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We all know a balanced diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and healthy eating is even more important for senior citizens. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients. We require more protein to maintain muscle mass. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D becomes increasingly important to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. Additionally, many seniors struggle to manage chronic conditions, and healthy eating can go a long way to help. Eating right can also help support your immune system, prevent illness, improve brain health, and reduce inflammation.
These nutritional tips and delicious recipes will make healthy eating as a senior citizen even easier!
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these simple tips to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and fueling your body.
Now that you’ve got some basic nutrition tips, let’s check out some delicious recipes that make healthy eating for seniors easy!
Ingredients:
Greek yogurt (plain or flavored)
Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Granola or chopped nuts
Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola or nuts.
Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup if desired.
This parfait is a great option for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast, cut into cubes
Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions, cherry tomatoes)
Cooked rice or quinoa
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Brush the marinade over the skewers and let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
Grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Serve the skewers over cooked rice or quinoa for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
Whole wheat tortilla
Cooked black beans (canned or cooked from dry)
Sliced avocado
Sliced bell peppers
Chopped lettuce or spinach
Sliced carrots
Sliced cucumbers
Salsa
Lay the tortilla flat and layer black beans, avocado, and veggies in the center.
Drizzle with salsa.
Roll up the tortilla, tucking in the sides to create a wrap. Cut in half if desired.
Ingredients:
2 slices whole grain bread
1/2 cup hummus (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup mixed grilled or roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, red onion, etc.)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup fresh spinach or arugula
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your grill or oven.
Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill the vegetables or roast them in the oven until they’re tender and slightly charred. Set aside.
Toast the slices of whole grain bread if desired.
Spread a generous layer of hummus on one slice of bread.
Layer the grilled or roasted vegetables on top of the hummus.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the vegetables.
Top with fresh spinach or arugula for added greens.
Serve the grilled veggie and hummus sandwich with a side salad or some baked sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
This sandwich is not only packed with protein from the hummus and feta cheese, but it’s also loaded with fiber and essential nutrients from the vegetables and whole grain bread. It’s a great option for a filling and nutritious lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize the vegetables and add your favorite seasonings to make it even more flavorful.
Ingredients:
Whole wheat or high protein pasta
Broccoli florets
Walnuts or pine nuts
Fresh basil leaves
Garlic, minced
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender.
In a food processor, blend walnuts, basil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle in olive oil while blending to make a pesto sauce.
Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce and cooked broccoli.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
This pasta recipe offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Baby spinach
Crumbled feta cheese
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat the oven.
Cut a pocket in the side of the chicken breast.
Stuff the pocket with baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the chicken on both sides.
Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake until cooked through.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
The chicken breast, spinach, and feta offer a balance of fiber, protein, calcium, and vitamin D. This makes it a delicious, filling, and nutritious meal!
With these nutrition tips and delicious recipes, you’ll find healthy eating for seniors easier than ever. Having trouble managing your health? Consider senior living! Tour a senior living community near you today. Or call The Gallery at Broomfield at 303-656-3738 to learn more.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a senior can make for their health. Smoking poses severe risks, especially for older adults, but quitting can lead to significant improvements in eye health and overall well-being. If you have a senior loved one who smokes, be prepared to support them as they give up the habit. The Impact of Smoking on SeniorsSmoking affects everyone's health, but the impact is even more critical for seniors. It exacerbates conditions like heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues. The risk of developing some types of cancer also increases significantly with prolonged smoking.Specific Effects on Eye HealthSmoking can damage the eyes. It raises the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. Maintaining good eye health is essential for seniors to continue enjoying their independence and quality of life.Overall Benefits of Quitting Smoking at Any AgeIt's never too late to quit smoking. The health benefits begin almost immediately. After quitting, blood pressure drops, and lung function improves. Long-term benefits include a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and eye diseases. Quitting smoking adds valuable, healthy years to a senior's life.How Caregivers Can HelpQuitting smoking is tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for seniors who may have smoked for many years. Nicotine addiction, established habits, and the fear of change are barriers that caregivers must understand and address. Fortunately, there are several practical ways caregivers can assist.Creating a Smoke-Free EnvironmentCaregivers can start by making the home smoke-free. Remove ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes. Encourage the senior to replace smoking habits with healthier activities.Encouraging Healthy Habits and RoutinesPromote healthy habits like walking, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Physical activities can help reduce cravings and improve overall health.Providing Distractions and Alternative ActivitiesHelp seniors find alternative activities to occupy their time and mind. Puzzles, reading, gardening, or spending time with family and friends can serve as excellent distractions from the urge to smoke.Emotional Support and EncouragementEmotional support is crucial for seniors trying to quit smoking. Knowing that someone believes in their ability to quit can make a tremendous difference. Celebrate every small victory, whether it's one smoke-free day or a week. Small rewards can motivate seniors to keep going.Being Patient and UnderstandingUnderstand that quitting smoking is a process. Be patient and offer a listening ear without judgment.Resources for Smoking CessationNational resources like the National Cancer Institute's Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provide free support and valuable information. Guide seniors in accessing these resources. Help them schedule appointments, join online communities, or download helpful apps.Encourage seniors to talk to their healthcare providers about quitting smoking. Doctors can offer medical advice, prescribe medications, and refer them to support programs.Let Us Help You Foster Senior HealthQuitting smoking brings immense benefits for seniors, enhancing their health and quality of life. Caregivers can help and encourage their loved ones through this challenging process. If you have a senior loved one who needs more help at home, including support as they stop smoking, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We're here to support families in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont through professional senior care services. Let's work together to help our seniors lead healthier, happier lives.
Gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, or Aging ParentsIts no secret that shopping for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an older parent, can be difficult. A life well lived also means theyve probably acquired everything they need for their day-to-day tasks. Do they really need another stock pot, blanket, or screwdriver? Probably not. And those kinds of gifts are BORING with a capital B. Why not find something thats new AND solves a problem?How do you buy a gift for a senior who already has everything?The trick is to find a present that adds value and independence to their life. As we age, things that we took for granted in our youth become much harder as the years pass on.One such example that many seniors struggle with is the simple task of clipping fingernails. The standard fingernail clipper hasnt changed for over 70 years. Its small and requires a surprising amount of vision and dexterity.Now imagine youre a senior with advancing arthritis or decreasing vision and what used to be a simple task is now a lot more difficult. Maybe you have MS or Parkinsons and fine motor dexterity is an everyday challenge. Or perhaps youre fully capable of clipping your own nails, but want additional convenience. Or maybe youre a caregiver and clipping fingernails is low on your priority list. Any way you look at it, theres no right or wrong reason to want a bit of independence.In fact, there are over 50 million people in the US alone who have limited dexterity, strength, or vision. And tens of millions more who dislike the messy and annoying process of clipping fingernails. If your parent or grandparent needs help, theyre certainly not alone.Get them something that makes their life easier.Introducing the ClipDifferent Pro: the easiest-to-use nail clipper on the planet. Its easily one of the best gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an aging parent.The ClipDifferent Pro is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind, automatic fingernail clipper that safely trims fingernails with the simple touch of a button. Its effortless, safe, leaves no mess, and is built to last.It includes FREE SHIPPING and a FULL GUARANTEE!It uses a bit of science, a bit of magic, and a few top-secret components that elevate the act of fingernail clipping from boring to holy cow!.Put simply, the ClipDifferent Pro utilizes a high-capacity, rechargeable NiMH battery to power a finely-tuned, patent-pending trimming mechanism manufactured with surgical grade stainless steel, to create the most seamless, clean, and nearly effortless fingernail clipping experience youve ever had. Dont Just Take Our Word For It Heres What Others Are Saying The ClipDifferent Pro is so simple and easy to use! Rollie Rodgers (Korean War Veteran and Living with Parkinsons) It gives me one more way to be independent. Rick Zeidler (Vision Loss) Ive won the war but its these day-to-day battles that we have to deal with. Rick Ebner (Living with MS) I think anyone will find the Pro fabulousespecially those who have challenges with fine motor skills. Geno Mucciacciaro (Disabled Veteran with Neurological and Central Nervous System Issues) Once you see the Pro work, its hard to go back to the old way of clipping your nails. Butch Donohue (Amputee/Limb Loss) Every home needs to have one of these! Tamara S. (Home Health Care Advisor) I need to buy one of these for my husband! Velma Hagar Ristaino (Author, Inspirational Speaker)
What does self-care mean to you? Self-care is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Self-care can be small acts, such as your nightly skincare routine, or brushing your hair and teeth in the morning. Self-care can also be something like exercise, which takes a little bit more thought and effort, but in the end pays off big time. The list of benefits that exercise has to your mental health is long and truly amazing. Helpguide.org lists some of those benefits as:Depression: Studies show that exercise can treat mild cases of depression just as well as medication, but without all of the side effects that typically turn people away from these types of medication. Physical movement promotes many changes in the brain like reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calmness.Stress and Anxiety: The way that stress and anxiety can affect the way your body feels, is truly something to think about. Getting up and moving can relieve the tensions of stress that your body may be holding onto.PTSD and Trauma: There is evidence showing that when you really focus on your body and how it feels as you exercise, your nervous system becomes unstuck and can move away from the stress response of immobilization that comes as a PTSD response. Some other benefits that come with exercise are better sleep, more energy, higher self-esteem, and sharper memory. The best part is, that these efforts that we can make to have better self-care do not have to be overthought. Incorporating exercise into your self-care routine can be as simple as starting small. There is no need to have a big goal of being able to lift crazy weights or go for mile-long runs. Begin with fitting in a couple of 15-minute walk breaks into your workday. This is not only a great way to start getting some physical movement in, but it also can increase productivity when you return to your tasks. Finding activities you enjoy and setting realistic goals are key to making exercise a sustainable part of your routine. Remember, self-care