Keeping Your Brain Healthy

10 Ways to Stay HydratedBeat the Heat with These HacksWe are often dehydrated before we even feel thirsty. We lose water through sweating, urinating, and breathing.  According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women should drink 11.5 cups a day, and men should drink 15.5 cups a day.Does keeping up with your fluid intake feel daunting? Read on for different ways you can stay on track from Registered Dietitian Lila Cornelio.Start Your Day with a Glass of WaterKickstart your hydration first thing in the morning with a glass of water. This can help replenish fluids lost overnight and set a good hydration habit for the day.Carry a Reusable Water BottleHaving a reusable water bottle on hand makes it easier to sip water throughout the day. Choose one that's easy to carry and holds a good amount of water to encourage regular drinking. Infuse Your Water with Fruits and HerbsAdd a burst of flavor to your water by infusing it with fruits like lemon, lime, berries, or herbs like mint and basil. This can make drinking water more enjoyable and encourage you to drink more.Eat Water-Rich FoodsIncorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries. These can contribute to your overall hydration.Set RemindersUse your phone or a hydration app to set regular reminders to drink water. This can help ensure youre drinking consistently throughout the day.Opt for Hydrating BeveragesWhile water is the best option, other beverages like herbal teas, coconut water, and electrolyte-enhanced drinks can also help maintain hydration levels, especially if youre active.Monitor Your Urine ColorA simple way to check your hydration status is by the color of your urine. Light yellow indicates good hydration, while darker urine suggests you need to drink more fluids.Stay Cool with Ice PopsHomemade ice pops made from water, fruit juice, or blended fruits can be a refreshing way to boost your fluid intake while enjoying a summer treat.Hydrate Before, During, and After ExerciseIf youre engaging in physical activities, especially outdoors, make sure to drink water before, during, and after exercise to replace the fluids lost through sweat.Limit Caffeinated and Alcoholic BeveragesCaffeine and alcohol can have a diuretic effect, leading to increased fluid loss. Balance these with plenty of water to maintain proper hydration.Hydration is crucial during the summer, as higher temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. Staying well-hydrated helps regulate body temperature, supports metabolic functions, and maintains overall health, making it essential for enjoying the season safely and energetically.-Lila Cornelio, MS, RDN, LDN is a Registered Dietitian at our Florida program, Trinity Health PACE of Pensacola. With education and expertise in public health, sports nutrition, and plant based nutrition, her passion lies in educating others how to nourish their body and mind in a fast paced world.   Mercy Life of Alabama is a PACE that offers numerous services for Seniors.  Learn more by visiting their website at: https://www.trinityhealthpace.org/alabama/mercy-life-of-alabama/.

