Senior Nutrition: Top 5 Healthy Eating Tips for Older Adults

Since 2007, the Alzheimers Association has published an Alzheimers Facts and Figures report every year to raise awareness about this all-too-common disease. This comprehensive report explains the latest statistics, challenges, and breakthroughs relating to Alzheimers disease. In this way, it serves as an important resource for individuals, families, communities, and policymakers alike.At ComForCare, were passionate about Alzheimers services and education. Recently, Cindy GrayRN, certified dementia practitioner, and owner of ComForCare Orlandosat down with Kristen Moore Bennett, Health Systems Director at the Alzheimer's Association, to have a conversation about the latest edition of ALZ Facts & Figures. We wanted to break down some of the key takeaways from their discussion as they relate to older adults and their families throughout the nation. If youd like to listen to the full conversation, check out the ComForConnections podcast here.The State of Alzheimers Disease Today: Key StatisticsRight now, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease (AD), a specific brain disease that causes dementia. AD involves both a buildup of abnormal proteins and the tangling of nerve cells in the brain, known as neurons. The first neurons to be damaged are those responsible for memory, language skills, and thinking ability. As of 2019, Alzheimers disease-related dementia was the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Currently, this costs the nation about $345 billionnot to mention the unquantifiable and devastating toll it takes on our families.If no medical breakthroughs occur in the coming decades, it is estimated that the number of Americans with AD will rise to 13.8 million by 2060. Thats why continuing AD research and development is so crucial.Medical Breakthroughs in Alzheimers TreatmentDespite these challenges, there is plenty of hope to be found. Great strides have been made over the last year in researching the cause, prevention, and treatment of AD. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has now approved three disease-modifying treatments:Aducanumab (Aduhelm): a medication that reduces beta-amyloid plaques (a marker of AD), slowing the progression of Alzheimers diseaseLecanemab (Leqembi): a medication that moderately slows cognitive and functional decline by blocking the formation of new amyloid plaquesBrexpiprazole (Rexulti): a medication approved to treat agitation behaviors associated with AD dementiaBrexpiprazole was approved on May 11, 2023, making it the newest Alzheimers drug to bring hope to the millions of families affected by this disease.Unfortunately, many patients wont have access to these treatments, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) currently do not cover them. This is the first time that the CMS has declined coverage for an FDA-approved treatment. We encourage families interested in these groundbreaking treatments to talk to their legislators about expanding coverage!The Importance of Early DetectionAs research into AD medications continues to grow, so too does research into the effects and expansion of early detection methods. Experts now believe that brain changes may begin as early as 20 years before memory loss and other symptoms appear. New studies are allowing medical professionals to identify these early changes, screen for genetic markers that heighten dementia risks, and make earlier interventions.Early detection is important for a number of reasons:Access to treatments targeted toward the early stages of the diseaseAccess to clinical trials and other promising research initiativesA chance to prioritize your health & well-being to slow disease progressionMore time for financial planningMore time for Alzheimers care planningBarriers to Early DetectionUnderstanding the challenges that people face when it comes to detecting AD early is critical if we want to break those barriers down. Racial disparities: A recent study shows that Black Americans have more risk factors for AD and greater symptom severity, but have a 35% lower chance of receiving an Alzheimers or dementia diagnosis at their initial visit compared to white study participants.Disease stigma: Only 40% of Americans said they would proactively speak with their healthcare providers about AD. However, when surveyed, 70% of seniors said they would want to know if they had it. Physician reluctance & lack of training: Primary care physicians and staff can be reluctant to diagnose and assess a patients cognition due to constraints on time, knowledge, and training on the best next steps for treatment.As a nation, we need to talk about these challenges, tackling the stigmas and biases that prevent all people from receiving the services and treatment they need. Together, we can help more people set themselves up for the best possible future and optimize their remaining time with their families.The Realities of Caring for Someone with Alzheimers DiseaseIn 2022, 11 million caregivers provided 18 billion hours of unpaid services to loved ones living with AD. Eventually, the cost and stress of caretaking take their