Holiday Stress and Seniors

Maintaining heart health becomes increasingly necessary as we get older. Throughout our lives, our hearts work tirelessly to support our bodies. In our senior years, it becomes dire that we provide them with the best care possible. A well-balanced diet keeps our hearts healthy. Learn to choose the right foods that can help manage weight, improve cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure.The Need for Heart-Healthy NutritionTo maintain heart health, certain nutrients are particularly beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fatty fish, are great for reducing inflammation and lowering heart disease risk. Fiber, abundant in whole grains and fruits, helps regulate cholesterol levels. Antioxidants, present in various fruits and vegetables, combat damage in the body caused by free radicals. A balanced diet rich in these nutrients can significantly benefit seniors, helping to maintain both heart health and overall well-being. However, seniors often face dietary challenges, such as decreased appetite, culinary limitations, or restricted access to fresh groceries, making it necessary to find helpful ways to incorporate them into the diet.Specific Heart-Healthy Foods to EatIncorporating foods rich in essential nutrients can strengthen heart health. Fatty fishlike salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart function. Whole grains, such as oats and brown rice, are packed with fiber, aiding in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them indispensable to a heart-healthy diet. When shopping, choose fresh, vibrant produce and whole foods. Farmers' markets or grocery stores in the Fort Collins area often have seasonal fruits and vegetables that are both fresh and affordable.Easy Heart-Healthy RecipesAdding heart-healthy foods to your diet doesn't have to be complicated. Below are some simple and nutritious recipes to get started:Salmon Salad: Mix canned salmon with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Add diced cucumber, tomatoes, and a handful of spinach. Serve on whole-grain bread for a quick, nutrient-rich meal.Oatmeal With Berries: Cook oats in water or milk. Top with fresh or frozen berries and a sprinkle of nuts for a fiber-packed breakfast.Vegetable Stir-Fry: Saut your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots in a bit of olive oil. Add tofu or chicken for protein and serve over brown rice.These recipes are designed to be straightforward, requiring minimal preparation and cooking skills. Planning meals in advance can also help seniors or their caregivers prepare heart-healthy dishes throughout the week.Tips for Incorporating Heart-Healthy FoodsGradually introducing heart-healthy foods is a manageable way to transform your diet. Swap processed snacks for fresh fruits or nuts, and focus on balanced, smaller portions. Practice mindful eatingtake your time while eating to aid digestion and increase satisfaction. When dining out, opt for grilled, baked, or steamed options, and ask for dressings and sauces on the side to manage portion sizes and sodium intake.Building Heart-Healthy Habits for the FutureAdopting heart-healthy eating habits doesnt have to be overwhelming. With simple changes, seniors can significantly improve their heart health and overall vitality. Choosing nutrient-rich foods and sticking to manageable meal plans can make a lasting difference in well-being.At Senior Helpers Greeley, we are committed to assisting seniors and their families in adopting heart-healthy habits. If you reside near Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Wellington, or Windsor, contact us for personalized advice and support on maintaining a heart-friendly diet. Let's work together for a healthier heart and a healthier life! For more information, please call 970-344-9486.

Odor its a touchy subject, especially when it comes to the scents that may be associated with humans and the aging process. Some have asked the question: Do older people really smell different?As it turns out, a significant amount of research has been done on the subject with mixed conclusions.What You Need to Know About NonenalSometimes when visiting senior care facility or an older adults home, you may notice a musty, grassy, or greasy odor. While some have inaccurately linked this scent with poor hygiene, scientists have another name for it: nonenal. It is a researched condition that could be connected to the aging process.According to a study published by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, nonenal is a chemical compound that is produced when omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids on the skin are degraded through oxidation. Around age 40 in both men and women, as the skin begins producing more fatty acids, its natural antioxidant defenses begin to deteriorate. Hormonal changes like menopause in women can contribute to this chemical process as well.Not Everyone AgreesIn a New York Times column, essayist Ann Bauer discovered disagreement among researchers about this issue. Bauer noted that in 2001, Japanese researchers first discovered this unsaturated aldehyde called 2-nonenal that is more concentrated on the skin of older people.The Japanese study was confirmed by Johan Lundstrom, who used study samples from the underarms of people from the ages of 20 to 95 and presented them to 41 participants who ranked them on intensity and unpleasantness. Dr. Lundstrom and his co-authors found that participants were able to correctly assign age labels to body odors originating from old-age donors, but not to body odors originating from other age groups.But George Preti, a 74-year-old analytical organic chemist, says his studies did not match the results found by either the Japanese group or Dr. Lundstroms team. Dr. Pretis team used upper back and forearm samples and submitted them to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, concluding that no method of analysis revealed the presence of 2-nonenal in older subjects.Old people actually smell less than younger ones, Dr. Preti said. Unless you go to a nursing home, where there are hygiene issues in the mix, youre not going to find this musty, unpleasant odor everyone is talking about.The scientists do agree that people with chronic diseases are more likely to give off odor no matter what their age, according to Bauer. Dr. Preti attributed this more to diet, metabolism, and self-care. Dr. Lundstrom credited the possibility which he is in the process of investigating that ongoing inflammation leads to odorous cell decay.Tips to Keep Things FreshRegardless of what causes scents around older adults and their homes, experts do agree that there are ways to keep aging adults and their houses smelling fresh.Keep fresh air flowing through the house.Open windows periodically to let clean air in. Good ventilation can help prevent stale air from hanging around a house.Clean the House.Check the home for spoiled or expired food and ensure bedding is regularly washed. Wash clothing after each wearing and air out shoes. Use these tips to keep a senior's house clean and address hoarding if that's an issue. Practice good bodily and dental hygiene.Floss and brush teeth, gums, and tongue daily, and follow guidelines for proper denture care. Make sure that bathing is happening several times a week. Encourage sponge baths on those days when a full shower isn't scheduled. Hydrate.Drinking plenty of water can help cleanse the body of odor. Refresh and repack old items.Old clothing and paper can carry a musty smell. Wash clothing, then store between dryer sheets. Put dried lavender in breathable cotton or linen bags and add them to storage containers. Set an open box of baking soda on closet floors or hang a bag of cedar chops in closets. It may be difficult for some older adults to follow the healthy routines mentioned above if they are dealing with illness or other issues. Know the signs that an aging adult may need more help around the house.

Warmer weather is a great invitation to enjoy the outdoors and nature. 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. 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 by calling (970) 241-8818 References Centers 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 Healthline The Causes and Symptoms of Dehydration in Older Adults