Lifes most tender moments often involve the companionship of our beloved pets.   How many of us giggle with delight when we get to pet a rabbit or a horse or hold a bird? From morning walks with our faithful dogs to the comforting purr of a cat in our lap, these interactions bring immeasurable joy. But why should these cherished experiences fade as we age or transition to senior living? At Grand Living, we recognize the importance of preserving these connections, valuing the unique individuals we serve, and their desire for pet experiences.Fostering Bonds Between Seniors and Their PetsRemember the exhilaration of a playful romp with your dog or the contentment of your cat nestled in your lap? These feelings are timeless and transcend age. At Grand Living, we celebrate the magic of pet companionship, whether residents bring their pets or wish to experience the joys of pet interaction.A Profound Impact on Physical and Mental Well-beingThe positive rewards of pet companionship extend far beyond the surface. Studies have revealed the benefits of having a furry friend by your side. Lowered blood pressure, improved mood, reduced depression, enhanced mobility, and increased physical fitness are just a few of the positive outcomes. Remarkably, these effects linger even after the interaction ends. A single daily interaction with a pet can have lasting benefits for hours and days.Grand Living at Tower Place residents enjoy pet therapy.One of the most profound advantages of pet companionship is the sense of purpose it brings. Caring for a pet offers a continuous source of affection and attention, infusing life with meaning. At Grand Living, we understand the significance of this bond in promoting emotional well-being. The simple act of nurturing a pet fosters immeasurable positivity in a persons life.Maintaining Pet Companionship in Memory CareMemory loss can pose challenges to pet care, but at Grand Living, were dedicated to overcoming obstacles. In our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program, we strive to enrich residents minds, bodies, and spirits. Recognizing the benefits of pet companionship, we make many adaptations to penetrate through memory loss to recreate the benefits of owning a pet.Innovative Pet Therapy ProgramsLLamas visit Grand Living at Indian Creek.Our Pet Therapy programs are both diverse and heartwarming. Within our communities, dedicated staff members bring therapy dogs to interact with residents. Beyond traditional cats and dogs, we introduce residents to llamas, therapy horses, and petting zoos featuring adorable baby lambs, goats, and rabbits. Additionally, other Grand Living residents and families bring their dogs to the LUMINATIONS neighborhood for daily visits.In a creative leap, weve introduced animatronic cats and dogs to our neighborhoods. These lifelike companions purr, yap, and play, captivating residents with the same joy as real pets. These interactions create a bridge to the past, allowing residents to relive the joy of caring for and playing with pets.A Life Enriched: Championing the Joys of Senior LivingAs we grow older,  life can sometimes feel like a succession of losses. At Grand Living, we meet this challenge head-on, striving to fill the lives of our residents with warmth, happiness, and fulfillment. The power of pet companionship cannot be underestimated its a connection that transcends time and infuses our days with purpose and delight.Age is no barrier to the profound joys of pet companionship. At Grand Living, we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and their desire for pet experiences. Through our innovative programs, we ensure that the benefits of pet companionship are accessible to all, even in the face of challenges like memory loss. The warmth, love, and purpose that pets bring to our lives are boundless, and were committed to keeping that spirit alive in every step of our residents journey.

Volunteerism is not just about giving time. Volunteering in senior care is about igniting a spark a spark of connection, joy, and purpose that enriches lives on both sides of the giving equation. Learn how you can ditch the ordinary and become an extraordinary force for good in the lives of seniors. This guide discusses the benefits of volunteerism for seniors and ways caregivers can help them get involved in community service.Benefits of Volunteerism for SeniorsVolunteering can greatly boost a senior's self-esteem. It gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When they see the positive impact they're making, it can lift their spirits and improve their mental health. Feeling needed and valued can be incredibly empowering.Social connections are vital for everyone, and seniors are no exception. Volunteering offers a chance to meet new people and build friendships. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among seniors. A vibrant social life can lead to increased happiness and emotional well-being.Physical Health BenefitsStaying active and engaged through volunteer work can also benefit physical health. Movement is necessary for maintaining health, whether it's light physical activity or simply getting out of the house. Some studies even suggest that active seniors are likely to have better overall physical health.From walks around the park with fellow volunteers to light cleaning and tidying up around a community organization, there are a wealth of ways to keep seniors active while doing good for those around them. Still, seniors should always speak to their healthcare providers before starting a new fitness routine.How Caregivers Can Support Senior VolunteerismAs a caregiver, you can help seniors find the right volunteer opportunities. Match these opportunities with the senior's interests and skills. Consider what they enjoy and what they're good at. Equally important is considering their physical and cognitive abilities to ensure the volunteer work is suitable and fulfilling.One of the main barriers to volunteering is often transportation. Caregivers can arrange transportation to volunteer sites. This includes coordinating schedules and ensuring the seniors can get where they need to be. Providing logistical support, like helping with sign-ups and schedules, can make a big difference.Caregivers should offer positive reinforcement and celebrate the senior's contributions. Sometimes, seniors may have concerns or fears about starting something new. Addressing these concerns and providing the support they need can motivate them to take the first step.Get Custom Care and Support Services for Seniors TodayThe benefits of senior volunteerism are numerous, from boosting self-esteem to promoting social connections and improving physical health. Caregivers can help by identifying suitable opportunities, providing transportation, and offering encouragement. Let's strive to support our seniors in giving back to the community.If you need assistance in finding and supporting volunteer opportunities for seniors in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Windsor, and Longmont, contact us at Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We proudly provide compassionate senior care services that serve the whole person and enhance emotional and physical health.