It’s OK for Seniors to Eat More Chocolate

We’re looking forward to Valentine’s Day even more now that we’ve discovered the benefits of eating chocolate. Not just any chocolate, but dark chocolate, in particular, is considered a “superfood” and should be added to a senior diet on a regular basis (so upsetting… we know). If you’d like to find out more about the advantages of dark chocolate for older adults, keep reading! Our nutritionists in Camden County have put together a list of the top 3 benefits here.

Benefit #1: Eating dark chocolate strengthens the heart. A major part of what makes dark chocolate so great for you is the flavonoids it contains. For those who may not know, flavonoids are rich in antioxidants, help ward off everyday toxins, and could decrease the risk of developing chronic health conditions that are all too common for seniors. The flavonoids found in dark chocolate, in particular, are known to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow and circulation to the heart. They also reduce the risk of stroke and developing blood clots because the improved blood flow makes it more difficult for blood platelets to clot.

Benefit #2: Eating dark chocolate increases good cholesterol levels. As we age, it’s important to keep an eye on our cholesterol intake, i.e. consuming more “good” cholesterol and limiting “bad” cholesterol. Fortunately, dark chocolate falls into the good category and can actually raise those healthy cholesterol levels. This is thanks to one very important ingredient: cocoa butter. Cocoa butter contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that is good for the heart. 

Benefit #3: Eating dark chocolate can boost memory. Another common concern for seniors and their families is dementia. Losing precious memories can be scary and devastating for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are many things we can do as we age to decrease our risks of developing dementia, such as cognitive exercises, getting sound, uninterrupted sleep, and you guessed it – eating dark chocolate. As we mentioned above, flavonoids found in dark chocolate are linked to increased blood flow to not only the heart but the brain too. This is crucial because dementia researchers have proven that having low blood flow to certain parts of the brain is directly linked to dementia.

Health-conscious assisted living in Camden County NJ

Don’t hesitate to add dark chocolate to your meal plan, but remember that moderation is key. It is recommended that the piece of dark chocolate you reach for contains at least 70% cocoa. If you or a loved one need help with moderate nutrition, our associates at Collingswood are available 24/7 to support each resident’s health needs. UMC at Collingswood is proud to promote healthy senior living through nutrition-packed meals, fitness programs, and top-of-the-line health and sanitization protocols in accordance with state guidelines.

To find out more about our healthy lifestyle choices for senior residents in Camden County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/its-ok-for-seniors-to-eat-more-chocolate/

Factors That Lead to Falls for Older Adults

How many of us have heard a story about a senior who fell down and hurt themselves? Maybe they broke a hip or hit their head. For seniors recovering from a fall, the road back to wellness can be difficult, slow, and sometimes life-altering. 

The good news is that while we are more prone to falls as we age, we are not helpless when it comes to preventing them. The secret to effective fall prevention for seniors is knowing what factors contribute to them falling in the first place. Fall prevention is certainly a focus for professionals working in the assisted living industry, so our assisted living team in Camden County has some advice for families and individuals looking to minimize the risk of a fall.

Fall Prevention for the Elderly – What Causes It?

There are physical, medical, and environmental factors that can increase the risk of falls. Many of these can be monitored and controlled.

Poor balance, strength, and coordination. As we age, it’s normal to lose some of the strength, coordination, and balance we once had. What isn’t normal? Losing the majority of these elements due to inactivity and a completely sedentary lifestyle. Poor balance, strength, and coordination are driving factors that lead to falls that can cause serious damage, especially if you don’t have the strength to recover quickly from a bad fall.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to maintain our current abilities and prevent future falls. Exercise is the number one form of senior fall prevention. We recommend starting with light morning stretches or beginner yoga classes to focus on improving balance and coordination first, before moving on to strength training.

Vision issues. Less light reaches the retinas of our eyes as we grow older, meaning it could be more difficult to see in poorly-lit areas. Older adults may not be able to see and avoid unexpected tripping hazards like pesky wires or a load of laundry waiting to go in. With that being said, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your vision itself is not the reason for another fall. Make sure your prescription glasses or contact lenses are up to date and take a hard look at all the areas in your living space to ensure they are well-lit.

Medication side effects. Many older adults are taking more than one medication on a daily basis. Unfortunately, starting a new prescription or taking multiple medications can sometimes cause unpleasant side effects like dehydration, dizziness, and nausea. What you may not realize is that these side effects could cause another major issue: falling. When you are feeling out of your element, your whole equilibrium is off, leaving you vulnerable to a fall. That’s why keeping track of your medications is so important. If you or a loved one starts to notice any harmful side effects, speak to a doctor immediately. They may be able to prescribe a better alternative.

Unsafe living conditions. While the average home may be safe for most, the case is different for seniors. We’ve touched on this a little bit before, but let us stress once again how important it is to have your living space well-lit and free of clutter. Seniors with vision impairments need to live in a space that has upgraded lighting in problem areas such as the stairs, bathroom, and bedroom – that is also easy to access. Other essential modifications to the home include installing grab bars, ramps, and shower chairs. It’s important to note: if you feel your loved one is no longer safe living alone, even with essential home modifications, now may be the time to look into an assisted living solution that prioritizes safe senior living.

Safe and secure assisted living in Camden County NJ

Making the transition to assisted living can be an adjustment, but when you retire in a great town like Collingswood NJ, our residents find new friends, fun activities, as well as a safe, secure, and comfortable living environment. The assisted living apartments we provide are optimized for safety with grab bars in the bathrooms and 24-hour alert pendants. Not to mention, our associates, caregivers, and medical professionals are on-site 24/7 to ensure each resident’s needs and safety concerns are met at all times.

To find out more about safety precautions and personal assistance for our senior residents in Camden County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/factors-that-lead-to-falls-for-older-adults/