Keep Moving: The Mantra of Aging Gracefully

 

“Move it or lose it!” Not sure if that expression was originally used to describe aging, but it should have been. Maintaining your mobility is key to keeping your independence as you age. In order to have the best quality of life in your senior years, you have to fight the urge to be a solitary couch potato. 

Here are some (of the many!) advantages to staying active in your senior years. The United Methodist Communities HomeWorks team has also included examples of mobility exercises that older adults can perform safely at home.

Why exercise is key for older adults 

It’s safe to say that everyone could be exercising a bit more – after all, the most popular New Year’s resolution is to sign up for the gym! But it’s even more important for adults over 60 years old. Here’s why:

• Helps you stay independent. When you lose your mobility as a senior, you lose a part of your independence. And the only way to prevent this from happening is to keep moving! Just 30 minutes a day of strength and cardio training will help older adults build the necessary muscle mass to keep them moving without any extra help.
• Supports healthy brain activity. Physical activity is just as essential for brain health as mental stimulation. Exercise helps to boost blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Not to mention, multiple studies show that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by as much as 30%.
• Reduces arthritis pain. Exercising regularly lubricates your joints which helps reduce the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. It also reduces overall pressure on your joints, which can help you shed some unwanted weight more easily. 
• Lowers your risk of heart disease. Heart disease is an extremely common condition for older adults in the US. Exercise is incredibly effective at lowering the risks for heart disease because it improves circulation to the heart, helps reduce excessive weight, and keep issues like high cholesterol and diabetes at bay. 
• Promotes better sleep. One of the most common issues seniors experience —  trouble sleeping. Not only do we tend to sleep lighter as we age, many medications can also prevent us from sleeping well. Exercise is a great cure, helping to tire the body and mind. Just remember to exercise each day (preferably not in the two hours before bed) and you should be able to sleep soundly every night.
• Helps fight depression. There are many ways to treat depression, and one of the most effective is exercise, which can reduce symptoms by as much as 30%. Not only does exercise benefit the body, it also helps the mind by preventing and treating feelings of isolation, depression, loneliness, and anxiety.

Senior mobility exercises to try

There’s no need to order the latest Nikes and start training at a marathon level. Exercise should be something you enjoy that is tailored to your abilities, not some dreaded event you don’t want to get out of bed for. Here are some mobility exercises suited for older adults. Please note: consulting your primary caregiver before performing any new exercises is advised. 

• Yoga and pilates – Build strength, improve balance, and relax your mind with yoga and pilates. What’s great is you don’t have to leave your home to participate! You can find many free yoga and pilates videos to follow on YouTube.

• Dancing – Dance is the perfect balance of entertainment and exercise, allowing you to enjoy great music and get a good cardio workout in at the same time. Like yoga and pilates, you can dance in the comfort and privacy of your own home with many videos available to watch on YouTube. 

• Nature walks – The outdoors benefit  the mind, body, and soul! Although it’s cold outside, it’s more than feasible to bundle up before taking a short walk around the neighborhood. 

 

Exercising with UMC HomeWorks  

The hardest part of sticking to a workout routine is staying motivated. You have to hold yourself accountable. A lot of the time, it helps when you have someone else to hold you accountable as well. With UMC HomeWorks, we have home health aides available who can come to your home and provide as little or as much support as needed. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, shopping or getting a morning workout in, our carefully screened and certified aides are ready to help! 

To find out more about our in-home care services, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/home-health-aide-services/

Originally posted: https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/keep-moving-the-mantra-of-aging-gracefully/

Immune System Boosting Tips For Seniors

As we age, our immune systems can weaken, making us more vulnerable to infections and making recovery more difficult. Fortunately, there are ways in which we can help support our immune systems to fight off infections more effectively. Here are some tips from our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ.