is about prioritizing your well-being, and it's important to do what works best for you. A great way to start practicing more self-care habits is to first look at your current habits. Are there some that could be removed? One that could be modified to be either a little harder or easier? Once you do that, you can easily reflect on what self-care needs you personally have, and then can find a way to fit them into your day-to-day life. I like to write these practices down in my planner so that I have reminders to create time for them, as I know its important for me to do. Now, we at ClipDifferent are by no means physical training experts, but we have a couple of things that have worked for us to better create a self-care routine. Here are tips from the ClipDifferent team:I like to have it in my head that I want to work out every day. I often wake up and look at my day and then try to decide when I can fit in an hour to move! But the other part of this is something that I stay true to even more than just planning to exercise. And that is to not beat myself up on the days that I just couldnt find the time. I know that there will always be tomorrow, and I can push myself a little bit harder for the lost time.Modify! If I had planned that I was going to get to the gym after a long day of work, and I come home just far too tired to get there I often opt for a walk outside instead of an intense gym session, just so that I am at least moving my body. Half the time, once I do this I come back in the mood to pump out some extra movements like squats or lifting dumbbells.I love to reward myself. Getting into the habit of exercise is hard, but so worth it. I often like to reward myself on those days that I really was not in the mood, but did it anyway. One thing to note, is that I try not to make a habit of this. It can be expensive and not always the healthiest. (Grabbing a latte every day after the gym will add up!) As you reflect on your own self-care journey, consider the power of starting small and being flexible in your approach. By examining your current habits and making intentional adjustments, you can tailor your self-care routine to suit your individual needs and preferences. Whether it's modifying your workout plans, setting realistic goals, or incorporating innovative solutions like ClipDifferent for nail care, the key is to find what works best for you and stick with it.Above all, be kind to yourself throughout the process. Self-care isn't about perfectionit's about progress and self-compassion. So, celebrate your successes, learn from setbacks, and remember that every step you take towards prioritizing your well-being is a step in the right direction. With dedication, mindfulness, and a commitment to self-care, you can cultivate a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Our senior apartments have been designed to be the largest and most spacious in the area. We are prepared to provide Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Respite services. Our community environment is designed to be rich in daily activities, with all day restaurant-style dining, graciously appointed interiors and apartment styles. Our senior housing and Assisted Living environment provides full-service senior living with resort-style amenities in the heart of Broomfield, serving Broomfield, Erie, and the surrounding communities. Every inch of our charming apartments are designed for seniors and include light housekeeping, same-day maintenance responses, and month-by-month contracts. If you or your loved one is looking for a safe place to call home that also offers resort-style amenities, Broomfield may be the perfect fit.We cant wait for you to see for yourself!
Our senior apartments have been designed to be the largest and most spacious in the area. We are prepared to provide Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Respite services. Our community environment is designed to be rich in daily activities, with all day restaurant-style dining, graciously appointed interiors and apartment styles. Our senior housing and Assisted Living environment provide full-service senior living with resort-style amenities in the heart of Broomfield, serving Broomfield, Erie, and the surrounding communities. Every inch of our charming apartments is designed for seniors and include light housekeeping, same-day maintenance responses, and month-by-month contracts. If you or your loved one is looking for a safe place to call home that also offers resort-style amenities, Broomfield may be the perfect fit.We cant wait for you to see for yourself!
Our senior apartments have been designed to be the largest and most spacious in the area. We are prepared to provide Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Respite services. Our community environment is designed to be rich in daily activities, with all day restaurant-style dining, graciously appointed interiors and apartment styles. Our senior housing and Assisted Living environment provide full-service senior living with resort-style amenities in the heart of Broomfield, serving Broomfield, Erie, and the surrounding communities. Every inch of our charming apartments is designed for seniors and include light housekeeping, same-day maintenance responses, and month-by-month contracts. If you or your loved one is looking for a safe place to call home that also offers resort-style amenities, Broomfield may be the perfect fit.We cant wait for you to see for yourself!