The Seniors Helping Seniors family loves seeing our care receivers enjoy the best parts of each season. With summer fast approaching in the Northeast, it will soon be time to break out the shorts, light the citronella candle, and dust off the patio table for the seasons first outdoor feast!It can be tempting to indulge throughout the summer months. With family cookouts, vacations, and the urge to spend time enjoying the outdoors in lieu of the kitchen, we often opt for quick, not so healthy choices. A nutritious, balanced diet, however, is important for active seniors all year long.The good news is, continuing to eat right over the summer months doesnt have to be complicated. Soak in these four Seniors Helping Seniors tips for a summer of healthy and delicious eating!Keep It BalancedMaking good decisions isnt hard once you know what to choose. Lets look at the layers of the food pyramid and determine the best foods to reach for and which to skip.GrainsThe foundation of the food pyramid is the grain group, which encompasses things like rice, pasta, bread, and oats. When stocking the cabinets, whole grains are best. Whole grains are made using the entire grain kernel and, therefore, are good sources of dietary fiber, minerals, and Vitamin B.Fruits and VegetablesWe all know fruits and veggies provide plenty of dietary value, but which are the most nutritious options? Look for produce that is red, orange, purple, and green, as these fruits and veggies contain vitamins and minerals that are especially important to senior health.P.S. The Northeast is known for its abundant fruit and vegetable production, so check the local section of the grocery store or visit community produce stands for some excellent options!DairyWhen choosing milk, yogurt, and cheese products, go with low-fat or fat-free options. Calcium is the major benefit in this group, but dairy products also provide phosphorus, Vitamins A and D, B12, potassium, and more.ProteinProtein covers a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and legumes (like beans and lentils). Look for meat and poultry thats lean or low-fat and seafood thats high in omega-3s and has a low mercury count. For a vegetarian meal, substitute legumes as a tasty and nutritious option.Its important to mix it up when it comes to protein. Many people eat plenty of meat and poultry, but often skimp on fish and legumes. However, each category has specific vitamins and nutrients that are key to a balanced diet.Advantages of Sensible EatingWhen a variety of nutritious foods are incorporated into a balanced diet, the mind and body will benefit in spades! For example, healthy eating helps:Reduce cholesterolLower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetesPromote proper bowel functionSupport a healthy nervous systemBoost immunity and prevent infectionEncourage healthy eyes, skin, and gumsMaintain strong bones and teethImprove concentration and attention spanIncrease energy and mental clarityPreparation Is KeyHow food is cooked contributes to a healthy diet as well. During the summer months, grilling is an excellent option and produces flavorful dishes. Better yet, its a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and your Seniors Helping Seniors companion to enjoy the outdoors and fellowship while dinner is cooking!Grilled to PerfectionCooking on the grill is easy and requires little preparation. Simply apply your favorite seasoning combination or marinade and get grilling! As the food cooks, excess fat and oil drip away, leaving a wholesome and delicious dinner.Try these tips and tricks from Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services to make grilling a breeze:Invest in a meat thermometer and always ensure poultry is cooked to an internal temperature of 165F and pork to 145F.Cook veggies in foil packets with seasoning and a little oil (extra virgin olive oil or canola are best). Ensure the packet is sealed at the top and place it directly on the grates until the veggies are tender.Craving something sweet? For dessert, try grilling pineapple, peach, or watermelon slices for an after-dinner treat!One of the best things about this method is theres minimal clean-up required, leaving more time to spend enjoying your dinner companions!Practice Proper Portion ControlConsuming the right amounts of each food group is important as well. When making a plate, follow these Seniors Helping Seniors suggestions for a balanced meal:Envision a vertical line directly down the middle of the plateOn the right, add half whole grains and half lean proteinFill the left side with fruits and vegetables (heavier on the veggies)Eat dairy in moderationNow, all thats left is to choose a healthy option to wash it all downDrink Up!Staying hydrated is key, especially when summer heat kicks into high gear! Water is an essential nutrient and should be the majority of whats consumed throughout the day. Try fruit-infused water for a twist on the traditional or sparkling water for something bubbly. Tea and coffee are good options as well and provide several health benefits of their own.Avoid sugary drinks or those with high salt content and stay away from consuming alcohol in excess. These actually contribute to dehydration and a number of other issues.Whos ready to welcome summer?! With these tips from Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services, you or your senior loved one will find plenty of health-conscious ways to enjoy the tastes of the season!

