Florida - Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte Counties

The numbers of people over 45 is growing every year. People are hoping to stay active and vibrant as long as possible. There are over 76 million baby boomers today over 50, and the first of the 82.1 million Generation X-ers are about to reach that milestone in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).According to Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine and creator of September is Healthy Aging Month(Opens in a new window), its never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby. Healthy Aging Month is an annual observance month designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older that began over 20 years ago.Tips for Reinventing Yourself As You AgeTo get you started on re-inventing yourself, here are 10 tips from Healthy Aging Magazine(Opens in a new window):Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it.Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day.Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is?Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first and wear comfortable shoes.Stand up straight. You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Fix your stance and practice it every day. You will look great and feel better.Hows your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier.Lonely? Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute.Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors.Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings.Find your inner artist. Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!WebMD - Healthy Aging TipsFollow these tips from WebMD to stay at your peak!Get moving - Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body and brain.Stay social - Take a class, volunteer, play games, see old friends, and make new ones.Bulk up - Eat beans and other high-fiber foods for digestive and heart health.Add some spice - Add herbs and spices to your meals if medications dull your taste buds.Stay balanced - Practice yoga or tai chi to improve agility and prevent falls.Take a hike - Brisk daily walks this September can bolster both your heart and lungs.Sleep well - Talk to a sleep specialist if you dont sleep soundly through the night.Beat the blues - If youve been down for a while, see a doctor.Dont forget - To aid your memory, make lists, follow routines, slow down, and organize.Fall PreventionFall prevention is an important component to healthy aging. Elderly people can lose their sense of balance, judgment and motor skills as they get older. This results in awkward falls, and with weakened bones, extreme cases can lead to severe breaks or even further gravely complications.

And finally, April is National Occupational Therapy Month. When you talk about a better quality of life, occupational therapists are right there on the front lines. From helping people with disabilities to helping people overcome illness or injury, they help individuals live full, productive lives. Their holistic approach helps people to adjust to injury or illness and improve their ability to perform daily activities and regain skills to live a healthier life. Thank an occupational therapist this month for all they do to help people think and be healthy. 

For adults over the age of 50, the recommended daily fiber intake is 21 grams per day for women and 30 grams per day for men. However, almost 95% of Americans dont get enough fiber in their diet. So, how can you get more fiber in your diet? Many doctors and nutritionists encourage individuals to get as much fiber as possible because of its many health benefits. HARBORCHASE SENIOR LIVING is dedicated to improving the wellness of residents by creating an environment of intentional senior living communities. The first step to celebrating each and every day begins with healthy living, so were sharing how to get more fiber in your diet. How Can Fiber Improve My Health?Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that your stomach cannot digest. At first, this might sound concerning; were often told that consuming foods that are difficult to digest can lead to HEALTH CONCERNS and create problems for our gastrointestinal system. Dont be alarmed, though; the fact that our bodies cant digest fiber is a good thing in this case!Because fiber leaves the stomach undigested, it moves to the colon, where it serves as food for gut bacteria, which are a part of the important microbiome that helps your body function properly. Dietary fiber can help keep your body maintained the way it should be, providing many health benefits, including:Improving cholesterol levelsPromoting healthy weightPreventing constipationControlling blood sugarIn addition, high-fiber foods tend to be more filling than low-fiber foods, so youre likely to eat less and stay satisfied longer. And high-fiber foods tend to take longer to eat and to be less energy dense, which means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food (MAYO CLINIC).We know that the daily intake recommendation for older adults is 21 grams for women and 30 grams for men, which is less than the recommended amount for younger individuals. Finding the RIGHT AMOUNT OF FIBER is crucial to reaping the benefits; too much fiber can lead to gastrointestinal issues (like bloating, cramping, and gas), and too little can cause constipation and increase the risk of certain diseases. Get More Fiber: Use the Right IngredientsWhen you go to the grocery store, youre met with many products that might seem like theyre packed with fiber due to the carbohydrates and promises on stickers or labels. Fiber, however, is typically found in high qualities in whole foods. Whole foods consist of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice, and oatmeal, to name a few. Be sure to steer clear of any processed or refined food items, as they go through a reduction of fiber when they go through whats known as refinement. This means that the grains used to make foods like white bread, for instance, are stripped of their fiber sources during processing. Here are a few examples of some excellent, fiber-packed ingredients to implement in your diet:Chickpeas: 11 Grams of Fiber per ServingBroccoli: 5 Grams of Fiber per Serving Whole Wheat Bread: 2 Grams of Fiber per ServingApples: 4 Grams of Fiber per ServingQuinoa: 5 Grams of Fiber per ServingBananas: 3 Grams of Fiber per ServingCooked Oatmeal: 4 Grams of Fiber per ServingYou can snack on fruits and vegetables throughout the day to gain some extra fiber and switch out your typical lunches for salads packed with delicious veggies. You can also add a cup of cooked whole grains, like quinoa or chickpeas, to salads, soups, and protein-based dishes! Try incorporating more plant-based foods into your daily meals and snacks as well. However, some people may still need a fiber supplement if dietary changes arent sufficient or if they have certain medical conditions Check with your doctor before taking fiber supplements (MAYO CLINIC).At HarborChase, our senior living communities revolve around enhancing wellness through life enrichment programs, resort-style amenities, and exceptional dining opportunities. Our ELEVATED DINING redefines any past ideas about senior living food; our culinary artists prepare fresh, nutritious meals that combine indulgent flavors with incredible attention to health detail.