toll on family caregivers own health, relationships, and mental well-being. Thats why understanding the signs of burnout and how to obtain help for someone with AD is crucial.At ComForCare, we developed a training program for our caregivers called DementiaWise. Approved by the Alzheimers Association, this training program empowers our caregivers to not only provide world-class dementia care to their clients but also help create better days for their families.Bottom Line: Lets Talk About Alzheimers DiseaseIf youre concerned about yourself or a family member, the best thing you can do is keep talking about it! Keep exploring options and opinions from healthcare professionals, and dont be afraid to investigate early on. And if you have already received a diagnosis, dont lose hopewhile we still have much to learn about this disease, the treatment and services available is more advanced than ever before.For more information about Alzheimers disease, its signs and symptoms, and how to find the right support for your familys needs, browse our Dementia Care resources today.Find Your Perfect In-Home Alzheimers Care Solution with ComForCareComForCares DementiaWise trained in-home caregivers are here for people with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. With flexible options to fit your schedule, caregiver matching, and personalized strategies and resources to optimize health and well-being, ComForCare is leading the nation in dementia services. Contact us today to find your perfect caregiver!

If you have an aging family member, chances are high that they want to continue living at home for as long as possible. Living independently in a familiar community can have numerous benefits for older people, including greater satisfaction with their quality of life and mental health. But reaping these rewards takes careful planningafter all, a lot goes into properly caring for the elderly.For older adults to live at home safely, many require the help of family and friends, dedicated in-home caregivers, or a combination of both. If youre concerned about a loved ones ability to thrive as they age in place, this guide will help you understand some of the major factors that go into home help for the elderly. That way, you can make the best decision for you and your family.Top 5 Elder Home Care Needs to ConsiderNot every person over 65 requires every form of assistance well talk about today. However, the more planning ahead you can do, the better. As people age, the level of care they need may also change, and early preparation is key to making home a safe and healthy place for them to be. Use this guide to plan ahead and determine if youll be able to meet all of your loved ones care needs, or whether your loved one needs home care services.Mobility & Transportation ServicesIt's fairly common for older adults to face mobility problems, and there are quite a few reasons behind it. These can range from the natural changes that come with aging to ongoing health issues, changes in our senses, and the effects of certain medications. Sometimes, it's simply because we're not as active as we used to be. Some everyday mobility challenges include having a hard time walking, struggling to stand up from a chair, or difficulty reaching for objects. But maintaining mobility is vital for overall health, well-being, and self-confidence. That means caregivers may need to assist seniors with:Getting in and out of beds, chairs, cars, etc.Using mobility aids or navigating the home & outdoors in a wheelchairSafely ascending and descending stairsGoing out to medical appointments and social engagementsMaking home modifications like widening doors, installing grab bars and handrails, removing trip hazards, decluttering, improving lighting, and maintaining flooring.Planning & Making MealsAs people age, they face new challenges when it comes to getting the essential vitamins and nutrients they need. These barriers can be particularly challenging for older individuals due to factors such as age-related physiological changes, limited mobility, financial constraints, and social isolation.To help seniors overcome these barriers and maintain adequate nutrition, it is essential to provide support and resources, such as meal preparation, nutrition education, and social engagement opportunities. Family members and caregivers can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring that seniors have access to a nutritious diet. As a caregiver, you may need to:Plan and prepare meals for the weekCook nutritious and delicious mealsShop for groceries and ensure an adequate supply of healthy food optionsImplement strategies to promote adequate food and water intakeOversee mealtimes to foster safe and enjoyable eating experiencesCollaborate with healthcare providers to understand nutritional needs and avoid interactions with medications or health conditionsHousekeeping for SeniorsAs mobility needs change, so too does the ability to safely take care of many chores around the house. From lawn care to laundry, your aging loved ones may need help maintaining a clean, hygienic, and hazard-free home environment.Light housekeeping for seniors may