but they should make sure that they avoid competitive sports and other physical activities that make them feel like they want to win
- Aerobic and anaerobic exercises can both help reduce stress. Seniors should incorporate 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise into their routines 3-5 days per week, and also try resistance training
- Don't begin any activity without clearance from a doctor or assistance from a fitness professional. Seniors who worry that by completing physical activities incorrectly they will injure themselves, or are concerned about the affects upon their health can make sure these stressors are avoided.
Sources:
1. Suite 101
2. Mayo Clinic