It seems everyone is tired. While we could speculate about all the reasons why, it's apparent that most of us could use a dose of additional energy. Its not unusual to hit the snooze button or feel the post-lunch slump.But if you regularly say, I have no energy, it could be time to take a look at why.If you dont have underlying health conditions that correlate with lacking energy and are getting enough sleep most nights, something in your daily routine could be the culprit. Consider these five nine changeable habits that can wreak havoc on your energy levels.1. Too Much Sugar Drains EnergyThe candy jar isnt the only sugar source to avoid. It can be easy to forget about refined carbohydrates like rice, white bread, chips, and cereals. But your body quickly transforms these refined carbs into sugars. This is why both sugary foods and simple carbs spike your blood sugar. You may experience a brief time of energy and focus after eating them, but the boost doesnt last long.Because blood-sugar levels surge quickly, they also fall quickly. This is known as a sugar crash. The crash makes you feel tired, drained, and even irritable. If you experience this cycle several times a day, you often will feel like you have no energy.You dont have to give up all your sweet or carby treats. Many people can have them in moderation. But be sure to limit them and eat balanced meals or snacks, including lean protein and healthy fats alongside some simple carbs or sugars.2. Not Getting Enough Exercise Increases FatigueWhile its not intuitive, your body needs to burn energy to create energy. The right amount of exercise boosts overall energy and improves sleep. Better rest and the energy rev you get from exercise can make you noticeably less drained.When you feel wiped out, take a five-minute walk outside. The outdoor air and energy expenditure can give you the bump you need to overcome that drowsy and tired feeling. But be sure to fit regular exercise time into your daily routine. Find something active that you enjoy. The key to get your heart rate up, strengthen your muscles, and stay limber.3. Skipping Breakfast Limits EnergyIf food is fuel, starting your day without it after a night of fasting will typically make you feel like you have no energy. Start your day with a healthy breakfast instead of letting it run on E until lunchtime.And youre more likely to regret your food choices if you come to lunch famished and ready to eat anything. Its easier to maintain self-control and make wise choices when youre hungry but starving.Be sure your breakfast includes healthy carbs, like fruit or lightly sweetened oatmeal and lean protein like eggs, dairy, or nuts. This will help you prevent a sugar crash and carry you closer to lunch.4. Sitting Too Much Makes You TiredYouve probably heard that prolonged sitting is unhealthy, but it also saps your energy. Standing up or moving for just a few minutes is enough to increase oxygen and blood flow. This improves your alertness, memory, and mood.Work a desk job? Make it a goal to get outside for a brief time daily. Research indicates that being out in nature boosts energy. Its called nature therapy.5. Too Much Caffeine Makes You TiredIts easy to overdose on caffeine. Just remember its more than just your morning coffee. Also consider the sodas and energy drinks you consume in a day.Caffeine is a stimulant that provides a quick jolt and an equally quick crash if you consume too much. The crash period not only makes you fatigued but also makes you irritable and can disrupt your concentration.Be careful with caffeine, because your body builds up a tolerance to it. This means youll need to consume more to feel the same up-lifting effects you enjoy. And yet, the more you have the more likely you are to crash.According to the FDA, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is a safe amount for healthy adults, which is about four 8 oz coffees. This is a guideline and doesnt mean its recommended to consume this upper limit. For most people, it wouldnt be unsafe. But keep in mind that everyone is different, and you might experience a crash after two cups of coffee if that is above your personal caffeine limit.Lifestyle Habits Can Affect Your EnergyBefore you become anxious or concerned about your dropping energy levels, make some adjustments in your routine and lifestyle. You may notice energizing improvements if you reduce sugar, exercise more, eat a balanced breakfast, move more during the day, and reduce caffeine. These changes will also help you sleep better and night, which will only add to the energy boost you need.If your fatigue and low-energy feelings are severe or limiting your daily life, be sure to talk to a doctor to rule out underlying conditions that could be more serious.TYE Medical offers premium incontinence products in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels. Shop our online store for free and discreet shipping on all orders.