involve assistance with tasks such as:DustingSweeping and moppingVacuumingDishesCleaning bathrooms and kitchensDoing laundry & changing bed linensTaking out the trashPersonal Care & Help with Activities of Daily LivingIf youve noticed changes in your loved ones personal hygiene or grooming habits, it may be a sign that they need home care assistance. This can be one of the most difficult aspects of family caregiving, as older adults may feel frustrated or embarrassed to ask for help. Thats where hiring a caregiver can be especially helpful.Home caregivers are trained to help seniors with personal care, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, all while upholding their dignity and sense of independence. These duties may include:ShavingDressing and undressingWashing and brushing hairUsing and cleaning continence aidsMaintaining a skincare routineKeeping up with oral hygieneMental Health & Well-BeingIf you decide to take on the role of family caregiver, youll be a vital part of their overall health and wellness. From helping them stay engaged in social activities to coordinating their care plans across different healthcare settings, youll be a critical touchpoint for their engagement. Each aspect of home care already mentioned feeds into a persons overall wellness. For many family caregivers, the attempt to do it allwhether thats medication reminders, activity planning, housekeeping, meal planning, or any combinationleaves them unable to take care of their own needs. Thats where an in-home caregiver can help.Understanding the Realities of Caregiving Sometimes, in order for your loved one to live their best life at home, outside help is the right option. Its crucial to be realistic about the full and future extent of your loved ones needsand your ability to meet them. Home care agencies like ComForCare can adapt to family caregivers, providing as much or as little assistance as required.If youd like help on certain days, for a short period of time, every day, or around the clock, ComForCare has a caregiver ready to meet those needs. We can help fill the gaps, becoming a trusted member of your loved ones care team. Many of our locations even offer remote patient monitoring for older people with chronic conditions or who simply need daily wellness check-ins.We can provide a number of services to help an older person in your life, including but not limited to:Senior housekeeping servicesBathing services for seniorsSenior companionshipDementia careShort-term care (Respite care)Geriatric care management during transitions of careGet Help Exploring Your Home Care OptionsNo two people have the same care needs, family dynamics, and personal preferences when it comes to receiving the support and services they need. Thats why ComForCare prioritizes personalized care plans, flexible scheduling, and caregiver matching. With ComForCare, you can rest assured that your loved one has the exact level of care they need, with the help of a caregiver who is truly interested in helping them thrive.If youre looking for a little extra help or full-time in-home care, we invite you to get in touch with us today! Were always here to answer your questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Find Your Perfect Caregiver at ComForCareComForCare has over 200 locations throughout North America, making it easy to find the ideal caregiver for your loved one. Since 1996, weve been providing world-class home care to people in need, helping them live their best lives in the comfort of home. Call us today to ask any questions you may have about our services, or find your nearest location to get started!

Its a new year, and that means most of us are thinking about making healthy changes. Whether you call them resolutions or not, its only natural to see this time as a perfect moment for reflecting on our health and working toward better habits. For many older adults, however, the fitness gear ads, trendy at-home workouts, and discounted gym memberships feel like theyre geared toward someone elsethat is, a much younger audience. Unfortunately, only 12.7% of people 65 or older get enough physical activity in their lives. Exercise for seniors can feel out of reach for many reasons, from health problems to mobility concerns. But it doesnt have to. There are plenty of ways to get and stay active when youre aging in place. Lets talk about some of the ways that seniors can get moving safely and improve their overall health!The Many Benefits of Exercise for SeniorsExercise has been touted as a wonder drugeven the New York Times has said as much. Even light exercise has a bevy of benefits, from improving longevity to managing chronic conditions. Getting regular physical activity can help older adults maintain their ability to perform activities of daily living, prevent illnesses and health conditions like heart disease, and improve overall quality of life. Lets take a look at some of the top reasons people over 65 shouldnt throw in the towel on fitness.Improved cardiovascular healthEnhanced strength and flexibilityWeight managementJoint healthBalance and coordinationChronic disease managementIncreased longevityBoosted mood and