Creative Ways for Seniors to Incorporate Steps into Each Day

Bad breath can be pretty embarrassing when youre around loved ones. For many people bad breath usually means you simply need to brush your teeth. Older adults, though, have multiple challenges and ability levels that cause their bad breath. In this post well take a look at some causes of bad breath, when to see a doctor about it, and how to prevent bad breath in older adults.Causes of Bad Breath in AdultsFor old people, bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors. This can range from the type of food you eat to certain health conditions. Some of these causes include:Dry mouth, which can be a side effect of some medicines and cancer treatments or a blocked salivary glandDifficulty to maintain oral hygiene, due to issues such as arthritisCertain foods (e.g. garlic, spices, onions, dairy, canned tuna and horseradish)Tobacco useDenturesGum diseaseDigestive, respiratory or other health problems, including diabetes and Parkinsons diseaseCertain mouth, nose and throat conditions (e.g. small stones that grow in your tonsils can be covered in microorganisms that produce odor; postnasal drip)Certain cancersMetabolic conditionsWhile knowing some causes of bad breath can be helpful, sometimes you need outside help to determine the proper cause. In that case, it is best to see a doctor or dentist. But how do you know when its the right time to see a specialist? Well review that in the next section.When to See a Doctor for Elderly Bad BreathSome older adults may be aware of their bad breath to some degree, but others are not aware at all. Since assessing bad breath can be difficult, it is advised to get the help of a close friend or family member to verify those concerns. If you have bad breath, you should take a closer look at your oral hygiene by making modifications such as brushing your teeth or flossing after meals. If bad breath persists, you should consult your dentist to see if the cause of bad breath is something more serious. The dentist may refer you to a doctor to determine the source.Now that we know more about the causes of bad breath and when to see a doctor, lets take a look at how to improve elderly bad breath on your own.How to Improve Bad Breath in ElderlyBad breath can be pretty disheartening but luckily, there are ways to improve it. Below are some steps to improve bad breath in older people.Brush your teeth. Do so at least twice a day, after meals, with fluoridated toothpaste.Avoid tobacco. This includes tobacco and chewing-based tobacco products.Rinse and gargle. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash before bed.Drink enough fluids, especially if you have a dry mouth. You can also use over-the-counter moisturizing gel.See an oral medicine specialist. They can provide care for mucosal diseases, orofacial pain conditions, oral complications of cancer therapies, salivary gland disorders, and many other conditions.Make regular visits to the dentist. They can help determine the oral causes of bad breath.To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD 

As we age, maintaining our eye health becomes increasingly important. Our eyes are precious windows to the world, allowing us to experience lifes beautiful moments and connect with our loved ones. Just as we care for our overall health, its crucial to pay attention to the well-being of our eyes. One of the most effective ways to support our vision is through a nutrient-rich diet. In this article, well explore five superfoods that can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.Leafy GreensLeafy greens, like spinach, kale, and collard greens, are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that protect your eyes. Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which filter harmful light and protect eye cells. Kale offers more than 200% of your daily vitamin A, essential for retina health, while collard greens are high in vitamin K, which may reduce macular degeneration risk.Ways to add them: Toss spinach or kale in smoothies Use collard greens as wraps Saut with garlic and olive oil for a side dish Omega-3 Rich FishOmega-3 fatty acids in fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel support retina health and reduce inflammation. Salmon is rich in DHA and EPA, which are key for retinal structure. Sardines, small but powerful, provide omega-3s, vitamin B12, and calcium. Mackerel also contains selenium, which protects eye tissues.Ways to add them: Grill salmon with vegetables Make a sardine salad Try mackerel on whole grain toast or crackers Vibrant Orange VegetablesOrange vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This helps night vision and eye structure. Carrots also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from blue light. Butternut squash is high in vitamin C and E, antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.Ways to add them: Roast sweet potato wedges Add grated carrots to salads Blend squash into soups Nuts and SeedsNuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamin E, omega-3s, and zinc. Almonds protect against macular degeneration, while sunflower seeds help fight oxidative stress. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, crucial for retina function, and walnuts offer a plant-based omega-3 alternative.Ways to add them: Add nuts to oatmeal or yogurt Sprinkle seeds on salads Make homemade trail mix Colorful BerriesBerries like blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and goji berries are packed with antioxidants that protect eye cells. Blueberries reduce cataract risk, while strawberries boost vitamin C, supporting blood vessels in the eyes. Goji berries may help reduce macular degeneration risk, thanks to their zeaxanthin content.Ways to add them: Top oatmeal with berries Blend into smoothies Snack on dried goji berries ConclusionBy adding these five superfoods to your dietleafy greens, omega-3 fish, orange vegetables, nuts and seeds, and colorful berriesyou support eye health and protect vision. A nutrient-rich diet, along with healthy habits like regular eye exams and hydration, can help you maintain clear vision for years to come. Treat your eyes with care and nourish them for a lifetime of healthy sight!  

