Tips for Motivating Seniors to Get More Exercise

Recent research suggests yoga can play a significant role in not only reducing the risk of Alzheimers and dementia but also alleviating symptoms and boosting quality of life. If you provide dementia care for an elderly parent, heres what you should know about the benefits of yoga.  Reverses Alzheimers-Related Memory LossFor the first time, a study published last year found that the memory loss associated with Alzheimers and dementia can be reversed. This study included yoga and meditation as part of a 36-point therapeutic program. In the small study, a comprehensive and personalized program was able to reverse memory loss in 9 out of 10 participants with memory that started to get better within 3-6 months. This program included, among other things, performing yoga to reduce stress, eliminating simple carbs, and fasting for at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Naples families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons. Exercises the BrainYoga benefits seniors with dementia because it engages different regions of the brain based on the components of yoga, such as posture, movement, breathing, and concentration. This can also stimulate neuroplasticity, or the brains ability to recover and form new connections. Its believed yoga can reduce dementia risk and slow its progression by reducing inflammation and stress hormones, which can negatively impact the regions of the brain associated with cognition and memory.Families looking for top-rated at-home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimers, dementia, stroke, and Parkinsons care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.  Lowers StressSeniors with dementia or Alzheimers are often experiencing a great deal of stress, particularly during the early stages of the disease when theyre beginning to have memory problems and become aware things arent quite right. One of the greatest and most documented benefits of yoga is its ability to reduce stress, alleviate depression, and support positive brain changes. This means regular yoga can help seniors with Alzheimers feel happier and find greater peaceand it can help caregivers manage stress, too. Seniors living with Alzheimers disease arent the only ones who can benefit from Alzheimers care. Naples families have much to gain as well, especially if theyre the ones currently providing care. Professional Alzheimers caregivers can watch over your loved one, giving you the chance to relax, focus on other responsibilities, and prevent burnout. Contact Assisting Hands Home Care today to find out how we can help you and your family.

With the cooler weather in the air, it is a great time to get outside and enjoy fall activities with friends and family. For many seniors, it may become an excuse to stay inside every day, bundle up, and read a good book or watch a favorite movie. However, becoming sedentary during this time may lead to some physical and cognitive decline. Senior living communities offer an active and engaging alternative with plenty of indoor and outdoor amenities for everyone to use so no one is cooped up inside their room all day! These amenities play an important part to your loved ones wellbeing and offer more than simply a place to spend your time. The intentional purpose they serve can enhance the quality of life for residents living in senior housing and striving to remain active. At Harmony Senior Services, we provide amenities that benefit you and your loved ones. Our communities offer so much more than nursing homes and we consciously create a space where our senior residents can socialize and gather with their neighbors. There is no better time to do this than in the fall months where football, food, and tailgating can be right in the center of the fun! Staying active and social during the cooler months are vital factors for seniors to remain both mentally and physically healthy. The colder weather can take a toll on your loved ones due to the fact that bones become more brittle as we age and finding suitable outdoor activities can be a real challenge. Harmony provides a variety of ways to enjoy fall activities with our convenient amenities and daily calendar of engaging activities for friends and family!Grilling OutsideCooking with your close friends is always something everyone loves and is entertained by. At our Harmony Senior Services communities, we offer a grilling area with outdoor seating that is a great way to socialize while eating a delicious meal. Who doesnt like a good hamburger or hotdog while watching football on the weekends? Our team is happy to assist you in planning a fun event for guests and residents to enjoy. Play an Outdoor GameEnjoying the great outdoors by playing a game is always a great way to socialize in senior housing communities. From cornhole, to bocce ball, to horseshoes, there is always something available for everyone to enjoy. If you prefer to spend your leisure time playing card games, try the idea of playing outside if the weather permits and get some fresh air! At Harmony, we have a variety of indoor and outdoor common areas to accommodate large events or more intimate gatherings. Take a WalkGetting the legs moving is always a good idea no matter the weather! For seniors, blood circulation is not as efficient as it once was during our younger years, so make sure to bundle up to stay warm while participating in outdoor aerobic activities. Our communities have plenty of dedicated spaces to walk around and explore while staying safe. Weve made it convenient for your four-legged friends as well, so feel free to bring Fido.   We understand that it is not in everyones best interest to be outdoors when the season turns cold. Thats why Harmony also has great indoor amenities that can help your loved one stay mentally and physically active inside our community.Our residents arent the only ones who benefit from Harmonys amenities and activity spaces. A family member of a current Harmony resident recently commented,They have a library, an activity room, and a small exercise room. There's also a small theater so they can watch evening movies, even though most people have cable in their rooms. It's a nice social aspect of the process, I think that's awesome.  Having purposeful amenities will play an important part in any senior housing community to keep residents engaged and thriving. Harmony Senior Services offers independent, assisted living, and memory care communities that feel more like home, are spacious and inviting, and strive to make each day filled with meaningful activities. If you are thinking of having your loved one relocate to senior living, contact Harmony today!

Savor the waning days of summer by hosting one last hurrah during Labor Day weekend. Turn your backyard into a welcoming space to celebrate Americas work hard, play hard spirit and pay homage to the many achievements of workers nationwide. Heres how to throw the ultimate Labor Day get together for your family and friends.Choose a Hardworking ThemeLabor Day, first celebrated in 1882 and declared a holiday in 1894, has a rich American history  making a red, white and blue color scheme a great traditional choice for your party theme. Another fun approach is to lean into the rule that you shouldnt wear white after Labor Day. Invite guests to wear white one last time and deck out your backyard with white table decor, streamers and balloons.Be a Grill Master Backyard relaxation is synonymous with grilling. The possibilities are endless for creating a menu thatll please diverse tastes. Start with a selection of marinated meats or the classic choice of burgers and hotdogs, served alongside grilled veggie skewers for vegetarian guests. Incorporate seasonal side dishes like grilled corn on the cob, potato salad and coleslaw. Need more inspiration? Check out some of these yummy BBQ-themed grilling options for a flavorful celebration.Add a Memorable Twist with a Signature DrinkAlong with traditional beverages (sparkling waters, sodas, wine, beer, etc.), top off your BBQ menu with a signature cocktail you can make in advance in a large batch. Some refreshing ideas include classic margaritas and watermelon mojitos, along with mocktail options like a non-alcohol frozen margarita.  And dont forget about the kiddos! Theyll get a kick out of having their own special drink like a homemade fruit punch.Pump Up the EntertainmentFor a memorable Labor Day party, consider organizing a lively trivia game centered around Labor Day facts or summer traditions, and include some small prize giveaways.  Keep the kids entertained with a craft station where they can create patriotic-themed decorations. As the sun sets, you can extend the fun with an outdoor movie screening. Cozy things up with some blankets and pillows and popcorn, of course.Take full advantage of the last long weekend of the summer with a Labor Day bash that creates a lasting memory and gives everyone some well-deserved R&R.