Senior Eye Care: What You Need to Know

As we grow older and change, it’s normal for our vision to change too. Unfortunately, there are certain habits that you may be taking part in now that could be negatively affecting your vision. The good news is, if you take proper precautions now, vision changes can be properly managed and treated down the road. Here’s what you need to know about senior eye care from our assisted living specialists in Collingswood, NJ.

​​Maintain good nutrition: Eating healthy is key to preserving your eyesight. Prioritizing foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and C are key to this preservation. Foods like leafy green vegetables, eggs, nuts, and oily fish (mackerel, tuna, and salmon) are great options to incorporate into your daily diet.

Cut down on alcohol: Overconsumption of alcohol negatively affects health in a number of ways and may trigger chemical reactions that are damaging to the eyes. This directly affects the macula in particular, which is the eye tissue that allows you to see detail and color.

Reduce your sugar and fat intake: While sugar may create the same chemical reactions as alcohol, too much fat in your diet can directly affect blood flow in your arteries. This restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your organs, including your eyes. Too much sugar also increases your risk of developing diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to high risks of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration, so it’s best to try and kick the habit as soon as possible.

Invest in some good quality sunglasses: Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays increases your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Be sure to invest in a pair of sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, as poor quality sunglasses can actually increase your UV ray exposure.

Healthy senior lifestyles at Collingswood

At UMC, we’re more than happy to keep our residents accountable for all aspects of their health. If you or a loved one is interested in making a positive health change this year, our dedicated team in Collingswood is here to help. We have different fitness classes to satisfy every resident’s mobility, such as group yoga, meditation, and dancing – just to name a few. Our trained associates are also available around the clock to assist or modify each exercise to ensure safety is the top priority at all times. Aside from fitness, we also provide meal plans packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that help combat common senior conditions, like vision changes.   

To find out more about how we’re keeping seniors healthy in Camden County, please call us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/senior-eye-care-what-you-need-to-know/

New Year’s Resolutions That Seniors Can Stick To!

New Year’s Resolutions. We love the idea of them, but we usually aim too high and give up on our resolutions come February. Fortunately, there is a way to stick to them! In short, keep your goals simple and attainable. Setting out to climb Mt. Everest is way too ambitious, so come up with an easier alternative like going for a daily walk or nature hike around your local community. If you or a loved one is looking for somewhere to start, our assisted living team in South Jersey has put a list together of simple resolutions that seniors in particular can carry into the New Year.

#1 – Eat good and healthy food. Life is too short to eat bad food. And by bad we mean food that tastes bad and is bad for you. If grocery shopping is too overwhelming, look into meal delivery services like HelloFresh – where you can pick healthy, nutrient-packed meals each week and have them delivered right to your door. Pick meals that contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, chicken, seafood, beans, nuts, and seeds.

#2 – Learn something new. Playing new cognitive games with family and friends is a great resolution to keep the mind sharp. Interactive games like cards, puzzles, or word searches that challenge the brain can keep memory recollection strong and sound. Seniors can also try harnessing a new skill, like learning a new language or practicing a sport that involves hand-eye coordination to help improve muscle memory as well. Whatever new skill or game you choose to learn, make sure it’s fun! If you truly enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick to it.

#3 – Connect with others more. Keeping up with social commitments and making new friends is particularly beneficial for seniors. Older adults who connect with others more usually retain better cognitive function and have a lower risk of developing depression and other debilitating health conditions. Make it a resolution to check in with friends more, or to get involved with the local community through volunteering to make new friends.

#4 – Try out different ways to stay active. As we mentioned above, it’s important to stick to attainable goals – especially, when it comes to the realm of fitness. The new year is a perfect time to try out new, simple ways to exercise. Stay active with exercises that target different health benefits. For example, low-impact yoga strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and promotes endurance.

Healthy Senior Lifestyles at Collingswood

At UMC at Collingswood, we’re more than happy to keep our residents accountable for their New Year’s resolutions. If you or a loved one would like to improve the quality of health and wellbeing through fitness this year, our dedicated team in Collingswood is here to help. We have different fitness classes to satisfy every resident’s mobility, such as group yoga, meditation, and dancing – just to name a few. Our trained associates are also available around the clock to assist or modify each exercise to ensure safety is the top priority at all times.  

To find out more about how we’re keeping seniors active in Camden County, please call us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/new-years-resolutions-that-seniors-can-stick-to/