Your brain processes over 70,000 thoughts daily, yet many people overlook the crucial connection between diet and cognitive health. The MIND diet emerges as a scientifically proven eating plan that specifically targets brain wellness and memory preservation. Combining the best elements of Mediterranean and DASH diets, this innovative approach has shown remarkable results in protecting cognitive function. This guide explores the core principles of the MIND diet, its brain-boosting foods, and practical implementation strategies. Youll discover how this evidence-based eating plan can fit into your daily routine, regardless of your lifestyle or cooking experience.What is the MIND Diet?Initially developed at Rush University Medical Center, the MIND diet emerged from extensive research led by nutritional epidemiologist Dr. Martha Clare Morris in 2015 1. The name stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, reflecting its roots in two established dietary patterns 2.Origins and developmentThe creation of the MIND diet stemmed from years of research examining the relationship between food, nutrients, and brain function. Dr. Morris and her team at Rush University analyzed data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, which tracked older adults free of dementia at enrollment 3. Their groundbreaking research demonstrated that participants who strictly followed the diet reduced their risk of Alzheimers disease by 53%, while those who adhered moderately still saw a 35% decrease 4.Key principlesThe MIND diet centers around 15 dietary components ten brain-healthy food groups and five to limit 3. The daily recommendations include: Three or more servings of whole grains One serving of leafy greens plus one other vegetable Olive oil as the primary cooking fat Five weekly servings of nuts Four weekly servings of beans Two weekly servings each of berries and poultry One weekly serving of fish 5 Furthermore, the diet limits red meat, butter, cheese, pastries, and fried foods to maintain optimal brain health 3.How it differs from other dietsWhile both Mediterranean and DASH diets support cognitive function through cardiovascular benefits, the MIND diet uniquely targets brain health 3. Notably, it differs by emphasizing specific foods known to boost cognitive function, particularly berries and leafy greens 4. The MIND diet also provides more flexible guidelines compared to its parent diets, making it more practical for daily implementation 4.The diets effectiveness stems from its focus on foods rich in vitamins, carotenoids, and flavonoids that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain 3. Consequently, research has shown that individuals following the MIND diet demonstrated better cognitive functioning, larger brain volume, and higher memory scores 3.Core Foods in the MIND DietSuccessful implementation of the MIND diet relies on understanding which foods nourish your brain and which ones to minimize. The diets effectiveness stems from its precise recommendations for both food choices and serving sizes.Brain-boosting foods to eatThe MIND diet emphasizes ten essential food groups that support cognitive health. Green leafy vegetables stand at the forefront, requiring six or more servings weekly 6. A single serving equals one cup raw or half cup cooked greens.Beyond greens, the diet prescribes specific weekly targets: Whole grains: Three or more servings daily 6 Other vegetables: One-plus serving daily 6 Nuts: Five or more servings weekly 6 Beans: Four-plus meals weekly 6 Berries: Two-plus servings weekly 6 Fish: One or more meals weekly 6 Poultry: Two-plus meals weekly 6 Primarily, olive oil serves as the main cooking fat 6. These foods contain essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that maintain brain function and reduce oxidative stress 7.Foods to limit or avoidThe MIND diet identifies five specific food categories that should be restricted for optimal brain health. Red meat consumption should stay under four servings weekly 6. Moreover, butter or stick margarine intake needs to remain below one tablespoon daily 6.The diet essentially limits: Cheese to less than one serving weekly 6 Fried foods to less than one serving weekly 6 Pastries and sweets to less than five servings weekly 6 These restrictions target foods high in saturated