Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining health and keeping critical bodily functions working properly. Hydration can be a challenge for some seniors because seniors may have a diminished ability to sense thirst, notice changes in body temperature, and may be taking medications that have a dehydrating effect. Keeping a few tips in mind will ensure that seniors stay hydrated and continue to enjoy the activities that bring them joy.Older adults looking to stay hydrated throughout the day should try these tips to get started. Being dehydrated can cause confusion, headaches, elevated heart rate, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Seniors who think they may be dehydrated should discuss their symptoms with their doctor before changing their fluid intake. Seniors should discuss hydration with their doctor as only can a healthcare professional recommend how much water someone needs, and they can also provide guidance and tips on managing water intake. Create a schedule drinking a lot of water in one sitting can be difficult. However, creating a schedule that accounts for daily activity, physician-recommended intake levels, and the preferences of the senior can help keep hydration on track.Eat water-rich foods cucumbers, watermelon, apples, and other water-rich produce can help seniors get more fluids at mealtimes. Broth is also a good option.Make water more interesting For those that dont enjoy drinking water, adding small amounts of juice or flavoring to water can make it less boring. Popsicles are also a great optionespecially on warm days!Reduce water loss excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration keeping inside temperatures at a reasonable level, and being mindful of fluid loss during outside activities, can help seniors stay hydrated.Dont wait for thirst often, when seniors feel thirsty; they may already be dehydrated.Additional TipsCarry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.Set reminders on your phone or use a kitchen timer to prompt yourself to drink fluids.There are also water bottles available that track your fluid intake.If you find it difficult to drink plain water, consider flavored sparkling water or unsweetened tea.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers can provide support for seniors that are concerned about the issue of hydration. Our caregivers can provide transportation to healthcare appointments, assist with meal preparation and planning, and provide support for physician-prescribed hydration regimens. Our goal is to support physical and emotional care goals and to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake. Web. 2016.FamilyDoctor.org. Hydration: Why Its So Important. Web. 2017.Mayo Clinic. Dehydration. Web. 2018.WebMD. What is Dehydration? What Causes It? Web. 2019

Your brain isnt exempt from the aging process. In fact, cognitive decline technically begins as early as your thirties. But that doesnt mean you should just give in and allow time to take its toll without a fight. You can slow and, in some ways, even regain some of your cognitive health. And the simple act of regular walking can play a key role in boosting your brain power.When you hit your 30s, your working memory begins to fade so that recalling bits of information and passwords becomes more of a challenge. By the time you slide into your 40s, you begin to lose brain volume at the rate of 5% per decade. And of course, this affects memory, recall, and focus.But a recent study suggests that you can reverse the deteriorating effects of aging on your brain. The study revealed that six months of regular, brisk walking improved more than just cardiovascular fitness. It also brought improvements to the brains white matter and memory. What does this mean for you? And how does walking impact dementia and overall age-related memory loss? Heres what we know.Walking Improves White Matter and MemoryThe study compared walking to other forms of exercise such as stretching, balancing, and choreographed dancing. The participants were healthy but inactive adults, over half being female. All were over the age of 60. They had no history of dementia, stroke, or other neurological issues.Researchers established their baseline measures in areas of cardiorespiratory fitness, memory, and processing skills. They also performed an MRI to capture the function and health of existing white matter. The participants engaged in exercise three times per week for six months. The walking group took a brisk 40-minute walk each session.At the end of the study, researchers repeated the brain tests for comparison.Walking Boosts Brain Power More Than DancingWalkers and dancers had better cardiovascular health after the six months of routine exercise. And researchers also found that both groups experienced improvements in white matter. But the positive changes in the white matter of the walking group were more prevalent. According to the MRIs, certain parts of the brain were larger and lesions (indicating damage to the brain) had shrunk during the study.Researchers targeted specific regions of the brain for measurement, regions that are more susceptible to decline during aging. The research is crucial to scientists, proving that white matter is responsive to change and is essentially pliable. Deterioration at this stage isnt necessarily fixed.Walking Is Good for Your Heart and BrainOnly the walking group experienced changes in white matter that were associated with improved memory. But researchers arent sure why walking had a greater impact on white matter and memory than dancing. Similar results were expected since both activities are moderate intensity cardiovascular exercises. Its possible that the instruction the dancers received kept them from more vigorous and constant movement. This means that the key to boosting memory power is aerobic exercise, constant movement with a steady supply of oxygen.Exercise that consistently elevates your