Everyone views aging differently. To some, the idea of getting older is scary. Others embrace it with a youthful ferocity! At the end of the day, your mindset is more important than you think. It plays a large part in the quality of life experienced throughout your Golden Years.Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services is committed to inspiring others to age gracefully and independently. One of the ways we encourage our care recipients to make the most of their senior years is by promoting positive aging techniques.What Is Positive Aging?Positive aging is all about mindset. It refers to the idea that if you maintain an optimistic outlook in your senior years -- coupled with healthy habits, social engagement, and mental stimulation -- youll feel good about yourself, remain physically active, and continue to engage fully in all aspects of life!Incorporating positive aging techniques into your daily routine might sound difficult, but its easier than you think. Of course, our Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers will stand by your side, ready to help you create and practice a program that will do your mind and body good!Now that you know why positive aging is important, lets discuss five simple ways Seniors Helping Seniors care receivers can work the power of positivity into everyday life!1 - Embrace Your Age!Age is just a number, after all. Maintaining a youthful outlook and adapting to your changing abilities can help you accept that growing older is a normal part of life one that every person (including your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver) is attempting to navigate.The first step in discovering the power of positive aging is to accept the aging process by working with it and not against it. This makes it easier to cope with the challenges this stage of life presents, and instead, start looking forward to the possibilities!2 - Make Fitness A PriorityJust thirty minutes of daily exercise can revolutionize your health. It can help you look and feel younger, complete tasks more easily, and prevent accidents and falls all of which are essential for maintaining a positive outlook. Try the following Seniors Helping Seniors suggestions to jumpstart your fitness routine:Go for a walkWalking is an excellent way to get the blood pumping while improving heart health, boosting mental clarity, and lowering blood pressure. Commit to a daily walk with a friend, family member, or your Seniors Helping Seniors companion!Explore senior fitness classesThere are plenty of exercise options for active seniors! Look into what classes your local senior center, gym, or fitness studio offers. Activities like water aerobics, chair yoga, and body weight workouts are popular among seniors and provide low impact workouts that will still make you feel the burn!Dont get discouraged if its tough to keep up at first. Your workouts will become easier as you build strength. Be consistent and youll soon look forward to your daily exercise regimen!3 - Stay ConnectedBuilding and maintaining close relationships is also essential to a positive aging plan. Doing so can combat loneliness, improve self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging. Not sure where to begin? Try one of the following to make new friends or reconnect with some old pals:Organize a monthly dinner with friends or family where everyone brings a different dishJoin a social group, like a birdwatching or book club, pickleball league, or volunteer serviceMake it a point to attend your grandkids sporting games and performances theyll love having you there to cheer them on!As always, remember to lean on your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver. Theyre available to get you to and from social events or to accompany you on a new adventure, so lets go!4 - Nurture Healthy HabitsMaintaining a balanced diet is critical to the aging process. Eating right helps keep your weight at an appropriate level and supports heart health. These simple diet rules can help you stay on track:Incorporate lean proteins, plenty of vegetables (especially those that are orange, red, and green), substitute whole grains whenever possible, and stick to low-fat dairy productsDrink lots of (the right) fluids water, tea, and coffee and stay away from beverages that are high in sugarLook for foods that are high in fiber and vitamin D as these are both vital for aging individualsThere are also certain habits you should avoid to continue functioning at the highest level. First, dont skimp on sleep a restful nights slumber is essential in keeping the body functioning properly. Also, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Both of these can cause serious health issues in people of all ages.5 - Sharpen Your BrainYour mind, like your body, thrives when you push it to the limit. A strong brain keeps you sharp and is a key ingredient for your positive aging recipe. Add games like Sudoku and crossword puzzles to your daily routine so your brain gets the exercise it needs.Learning a new skill can improve intellect as well. Check local resources, like a university or community center, to see if they offer any skill-building classes that peak your interest. Gaining a new ability cultivates positive thoughts and builds confidence. Not to mention, its fun and will leave you with an activity youll look forward to!We told you it was easy to practice positive aging! In fact, youre probably doing a lot of these things already. Dont be afraid to ask your Seniors Helping Seniors companion for ideas on how to keep a positive mindset as you mature remember, theyre going through the same stage of life as you are. Incorporate the above Seniors Helping Seniors tips into your daily routine and youre bound to feel great, stay active, and retain your youthful exuberance for life!