• Flu vaccinations: Seasonal flu viruses are especially difficult to treat in the elderly and very young children, so getting an annual vaccine is important. Studies have shown that this significantly decreases the rates of sickness and death in seniors.
• Exercise: A physically healthy body has a much better immune system, and regular exercise is key to achieving this. Walking, cycling, yoga, dancing and swimming keep hearts, bodies and immune systems strong.
• Healthy diet: Getting the right nutrients will strengthen your immune system, so it’s important to eat correctly and have a healthy, varied diet. Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and zinc are great, so try including lots of leafy greens like spinach as well as tomatoes and oranges, to complement a diet of wholegrains and lean protein.
• Reduce stress and loneliness: While depression and stress are very real health issues in the senior community, isolation and anxiety can also have a detrimental effect on the immune system. Keeping socially active with friends and loved ones, joining social groups and clubs, as well as speaking to professionals about these issues help make us less vulnerable to a huge range of health conditions, and improve quality of life.
• Hygiene: Because germs are primarily passed  through physical contact,  washing hands regularly is a must. Avoid touching your face or eyes after being in a public space and covering sneezes and coughs is essential.
• Stay hydrated: Whatever the weather, stay hydrated. Seniors often feel less thirsty, but that doesn’t mean they need less fluid. Eight to nine glasses of fluid a day  (includes water, tea, soup, coffee, juice, etc.)  keeps mucous membranes healthy and actively reduces the chance of infections.

Assisted living and nursing home care in Camden County, NJ

Collingswood is part of United Methodist Communities, a network of senior living and assisted living communities specializing in high quality care and support. Our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ, is known for its beautiful setting, spacious residential apartments and wide range of services for residents. With qualified and experienced nursing, therapy and management staff on hand to provide assistance, residents enjoy all the benefits of independent senior living.

In addition to our assisted living campuses, we also offer a range of long term care services, including hospice and palliative care, short term rehabilitation and respite care. Our aim is to keep our residents “aging in place,” ensuring that they stay in the comfort of familiar surroundings in their own private apartment even as their care needs change.

To find out more about United Methodist Communities, our long term care services in NJ, please contact us and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/immune-system-boosting-tips-seniors/ 

Home Organization Tips For Seniors

Keeping your home well-organized is essential for any stage of life, but it is especially important for seniors. Keeping the home clutter-free and easily navigable is key to a long, healthy and enjoyable life for several reasons: First, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries for the elderly. Second, recovery becomes more serious and lengthy as we age. Here are some tips from our continuing care retirement community in Sussex County, New Jersey.

• Raise your storage height: As we age, we lose flexibility and strength, which makes bending down to pick up boxes more difficult and poses an injury risk. Place boxes and stored items no lower than upper-thigh height and keep lower areas clear.
• Keep important documents together: Sorting through papers can be a mammoth task, but it’s also a very important one. Recycle anything unimportant to get rid of clutter and reduce fire risk. Place passports; insurance policies; wills; powers of attorney; and social security, tax, home and car documents together in designated folders inside a specific cupboard or desk at home.
• Medication sorting and list: Sort through all medications in the home and remove all that are expired. Make a list of all the medication and dosages your loved one is currently taking and attach it to the fridge along with any important notes. This is very useful for tracking medication and for providing doctors with essential information on your loved one’s medical status. Medication should be sorted in day-of-the-week pill boxes.
• Remove clutter, add light: It’s easy for clutter to build up in the home, especially if your loved one has lived there for decades. Unfortunately, it presents a very real tripping, health and fire hazard, so it is important to sort through belongings and keep spaces clear. This is especially important in bedrooms, passageways and on stairs. In these spaces, the floor should be kept as clear as possible, carpet should be perfectly flat, and without throw rugs. Additional lighting should be added to ensure visibility and easy around-the-clock navigation. A press-on or bedside light in the bedroom  eliminates the need for seniors to search in the dark for a wall light.

Comfortable, vibrant, independent senior living in Sussex County 

Bristol Glen, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Sussex County, New Jersey, offers seniors independence, comfort and a vibrant social life. Bristol Glen is part of United Methodist Communities, a ministry of over 100 years and experts on senior living.

Contact us to find out more about our Continuing Care Retirement Community and  book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/home-organization-tips-seniors/

Medication Management Tips For Seniors

Proper medication management is essential for seniors and their caregivers in order to prevent complications, adverse interactions and incorrect doses. This especially applies to  seniors because they often take multiple medications for a range of conditions at the same time, an issue known as polypharmacy. Here are some tips and insights from short term rehab specialists at our assisted living facility in Gloucester County, NJ.

