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/

5 Cold & Flu Prevention Tips for Seniors

With so much focus on COVID-19, it’s easy to forget that there is a normal cold and flu season going on too. And just like in every cold & flu season, it’s time for seniors and their caregivers to take extra precautions. These illnesses can be doubly miserable for seniors because generally speaking seniors tend to have weaker immune systems. To avoid passing germs back and forth to one another, here are 5 essential cold and flu prevention tips from our senior care team in South Jersey.

1. Wash hands more often. This should go without saying, but sometimes we all need a friendly reminder! Frequent hand washing with regular soap for at least 20 seconds is a very effective way to get rid of germs that cause the cold and flu. Consider carrying around hand sanitizer if you’re out and about during the harsh winter months.
2. Wear a mask. It’s not just a good idea for COVID! When visiting with Mom and Dad, require people to wear a mask, and get Mom and Dad to wear one too if possible. Masks work for all airborne viruses, so if you want to keep them healthy, this extra precaution is really important for minimizing the spread of germs, especially for strangers, workers, or delivery people who may come in and out of the home.
3. Build up the immune system. Sleeping well, staying hydrated, and packing your diet with extra vitamin C, fruits, and vegetables are all great first steps to build up immunity against colds and other viruses. Other ways to strengthen our immune systems include regular exercise and effective stress management. If you or a loved one would like to “kill two birds with one stone,” look into trying low-impact yoga. It’s a great workout that incorporates meditation and breathing exercises to help reduce stress.
4. Keep your distance. As we’ve learned with COVID-19, it’s important to keep your distance if you’re feeling under the weather. You and your senior loved one should also avoid big crowds during this season if possible because you never know what germs others could be carrying. Avoid putting your hands near your eyes, nose, and mouth until you are able to properly sanitize.
5. Sanitize your environment and devices. Speaking of sanitizing, it’s equally as important to clean you and your loved one’s living spaces and common-touch areas like phones, kitchen counters, doorknobs, and other electronic devices. Use disinfectant products like Clorox while cleaning areas in the house to ensure the environment is as “germ-free” as possible. As for mobile and electronic devices, it’s best to avoid water and clean the devices with sanitizing wipes or a little rubbing alcohol.
6. Consider getting a flu shot. Another preventative measure is to consider getting vaccinated for the flu. Flu shots reduce the risk of contracting the virus and reduce harmful side effects for seniors especially. Not to mention, they are easily accessible through a doctor, at the local drug store, or even the supermarket. If you’re worried about you or a loved one getting the flu shot, we recommend seeing a doctor first that can address all health concerns.

Health-conscious assisted living in Camden County NJ

At UMC at Collingswood, our associates, caregivers, and medical professionals are on-site 24/7 to ensure each residents’ health needs and safety concerns are met at all times. Our assisted living community promotes healthy and abundant senior living through nutrition-packed meals, fitness programs, and top-of-the-line health and safety protocols in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO).

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

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/5-cold-flu-prevention-tips-for-seniors/