heart rate is good for your heart, and research continues to reveal that what is good for your heart is good for your brain too. Aerobic exercise increases oxygen to all parts of your bodyincluding your brain. This increased oxygen can lower high blood pressure, one of the biggest risk factors for neurological diseases and dementia. And that risk is further diminished since routine physical activity also decreases stress and improves sleep, both of which impact memory.The study is also valuable since its one of the few of its kind that was conducted as a controlled trial. Previously, most studies asked participants to report activities they were already doing rather than coming to exercise in a controlled environment.What About Gray Matter?Most of the previous studies on physical activity and cognitive decline focused on gray matter, your brains outer layer where many of your neurons are concentrated. But this research zeroed in on the lesser studies aspect of your brainwhite matter. Its found in your brain's deeper tissues. White matter includes extensions of neurons called nerve fibers. While your gray matter can be likened to a light bulb and your white matter to the electrical wiring that carries the current.Yes, gray matter is important, but to battle cognitive decline and age-related memory loss, you also need to revitalize and support the white matter that keeps everything going. We now understand why walking is powerful for your brain as it impacts both white and gray matter.Time to Start Walking for Brain HealthWhite matter is prone to degeneration whether due to healthy aging or dementia. If you want to keep your mental acuity for as long as possible, consider adding some brisk walking to your schedule at least three days per week. If youre new to exercise or walking, its okay to start small work your way up to 30-40-minute sessions. This will give you maximum impact, especially if youre only walking a few times per week.But walking benefits your health far beyond boosting brain power. Check out our article, 7 Benefits of Walking that Might Surprise You.TYE Medical offers premium incontinence products in a variety of sizes and absorbencies. Shop our online store for free and discreet shipping on all orders

As our loved ones age, ensuring their safety and well-being becomes a top priority. For many seniors, the desire to age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes is strong. However, as homes age with them, they may pose various risks and challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore foolproof strategies to make your home safe for seniors, enhancing their independence and well-being.Understanding the Importance of Senior SafetyAging comes with its own set of challenges, including decreased mobility, vision impairments, and other health concerns. It's essential to create a safe living environment that addresses these challenges and minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries. By prioritizing senior safety, we can help our loved ones maintain their independence and quality of life.Introducing Aging in PlaceAging in Place is a concept that emphasizes the ability for seniors to remain in their own homes as they age, rather than moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. This approach allows seniors to maintain their sense of independence and familiarity with their surroundings, promoting overall well-being and happiness.Identifying Home HazardsBefore implementing safety measures, it's crucial to identify potential hazards in the home. Common hazards for seniors include slippery floors, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and inaccessible bathrooms. By conducting a thorough home safety assessment, we can pinpoint areas that require attention and make necessary modifications to improve safety.Essential Home ModificationsOnce hazards have been identified, it's time to implement modifications to enhance senior safety. These modifications may include:Installing grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs to prevent fallsAdding non-slip flooring and mats in high-traffic areasImproving lighting throughout the home to reduce the risk of trips and fallsInstalling handrails and ramps for easier mobilityLowering countertops and cabinets to make them more accessibleUpgrading bathroom fixtures to include features such as walk-in showers and raised toiletsBy making these modifications, we can create a safer and more accessible living environment for seniors, allowing them to navigate their homes with confidence and ease.Leveraging Technology for SafetyIn addition to physical modifications, technology can also play a crucial role in enhancing senior safety. Smart home devices such as motion sensors, doorbell cameras, and medical alert systems can provide added security and peace of mind for both seniors and their caregivers. These technologies can help monitor for potential emergencies, provide assistance in case of falls or accidents, and allow for remote monitoring of the home.TruBlues Senior Safe SolutionsAt TruBlue, we understand the importance of senior safety and independence. That's why we offer a range of services specifically designed to make homes safer and more accessible for seniors. From home assessments and modifications to ongoing maintenance and support, we're here to help seniors age in place with confidence and peace of mind.Taking Action for Senior SafetyEnsuring senior safety in the home requires careful planning, assessment, and implementation of foolproof strategies. By identifying hazards, making necessary modifications, leveraging technology, and partnering with trusted experts like TruBlue, we can create a safe and supportive environment that allows seniors to age in place with dignity and independence. With the right approach and support, we can make our homes safer and more comfortable for our aging loved ones, ensuring their well-being and happiness for years to come.