mental healthImproved sleep3 Exercises for Seniors of Any Age & AbilityEach of these exercises can be great for older adults. Remember to always start with a warmup,  listen to your body, and take breaks as needed. It's important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you get stronger.Sample Warm-up (5 minutes):Gentle neck rolls: Slowly roll your head in a circular motion, five times forward and five times backward.Arm circles: Extend your arms out to the sides and make small circles forward and backward, 10 times each direction.Ankle circles: Sit or stand holding onto a chair for support. Make small circles with your feet, 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise.Balance Exercises for SeniorsTo reduce the risk of falls, improving balance becomes increasingly important as we age. Thankfully, several simple yet effective exercises can help seniors improve their stability and prevent falls. Here's an example of a fun and engaging balancing exercise routine for seniors:Single-leg stand: Hold onto a chair or wall for support if needed. From a standing position, lift one leg off the ground and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Gradually increase the hold time as you get stronger. Heel-toe walk: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Take a step forward, placing your heel where your toes were from the previous step. Continue walking in this heel-toe fashion for 10-15 steps, then turn and repeat in the other direction. Marching in place: Lift your knees high as you march in place, keeping your core engaged and your back straight. Do this for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Chair Exercises for SeniorsChair exercises offer a fantastic way for seniors to keep their bodies moving and improve their overall health and well-being, all from the comfort of their own homes. Remember to use a sturdy chair, listen to your body, and take breaks as needed.Bicep curls: Sit tall at the edge of the chair. Hold a lightweight object (water bottles or soup cans work well) in each hand. Bend your elbows, bringing the weights towards your shoulders, then slowly lower them back down. Repeat 10-12 times. Shoulder shrugs: Raise your shoulders up towards your ears, hold for a second, then relax. Repeat 10-12 times. Heel raises: Sit with your feet flat on the floor. Lift your heels off the ground, squeezing your calf muscles. Hold for a second, then lower them back down. Repeat 10-12 times. Leg extensions: Sit tall with your legs extended straight out in front of you. Slowly lift one leg up as high as you comfortably can, hold for a second, then lower it back down. Repeat 10-12 times per leg. Core Exercises for SeniorsIf you havent heard by now, crunches are OUT. Instead, try these three core exercises recommended by a Harvard-affiliated physical therapist to build strength in the abdomen, back, and pelvis area.Bridges: This exercise is perfect for beginners or those with limitations. Simply lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Push through your heels and squeeze your glutes to lift your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower back down.Knee Plank: This is the most beginner-friendly type of plank. Keep your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Engage your core and draw your belly button towards your spine to maintain a straight line from your head to your knees. Hold for as long as you comfortably can, starting with 10-15 seconds.Bird-dog (a.k.a. Opposite leg and arm raise): Start on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart. Keep your back flat and core engaged as you extend one arm forward and the opposite leg back, keeping them parallel to the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.Need Help with Healthy Aging in Place? Consider In-Home CareBefore starting any new exercise routine, you should always consult your doctor and keep your well-being top of mind. If you or your loved one has limited mobility, has been diagnosed with dementia, or has other conditions that might make finding the right wellness routine challenging, now might be the time to consider at-home senior care.ComForCares senior caregivers can take care of tasks around the home that they may no longer be able to safely accomplish on their own. They can also help seniors manage chronic conditions, provide medication reminders, and perform home safety checks to ensure a safe environment. As part of their comprehensive companionship, personal care, and wellness services, they can tailor a plan to your or your loved ones needs. That could include helping navigate fitness options, coordinating talks with healthcare providers about exercise, and being there during exercise to ensure safety.Choose ComForCare: Americas Choice for In-Home Senior CareWith over 200 locations in North America, ComForCare is dedicated to person-centered care for older adults. Our flexible services can easily adapt to your familys needs, from light assistance to around-the-clock care. Help your loved one live their best life possible when you choose ComForCare. Reach out today to learn more about our services and find your perfect caregiver!