Helping Families Cope with Changes That Come with Aging

As we age, our nutritional needs changebut the importance of eating well never does. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help older adults maintain energy, support brain function, strengthen bones, manage chronic conditions, and boost immunity. Healthy eating doesnt have to be complicated, its about making small, consistent choices that nourish the body and promote overall well-being.Here are some practical and easy-to-follow healthy eating tips tailored to older adults: 1. Focus on Nutrient-Dense FoodsAs metabolism slows with age, the body needs fewer calories but more nutrients. Prioritize foods that pack a nutritional punch without empty calories. Choose fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors for a range of vitamins and antioxidants. Opt for whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread for fiber and sustained energy. Include lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, eggs, beans, and fish. Add healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fishlike salmon. 2. Watch Portion SizesOlder adults often need fewer calories than they did in their younger years. Be mindful of portion sizes and aim to listen to your bodys hunger and fullness cues. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage appetite and blood sugar levels. 3. Stay HydratedDehydration is common in seniors because the sense of thirst often decreases with age. Make a habit of drinking water regularly throughout the day, even if you dont feel thirsty. Flavor water with fruit slices or herbs for variety. Limit caffeine and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate or add empty calories. Include hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, and soups. 4. Prioritize Bone HealthAs bones naturally lose density over time, its important to consume enough calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength. Choose low-fat dairy products, fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens, and canned salmon with bones. Talk to your doctor about whether a vitamin D supplement is right for you, especially if you spend limited time in the sun. 5. Limit Added Sugar and SaltToo much sugar and sodium can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Read food labels and aim for low-sodium and no-added-sugar options. Season meals with herbs, spices, or lemon juice instead of salt. Swap sweets for naturally sweet fruits like berries, apples, or grapes. 6. Eat Fiber-Rich FoodsFiber supports digestion, helps prevent constipation, and can lower cholesterol levels. Include beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your meals. Gradually increase fiber and drink plenty of fluids to help your body adjust. 7. Dont Skip MealsSkipping meals can lead to dips in blood sugar, fatigue, and overeating later in the day. Try to eat regular meals and snacks to maintain steady energy and avoid nutrient deficiencies. 8. Pay Attention to Dental HealthDental problems can make chewing difficult, which may lead to avoiding healthy foods. Choose softer, easy-to-chew options like: Cooked vegetables Soft fruits (bananas, applesauce) Ground or shredded meat Smoothies, soups, and stews If you wear dentures or experience mouth pain, talk to your dentist about comfortable food options. 9. Enjoy Your MealsEating should be a pleasant and social experience. Make mealtime enjoyable by: Sharing meals with family, friends, or neighbors Trying new recipes or healthy versions of favorite dishes Eating in a well-lit, calm environment At Avondale Care Group of Pennsylvania our services are fully customizable, allowing us to create a care plan that perfectly matches your personal routines and preferences.

Summer can be one of the most joyful seasons for seniors, offering opportunities for movement, connection, and fun. By choosing the right activities and staying mindful of heat and hydration, older adults can enjoy everything the season has to offersafely and comfortably.Summer offers the perfect opportunity for seniors to enjoy the outdoors, soak up some vitamin D, and stay socially and physically active. However, rising temperatures and increased sun exposure can also bring unique risks, especially for older adults. With a bit of planning and awareness, seniors can make the most of the season while prioritizing safety and well-being.Here are some enjoyable and safe summer activities for seniors: 1. Morning or Evening WalksWalking is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors. During the summer, its safest to walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat. Local parks, botanical gardens, or shaded trails offer refreshing scenery and a chance to connect with nature.Tip: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and breathable clothing, and bring water to stay hydrated. 2. GardeningGardening provides gentle physical activity and can be a therapeutic hobby. Whether its tending to flowers, vegetables, or herbs, it allows seniors to be outside while staying in control of their environment.Tip: Use raised garden beds to reduce strain on joints, and aim for shaded gardening times to avoid heat stress. 