Ways to Improve Mental Health in Older Adults

When the vibrant colors of autumn transition into the crispness of late fall, many people enjoy the change of scenery and cooler weather. However, this seasonal shift also brings about a common concern: dry skin. For seniors, maintaining healthy skin during this time can be particularly challenging. Dry skin can lead to itching, cracking, and discomfort, making it essential to take proactive steps to protect and nourish the skin during these colder months.The Causes of Dry Skin in Late FallThe combination of cold winds and dropping temperatures outside can strip your skin of its natural moisture. When you add indoor heating to the mix, it can create a perfect storm for dry skin. Furnaces and heaters, while keeping your home warm, also reduce the humidity in the air, leading to drier skin. Seniors are susceptible to these conditions, as aging skin is already less capable of retaining moisture. Understanding these factors can help you better prepare and counteract their effects.Tips for Keeping Skin MoisturizedTaking a few simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your skin moisturized and healthy throughout late fall.Use of MoisturizersChoosing the right moisturizer helps seniors. Look for products labeled as "fragrance-free" and "hypoallergenic" to minimize the risk of irritation. Creams and ointments, rather than lotions, are generally more effective for dry skin because they contain more oil and less water. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing, when the skin is still damp, to lock in moisture. Regular application, perhaps twice a day, can help maintain a healthy barrier against the elements.Staying HydratedDrinking enough water is one of the simplest ways to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon, which have high water content. Herbal teas and broths can also contribute to your hydration goals while offering warmth during chilly days.Protective ClothingWearing the right clothing is another layer of defense against dry skin. Jackets, coats, and gloves help shield your skin from cold winds and frigid temperatures. Consider layering your clothing as well; it allows you to stay warm and maintain a comfortable temperature without overheating, which can also dry out your skin.Additional Skin Care PracticesBeyond basic moisturizing and hydration, there are several other practices that can enhance skin health during late fall. Implement a gentle skin cleansing routine. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap, and avoid hot water, which can strip the skin of natural oils. opt for lukewarm water instead to cleanse without over-drying.Be Proactive with Senior Skin Health and MoreCaring for your skin during the late fall is an aspect of overall health, particularly for seniors. By understanding the causes of dry skin and implementing these tips, you can enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin as the seasons change. If you're in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, or Longmont, and need assistance with senior care services, contact Senior Helpers Greeley. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care that helps seniors lead a vibrant, healthy life. Don't let the changes of the seasons prevent you from feeling your best; take charge of your skin health today.