March welcomes the start of the spring season, bringing with it a host of positive aspects like longer days, perfect weather, and a renewed sense of life in the world. It also means its time to buckle down and do some serious spring cleaning! With the right attitude and tips like the following Seniors Helping Seniors suggestions tidying up your home can be truly satisfying and leave you feeling refreshed!Before we get into the nitty-gritty of tackling this chore, however, lets discuss some reasons you should actually look forward to this seasonal undertaking.Benefits of a Well-Maintained HomeDeep cleaning your house carries with it some advantages that are helpful for both mental and physical health, as well as overall safety. In addition, it fosters a sense of accomplishment that will leave you feeling fantastic!Maximize Mental HealthAside from the sense of calm that accompanies waking up to an orderly, aesthetically pleasing house, spring cleaning provides a sense of control over your environment something that can remain a constant when other areas of life feel hard to manage. The repetitive motions associated with scrubbing or polishing can be meditative as well, helping to reduce stress.Boost Physical BenefitsCleaning can be a good workout too! Moving items, buffing, pushing a vacuum, and wiping down surfaces all get the heart pumping and work muscles throughout the body.But dont go overboard some housework can be quite strenuous. When its time to tackle heavy lifting, tasks that require lots of reaching or stooping, or the use of cumbersome equipment, reach out to a Seniors Helping Seniors companion or family member for some extra assistance.Support SafetyA decluttered home is a safer home, especially for independent seniors. Research indicates that one out of four seniors will suffer a fall at home each year but keeping spaces clear can go a long way in preventing these accidents. A clutter-free home is also easier to exit during an emergency situation, like a fire, and is better for overall health as piles of books, papers, furniture, and clothing can be a breeding ground for dust, mold, and bacteria.Now that you know the importance of maintaining a tidy living space, check out this Seniors Helping Seniors game plan for making spring cleaning efficient, satisfying, and fun!Your Spring-Cleaning Action PlanA seasonal refresh of your home doesnt have to be a chore. Engage in the following methods and youll get into the groove in no time!Step #1: Take It Room By RoomTrying to tackle the entire house can seem overwhelming and impossible. Instead, break up cleaning into smaller tasks that can be spread out over the entire month. For example, take on one or two rooms every weekend.Before jumping in, however, go through each room and make a list of specific jobs to accomplish, jotting down areas that need extra attention and noting any special projects. Having a list for each section of your home will keep you and your helpers organized and on track!Step #2: DeclutterFor the most efficient spring-cleaning process, remove unneeded items before you begin. Purging can be tough, but these tips from Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services can help make this part of the process a little easier:Separate items into four piles: Keep, Toss, Recycle, Donate/Sell/RepurposeStay positive keep in mind the reasons youre getting rid of these items, like continuing your independence, making room for your grandchildrens artwork, or clearing space to work on hobbies.Organize important documents so they can be easily found in an emergency and dispose of expired medication and food items.Step #3: Clean, Clean, Clean!Equip yourself with all the necessary supplies and dive in! To ensure a thorough spring-cleaning experience, check off the following tasks:Wipe down or dust baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents, and blinds and remove dirt from window tracksLaunder linens, including furniture covers, throws, curtains, small rugs, shower curtains and liners, bed pillows, and mattress padsMove furniture (if possible) and clean underneathSanitize surfaces and fixtures in bathrooms and kitchensClean the inside of appliances like refrigerators and ovens, and run disinfecting cycles on your washer, dryer, and dishwasherTip: As you put belongings back on shelves and in drawers, leave frequently used items within easy reach to cut down on stretching, stooping, and having to use a step stool.Step #4: Get SocialSpring cleaning can be a tedious job, so enlist the help of friends, family members, and your Seniors Helping Seniors companion! Not only will this help you knock it out quickly, it will also sprinkle in a bit of fun and bonding throughout!Try these tips for tackling spring cleaning as a team:Block out time to work whether a few hours a day or a weekend-long marathon, make sure your recruits know when you plan on their help.Go over your to-do list before taking on each room this will keep the whole team on track!Work together for efficiency. For example, have one person take all the items out of your kitchen cabinets, organizing as they go, while another person wipes down the inside of each cupboard.Spring cleaning doesnt have to be something you dread it can actually leave you feeling accomplished, clear-headed, and rejuvenated! Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services continually strives to share ways our care receivers can retain independence and a vigor for life, and no matter the job, were ALWAYS here to lend a kind hand!

Every February, American Heart Month raises awareness about the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services is reminding all the independent seniors, however, that taking care of your heart isnt just a one-month project its a year-round endeavor!Whether youre looking to tighten up an already heart-healthy routine, or need ideas for how to start one, read on. The three Seniors Helping Seniors tips that follow are changes you can make today to live your best tomorrow!Exercise DailyWhenever possible, get moving its the best path to a healthy heart! Experts suggest at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day to protect your ticker and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.So, grab a friend, family member, or a Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver and start working the following activities into your routine to build cardiovascular endurance, keeping your heart and body strong!Weight training is a triple threat it builds muscle, regulates weight, AND strengthens the heart! Start small, though, and gradually work up to heavier amounts to protect from muscle strain.Cardio improves blood flow and circulation around the heart, which is key to keeping the small vessels surrounding it clear of blockages. Aerobic exercises come in many forms walking, biking, dancing, swimming as long as the bloods pumping, your body is reaping the benefits!Yoga involves deep breathing to reduce stress, another fantastic way to keep your ticker functioning well! In addition to lowering stress a leading cause of heart disease - practicing yoga can decrease and regulate heart rate and boost circulation.Adjust to Keep ActiveIf you can exercise outside, great! Fresh air is always a boost to the heart and mind. However, the weather can be unpredictable this time of year, so be prepared to adapt your routine. For example, do laps in your house for cardio or invest in a couple senior-focused weight-training or yoga apps when you dont feel like leaving home or when the weather isnt cooperating. The important thing is to keep moving your heart will thank you!Reminder: Everyone has different physical needs and capabilities, so always consult a trainer and/or your doctor before starting a new fitness routine.Dig In to a Heart-Smart DietBeing physically active is only one aspect of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eating well is another significant piece of the puzzle.Add the following to your regular diet all are good sources of heart-healthy vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and healthy fats, which are important in lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, and minimizing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetablesWhole grains -- avoid refined grain products whenever possibleLean meat, poultry, and fish (especially salmon and mackerel)Low-fat dairy products and eggsLegumes, like beans, peas, and lentils all make excellent substitutes for proteinGreen teaMake Good ChoicesLimit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Instead, choose olive, canola, or vegetable oil and use margarine rather than butter. Watch salt intake as well too much can lead to high blood pressure, which is tough on the heart.Fried food, which is generally high in cholesterol and unhealthy fats, and meals cooked with lots of butter are traditional preparations throughout many parts of the Southeast. For a healthier option, choose dishes that are grilled, steamed, or baked whenever possible. Controlling portion size is important as well, as overeating packs in more calories than needed and can contribute to heart disease.Need some help getting started? Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers can assist with planning meals, finding healthy options at the grocery store, and offering personal knowledge and experience when trying different cooking methods. After all, new ventures are always more fun with the company of a friend!Avoid Smoking and AlcoholIts good practice to limit smoking and alcoholic beverage intake in general, as these habits can lead to health issues in people of all ages. But its especially important for seniors who want to stay active and independent!Its Never Too Late to QuitSmoking cigarettes increases the formulation of plaque in blood vessels and damages artery walls, significantly contributing to heart disease. Even if youve smoked for years, quitting now can lower your risk of developing the condition.Take advantage of the help available from Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services. Our caregivers can provide the encouragement needed to finally kick this habit!Be Smart About AlcoholDrinking alcohol is also detrimental to your heart because it raises blood pressure and increases the chance of heart failure. If you cant cut it out completely, moderation is key. Experts recommend limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one or two drinks a day.At Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services, were committed to helping our care receivers feel great and remain independent and maintaining a healthy heart is crucial! Our caregivers, who are seniors themselves, understand how important it is for those we serve to keep their ticker in prime shape and will be there every step of the journey to developing heart healthy habits!

For most of the country, the hottest time of year peaks in August and doesn't let up until sometime in September. Temps can be brutally steamy right now. As you probably know, with soaring mercury comes the real threat of heat stroke and other related illness for us seniors.The goal is to remain active, while staying cool. To help keep you moving and comfortable during these dog days of summer, your Seniors Helping Seniors team offers up a few pointers. Check them out and be safe out there!Water Up!Hydration is one of the most crucial details of our health at any age, and the stakes only grow as you get older. In fact, water consumption can affect all types of body functions, from digestion and blood volume levels, to kidney performance.Ailments from dehydration can sneak up on you this time of year, so experts recommend individuals drink water regularly throughout the day not just when you feel thirsty. Try these strategies to ensure you're receiving the ideal amount every step of the way.Eat watery fruits like watermelon and grapefruits, or nosh on veggies like cucumbersSet a hydration timer on your watch to help build a routineAlways have a water bottle at the readyExercises InsideAt Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services, our caregivers often team up with care recipients for a quick, effective workout. Here are just a few of our favorite indoor activities, perfect for physical and mental wellness when the sun's beaming down!YogaYoga's effect on your physical and often mental well-being is unmatched. For us seniors, it combines four key elements: Strength, Balance, Focus, and Flexibility. This builds muscle and promotes a more limber body, which reduces the risk of falls, instability and physical injury. At the same time, yoga has been said to help reduce stress levels and boost overall mood. Lastly, it's easy to jump right into the ancient workout anytime, anywhere. It requires little space to conduct, and you need nothing more than a comfy mat!WalkingWalking is versatile and can be done anywhere with level ground. During a heatwave, ideal indoor settings include shopping malls, museums and health club tracks. Of course, workouts are always better with company. So get a group together or call on your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver to join you. Have some laughs while you break a sweat. We're confident, your heart (and soul) will be glad you took the step!SwimmingNothing says full-body workout like using every muscle to paddle from one side of the pool to the other! Going for a leisurely swim is a good way to build muscle and generally comes with lower injury risks than other popular cardio activities, like jogging or biking. Swimming also is a productive way to improve mental health and brain function for the active senior. When it's a scorcher, we encourage hitting an indoor pool in your area. Clubs like the community YMCA, high schools, and gyms usually offer specific programs for seniors.Here at Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services, we understand staying strong and healthy year-round is a task. It certainly can be frustrating to miss a day because the sun's on full blast! Still, we encourage everyone to be mindful of the heat, play it safe and apply good rules of thumb when striving to break a sweat.