3. Outdoor PicnicsGathering with family or friends for a picnic is a great way to enjoy warm weather without exertion. Seniors can bring a comfortable chair and enjoy a meal, music, or a game of cards under a shaded tree or pavilion.Tip: Choose locations with accessible seating and restroom facilities. 4. Water Aerobics or SwimmingSwimming and water-based activities are ideal for seniors because theyre easy on the joints and help with mobility and flexibility. Many community centers offer senior-friendly aquatic programs in the summer.Tip: Always swim in supervised areas and wear water shoes to avoid slips and falls. 5. Outdoor Arts and CraftsFor those who love being creative, setting up a shaded table for painting, sketching, or crafting outdoors can be relaxing and inspiring. This combines artistic expression with the calming influence of nature.Tip: Use portable umbrellas or tents to create a cool, shaded workspace. 6. Farmers Markets and Outdoor FairsExploring a local farmers market is a pleasant way to get some light exercise while supporting local growers. Seniors can sample fresh produce, enjoy live music, and engage with their community.Tip: Go early in the day and use a rolling cart or bag to make carrying purchases easier. 7. Bird Watching or Nature ObservationBird watching can be both calming and mentally stimulating. A pair of binoculars and a local field guide can turn a simple outing into an enjoyable and educational experience.Tip: Choose a quiet, shady spot with seating and bring a journal to record observations. 8. Attend Outdoor Concerts or MoviesMany communities host free or low-cost concerts and movies in the park. These events offer great social opportunities and entertainment in a relaxed, outdoor setting.Tip: Bring a chair with good back support, a fan or mister, and snacks to stay comfortable. Safety Tips for Summer Fun Hydration is Key: Older adults may not feel thirsty as often, so its important to drink water regularly. Dress for the Weather: Light, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat help protect against heat. Use Sun Protection: Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and confusion. If any of these occur, seek shade and medical attention immediately.

Why is Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effective for Stroke Recovery ?Throughout her esteemed career as a board-certified neurological physical therapy specialist, lecturer and researcher, Kay Wing, PT, DPT, NCS, has always been interested in new technology that has the potential to benefit stroke survivors in her practice, SWAN Rehab (Phoenix, Arizona). When she learned about the Vivistim Paired VNS System, Wing was eager to enroll stroke survivors in the clinical trial based on the research supporting vagus nerve stimulation for ischemic stroke recovery. The results are clear; stroke survivors who participate in paired vagus nerve stimulation in conjunction with their physical therapy improve their hand and arm mobility two to three times more than those who had physical therapy alone. In this post, Wing explains how the FDA-approved Vivistim System works and why its a gamechanger for stroke recovery.By Kay Wing, PT, DPT, NCSWhat is the Vivistim Paired VNS System?The FDA-approved Vivistim Paired VNS System is a vagus nerve stimulation device that stroke rehabilitation therapists pair with rehabilitation exercises to help improve outcomes (or gains) for stroke survivors even years after theyve had a stroke, potentially generating two to three times more hand and arm function for ischemic stroke survivors than therapy alone.The small pacemaker-like device is placed just under the skin in the upper left chest area during an outpatient procedure. Soon after, the stroke survivor will begin physical or occupational therapy. The therapist will have the stroke survivor repeatedly perform specific rehabilitation exercises designed around each persons specific needs and goals to help them improve their function. During these exercises, the therapist will be sending signals to the persons Vivistim device to send a pulse through the vagus nerve to the brain that helps tell the brain what to relearn.This highly repetitious pairing of vagus nerve stimulation with stroke rehabilitation helps to increase what is known as neuroplasticity , the process of engaging other undamaged parts of the brain to take over the work that had previously been done by the parts of the brain damaged in the stroke.Surviving an Ischemic StrokeAbout 60% of stroke survivors experience persistent upper limb issues for 6 months or more. This fact has both inspired and challenged me personally and professionally. My grandfather survived a stroke when I was in high school but never fully recovered. The feeling that more couldve been done for my grandfather to regain function has guided me throughout my career specializing in neurological physical therapy. The passion that inspired me to open my private practice clinic, Southwest Advanced Neurological Rehabilitation (SWAN Rehab), 25 years ago has consistently been reinvigorated throughout my career as technology evolves and new medical devices are developed that