Seniors Helping Seniors

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!  Contact us for help at home at 763-694-0165FacebookTwitterEmailShare

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! Call us today at 763-694-0165FacebookTwitterEmailShare

I know I could not have stayed in my home without them. SarahSeniors Helping Seniors has been an ideal senior service provider for my 95 year old mother whos desire it is to continue to live independently in her own home. PatThese are just a few examples of testimonials we get often. Seniors across the country have built homes they feel comfortable and secure in over years, decades even. They want to be able to remain at home while aging with dignity.When AARP asked people age 50+ if theyd like to remain in their current residence for as long as possible, 76% agreed. However not as many folks truly believe theyll be able to have a future that matches their wishes. 46% believe theyll stay in their current home and never move, reported AARP. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services exists to empower seniors to continue living independent lives by taking care of day-to-day tasks that become more challenging as one ages.Aging gracefully while staying in the comfort of home is often aided by the helping hand of friends and family. However, changing family dynamics on a global scale are impacting the obligation some family members feel toward caring for relatives as they age. Declines in marriage, increases in divorce, and lower fertility mean that more baby boomers will reach age 65 without a spouse or adult child to rely on for care reports the Population Reference Bureau. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care is becoming increasingly vital for maintaining independence and offering services ranging from personal care or medication reminders to something as simple as companionship. 3 in 10 adults report lacking companionship, feeling left out or feeling isolated from others AARP finds. Independence shouldnt have to mean any senior is alone. This is one time where its actually possible to have your cake and eat it too. Seniors can make their own choice to live how they please, in their own home, without sacrificing quality of life.Access to and ease of transportation are equally important to a seniors independence. And it can be something everyone takes for granted. Theres nothing quite like the feeling of self-sufficiency from being able to choose where and when to go somewhere. No matter where one chooses to age in place, there are unique struggles to maintaining this form of independence. Rural areas have the highest concentration of older people and are aging faster than urban areas reports the Population Reference Bureau. However, the PRB also reports that the rural setting can hinder access to health care services, with fewer options and longer travel times to obtain care. If a senior is aging in place but no longer has the ability to drive, this can be a dangerous situation. In more metropolitan areas the road blocks that seniors face, according to the PRB, tend to be limited public transportation, businesses clustered rather than dispersed, and the prevalence of single-family two-story homes, which arent built with accommodations for aging or disabilities. Depending on the city or suburb, a seniors transportation options can vary greatly.Were lucky to live in an age where transportation options are becoming more and more easily accessible, but its important to make sure seniors are aware of and comfortable using all the options available to them. For example, according to AARP, even though 94% of Americans age 50+ are aware of ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, only 29% have ever used one and 68% say they arent likely to in the next year. Many ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, can accommodate seniors who dont have access to a smartphone or who arent tech savvy. Seniors and their loved ones should research what option might be best for their unique situations. Ride sharing is a great way for seniors to maintain the independence of going where they want to, when they want to, while traveling safely.Independence through transportation also raises the question of overall mobility. Keeping a healthy and active lifestyle is the best way to maintain mobility. Caregivers can help seniors maintain an active lifestyle by helping manage their daily routine and even by being a companion in light exercise. Maintaining and improving balance is a key to remaining independent while aging as well. If a disability hinders a seniors mobility, assistive devices like canes, walkers, and more can make a world of difference. According to PRB, as many as roughly one in four are successfully accommodating losses in physical capacity and continuing to carry out daily activities without difficulty or help from others by using such devices. Whether looking to use a cane or looking for a Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver, theres never shame in asking for a helping hand to maintain independence.  Call us today for help at home at 763-694-0165.