and trans fats, which research links to cognitive decline 8. Subsequently, replacing these items with brain-healthy alternatives supports long-term cognitive function.The focus remains on nutrient-dense options rather than processed alternatives. For instance, when consuming fish, fatty varieties like salmon, sardines, and mackerel offer superior brain-boosting benefits due to their high omega-3 content 9. Additionally, berries, particularly blueberries, contain powerful antioxidants that protect brain cells 10.Getting Started with MIND DietSetting up your kitchen properly forms the foundation for successful MIND diet implementation. A well-stocked pantry, alongside the right tools and ingredients, makes daily meal preparation both efficient and enjoyable!Kitchen essentialsThe cornerstone of a MIND diet kitchen begins with high-quality oils. Extra virgin olive oil and cold-pressed avocado oil serve as primary cooking fats 15. Beyond oils, stock your pantry with whole grains like farro, quinoa, and brown rice. A properly equipped MIND diet kitchen fundamentally requires: Pantry staples: whole grain pasta, canned beans, nuts, seeds Refrigerator basics: leafy greens, berries, fresh vegetables Freezer items: frozen vegetables, fish, poultry 16 Meal planning basicsFirst, focus on incorporating the recommended weekly servings: six servings of greens, five servings of nuts, and four servings of beans 15. Second, plan your protein sources, aiming for two weekly servings of poultry and one serving of fish 7. Third, ensure daily inclusion of three servings of whole grains 6.Creating a weekly meal schedule helps maintain consistency. Start with simple recipes and gradually expand your repertoire. Batch cooking beans, proteins and whole grains saves time during busy weekdays. Store prepared ingredients in clear containers for easy access and meal assembly.ConclusionScientific evidence clearly demonstrates the MIND diets power to protect cognitive function and reduce Alzheimers risk. Though the diet requires specific food choices, its flexible guidelines make it adaptable to various lifestyles and budgets. Start with manageable changes today, and your brain will thank you tomorrow! Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. While we at Chefs for Seniors specialize in providing healthy, customizable meals, we are not medical professionals. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment plans to fit your specific needs. References[1]  https://ageonpurpose.com/5-ways-to-stick-to-your-brain-healthy-diet-in-restaurants/ [2]  https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/what-to-know-about-mind-diet [3]  https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5198 [4]  https://neurotrack.com/blog/mind-diet-on-a-budget [5]  https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2302368 [6]  https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/mind-diet/ [7]  https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/mind-diet [8]  https://www.rush.edu/news/mind-diet-ranked-no-1-brain-health [9]  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mind-diet [10]  https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290813/mind-diet-best-foods-to-eat-to-keep-your-brain-young/ [11]  https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2024/09/cognitive-decline-reduced-by-mind-diet-study-finds.html [12]  https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/healthful-diet-linked-reduced-risk-cognitive-decline [13]  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mind-diet-linked-to-lower-cognitive-decline-risk-especially-in-women [14]  https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14277 [15]  https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/mind-diet-meal-plan/ [16]  https://www.minddietliving.com/the-mind-diet-kitchen/ [17]  https://www.nch.org/news/your-shopping-list-for-brain-health/ [18]  https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/eating-healthy-for-brain-health-staying-on-budget [19]  https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-10307-9 [20]  https://www.healthline.com/health-news/mind-diet-low-cognitive-decline-risk [21]  https://www.businessinsider.com/mind-diet-longevity-brain-health-ways-to-follow-2024-2 [22]  https://www.rush.edu/news/7-mind-diet-holiday-tips