make stroke rehabilitation more effective.My goal is to help stroke survivors experience a better quality of life, especially as it helps them regain the ability to do activities of daily life, such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, cooking or enjoying a meal. Beyond that, I know its equally as important for stroke survivors to get back to the hobbies that are important to them.Like Joe, who came to SWAN Rehab through Vivistim and really wanted to be able to play his guitar again, restore his antique cars, swing a hammer, squeeze a screw gun and pull a tape measure for his construction projects.Kay performing Joes first assessment.Getting Back to Doing What You LoveThe Vivistim Paired VNS System enabled our SWAN Rehab team to help make these gains, that were so important to Joe, a reality. In traditional physical therapy, we concentrate on improving motor function in the hand and arm with repetitive tasks, such as reaching, buttoning, flipping, stacking, grasping and releasing. With Paired VNS Therapy, however, we incorporate these tasks as we signal the Vivistim device to send an electrical pulse through the vagus nerve to the brain.We repeat these specific repetitive movements over and over again. This repetition is continued with a home exercise program to help achieve the large number of repetitions required to help induce neuroplasticity and relearn how to move. The Vivistim Systems repetitive simultaneous pairing of hand and arm therapy with vagus nerve stimulation is a gamechanger in helping stroke survivors get better results faster because it directly stimulates the brain.Ive seen it firsthand in my clinic. Stroke survivors engaging in traditional therapy see incremental improvement in their hand and arm function over several months. For comparison, stroke survivors who do traditional therapy in conjunction with vagus nerve stimulation get greater improvement in their affected hands and arms within just six weeks.To help Joe get back to doing the things that are important to him, we dedicated some sessions to practice picking up, grasping and using a guitar pick while his therapist signaled the vagus nerve stimulation device with each hand and arm motion. We also had him practice picking up, grasping and swinging a hammer.As a car enthusiast, Joe didnt immediately recognize the correlation between practicing opening jars or cleaning the windows in our clinic as we signaled the Vivistim device during activities that he wanted to get back to, but when he was able to get in his garage and open the gas caps on his car or wash and polish the cars, he was excited about how the benefits of Paired VNS therapy related to his personal goals.Joe will tell you, though, its not an overnight change and doesnt just happen with a couple of hours of in-clinic therapy a few days a week. The Vivistim System also requires stroke survivors to engage in stroke therapy at home, using a magnet that activates the VNS device for 30 minutes at a time while theyre cooking, washing dishes, folding laundry, playing with their children, getting dressed, or any other daily activity.Video PlFirst Success, Then ProgressFirst Success, Then ProgressIts always been my philosophy that therapy has to be challenging to keep stroke survivors motivated. I like the Vivistim Paired VNS System because it fosters this philosophy by helping stroke survivors first achieve success by completing tasks in therapy and then continuing to make progress toward their functional goals with the at-home therapy. With Vivistim, stroke survivors are actively engaged, challenged and motivated throughout the recovery process.Paired VNS Therapy is such a breakthrough medical technology for stroke rehabilitation because it helps stroke survivors improve their hand and arm function two to three times more than traditional stroke rehabilitation alone. Of the hundreds of medical devices and innovative therapy techniques Ive implemented in my practice, nothing else has been clinically proven to help stroke survivors achieve this level of improvement in such a short timeframe and in the chronic phase of stroke.If youre a stroke survivor who wants to improve your level of hand and arm mobility even if its been some time since you had your stroke, I hope my experience, Joes improvements as well as those of other stroke survivors encourage you to take the Vivistim survey to see if Paired VNS Therapy is right for you.About Kay Wing PT, DPT, NCSKay Wing, PT, DPT, NCS, is the founder of Southwest Advanced Neurological Rehabilitation (SWAN Rehab) and an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona University and A.T. Still University. As a board-certified specialist in neurological physical therapy, Dr. Wing is passionate about working with clients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries and other neurological diseases. Keen on innovation and advancing whats possible in neurological physical therapy, Dr. Wing has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and led numerous clinical trials. As such, shes won prestigious awards throughout her 40-year-career, leading her peers to regard her as an esteemed physical therapist.