Many adults across the country enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation. But as you age, your body goes through changes that affect how you metabolize alcohol, how you experience its effects, and the risk it poses to your overall health. According to studies, 3 in 10 drinks at levels that put them at risk for alcoholism, liver diseases, and other health issues caused by alcohol, and nearly 20% of this group are adults aged 60 and older. How do you think about your drinking? Do your habits place you at low or increased risk for problems? Find out below.How Alcohol Affects the Aging BodyAnalyzing how alcohol affects people, doctors use several factors including age, gender, and size. Many people are surprised to learn that what counts as one drink varies from person to person and from drink to drink. Each of the drinks below counts as a single drink:12 fl oz. of regular beer8-9 fl oz. of malt liquor5 fl oz. of wine (a standard bottle of wine contains 5 standard drinks)1.5 fl oz. of 80-proof spirits such as vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, or tequila (a fifth of liquor contains 17 standard drinks)The general rule of thumb is, the more muscle mass a person has, the more likely they are to feel stronger effects from alcohol. This is because your body stores much of its water content in your muscles, and the effects of alcohol are slowed and dispersed by the water in your body. As you age, your body begins to naturally lose muscle mass. When you lose muscle mass, you lose the same water content that slows and minimizes the effects of alcohol. This means older adults are more likely to feel the effects of alcohol stronger than younger adults. This can lead to dizziness, confusion, and loss of coordination, which in turn leads to a higher risk of falls, accidents, fractures, and car crashes. Alcohol is a factor in about 60% of fatal burn injuries, drownings, and murders; 50% of severe trauma injuries and sexual assaults; and 40% of fatal crashes and falls.Increased Health Risks and SensitivityEven drinking within the limits of your body, adults 65 and older who drink are at a much higher risk of health problems associated with alcohol. As you get older, your heart, liver, and brain functions begin to slow and become less efficient. These three internal organs affect how you process alcohol and can be seriously damaged by overuse. Older adults who drink are more at risk for:Heart diseaseLiver diseaseStrokeDigestive problemsCertain types of cancerCognitive declineAdditionally, older adults who have or have experienced conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, memory loss, ulcers, or mood disorders may find their condition worsened by excess alcohol consumption. People who have blood disorders such as high blood pressure or heart conditions or are prone to them may have a harder time getting them diagnosed and treated due to changes in the heart and blood vessels. This could not only increase your risk of stroke or heart attack but heighten the chances that the typical pain and symptoms that could alert you to your condition might be dulled or not felt at all.Many people are shocked to find out that prescription medicine can affect the effects of alcohol, and vice versa. Medications can have harmful interactions with alcohol, exacerbating side effects or reducing the effectiveness of the medication. Many of these prescriptions are given to people over the age of 65, and they may not know the effects alcohol has on them. These medicines include:Antihistamines and allergy medicationsPrescription painkillers or benzodiazepinesDiabetes medicationArthritis medicationBlood pressure medicationAnticoagulantsAnticonvulsantsSleep medications and other hypnoticsPsychiatric medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medicationIf you take any of these medications, consult your primary care doctor or specialist before consuming alcohol.Understanding Your Risk Factor and Knowing When to Get HelpWhether or not you may be predisposed to any of the conditions listed above is based on your risk factor, which is calculated by the number of drinks you consume in a day or week. To understand your risk factor, you have to calculate whether your low risk or high risk. Low risk doesnt mean no risk. Even if you stay within the daily and weekly limits, you can still have problems if you drink too fast, have a health problem, or are over age 65.Low risk for men is no more than 4 drinks in a day, or 14 drinks a weekLow risk for women is no more than 3 drinks a day or 7 drinks a weekIncreased risk for men is more than 4 drinks a day and more than 15 drinks in a weekIncreased risk for women is more than 3 drinks a day and more than 7 drinks a weekAnyone in the increased risk category may be at an increased risk for alcohol dependency. In older adults, these conditions may be harder to spot as conditions such as memory loss or balance problems are often associated with age rather than addiction. Social and emotional withdrawal and loneliness or depressive disorders also put older adults at a high risk for alcohol dependence. Symptoms of alcohol dependency include:Increased tolerance to alcoholInability to limit the amount of alcohol you intakeCognitive decline or brain fogNeglect of responsibilities, personal hygiene, and social relationshipsParticipating in risky drinking behaviors such as drinking and drivingStrong, unavoidable cravings for alcoholExperiencing withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, or vomiting when you dont consume alcoholUnsuccessful attempts to cut down your drinking in your pastIf you or a loved one has any of the signs and symptoms listed above, talk to your doctor about getting help for your dependency. For help on identifying and treating addiction or dependency, start here.

Pickleball, the highly addictive sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is friendlier on the body than most other sports. However, like any other sport, there is a risk of injury that comes along with playing the game.Its estimated that pickleball-related injuries cost Americans nearly $400 million in healthcare last year.To avoid injuries on the pickleball court, follow these tips from Dr. Justin McCoy, a sports medicine specialist with Intermountain Health in Grand Junction, Colorado.Stretch and warm up your bodyPrior to pickleball play, spend 10 minutes getting your body ready. Spend five minutes warming up (try a brisk walk) and then five minutes stretching.Be aware of your playing areaNot all pickleball courts are created equal. Be aware of obstacles and avoid back pedaling during play.Never play on a wet courtWet pickleball courts are slick and can lead to dangerous falls. To test a court surface, press your toe down firmly and make a twisting motion. If you see water rise or move, the court is unsafe for play.Wear proper court shoesInvest in footwear that is designed for court sports and will support your feet. Sneakers and running shoes do not provide the right kind of support for the side-to-side motions in pickleball.Know your limitsDont try to make plays that are beyond your abilities. Age, experience, physical condition, and athletic ability will impact the level of your game.Stay hydratedA balance of food, water, and electrolytes and appropriate snacks are needed to prevent dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and fainting.Learn from a proYes, there are professional pickleball coaches. A pickleball coach can help you maintain good form, fundamentals, and habits, which will help you avoid injuries on the pickleball court. Dr. McCoy says the most important piece of advice he can give picklers is to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Take time away from the court if you need to rest or recover. By not listening to your body, you could get an injury that will keep sidelined you for an even longer period.