• What is the medication treating? Every pharmacy label should explain what the medication is for and how to take it properly. This information outlines the specifics of each medication (some to be taken with food, others shouldn’t be taken at night, etc.) and helps prevent cases in which certain symptoms are being treated with multiple medications when one will do.
• Stay organized. Whether you are managing medication for yourself or for a loved one, organization is key. Keep all medications in a secure, designated cupboard in a cool room and out of the sun. Regularly check medications for their expiration date and sort them each week into a pill organizer to ensure the correct daily doses of each medication. Remember that antibiotic courses must be completed in order to be effective.
• Bring medications to the physician. Seniors often have specialist physicians as well as their own general practitioners which can complicate medical treatments. By bringing currently prescribed medications or a current, detailed list of medications to the doctor, they can easily see the patient’s taking and the prescribed dosage, allowing them to treat the patient more effectively.
• Know the side effects: Knowing the possible side effects of your medications makes it easier to recognize new symptoms and conditions, as opposed to symptoms that may be a reaction to medication.
• Special medication management for cognitively impaired While many seniors can manage their medication with minimal assistance, caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairments including Alzheimer’s and dementia, should take full control of their medication, even in earlier stages. Since these patients are at high risk of forgetting their medication entirely or accidentally overdosing, proper precautions can help prevent adverse consequences.

Short term rehabilitation services from our assisted living community in New Jersey

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality short term rehabilitation services to seniors in our rehab center and our Transitions program. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we offer these services in addition to assisted living services, hospice care, respite care and memory support services.

Ideal for seniors wanting professional assistance while recovering from illness or surgery, as well as those wanting to try out and get to know our assisted living community.  We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our short term rehab services or assisted living community, please contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/medication-management-tips-seniors/

How to prepare for hip replacement surgery

After undergoing an orthopedic evaluation, your doctor may discuss the option of  hip replacement. This surgical procedure is becoming a popular choice, as it offers relief from pain, improved mobility and significantly improved quality of life – but how should you prepare for it? Here’s some advice from short term rehabilitation providers from our assisted living community in Gloucester County.

• Ask questions about your procedure: Your surgeon is the best source for information on what happens during your hip replacement, what joint is best for you and what you can expect as you recover. It’s a good idea to browse reputable websites like the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) or the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) for information and to help get ideas for questions to ask your doctors.
• Get in shape: The healthier, fitter and stronger you are before your surgery, the easier your recovery is likely to be. Getting down to a healthy weight by eating right and exercising (be sure to ask your doctor what exercises will be safest and most comfortable for you) is always a good idea. Building up your upper body strength will also be a big help to you, as it will make it easier to move around on crutches or a walker during your recovery.
• Meet your physical therapist: Not only will your physical therapist be able to help you with exercises for your general health, they can also take you through the exercises you’ll need to do to aid your recovery. Learning them before your surgery will make them easier to do post-surgery.
• Speak to your insurance provider: Keeping in close communication with your insurance provider  will help ensure that you are properly covered for the surgery. They will also help you understand what your post-surgical coverage or benefits can provide.
• Plan your recovery: While some patients do return home after surgery and recover with the help of friends and family, many patients find that it is easier and more beneficial to receive professional care. Short term rehabilitation providers can offer you  accommodations for your recovery that are  suited to your needs, as well as qualified therapists, nursing, meals and other assistance or support.

Short term rehabilitation services from our assisted living community in New Jersey 

United Methodist Communities at Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality short term rehabilitation services to seniors. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we offer these services in addition to assisted living , hospice care, respite care and memory support services.

To find out more about our short term rehab services or assisted living community, please contact us today or schedule a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/prepare-hip-replacement-surgery/.

Sun-safe tips for seniors

Summer is here and that means plenty of opportunities to get out and about, enjoy the warm weather and get involved in the many great seasonal community events! Just be sure to follow these tips from assisted living experts in South Jersey for staying safe in the heat.

1. Stay hydrated: It’s very easy to become dehydrated in this heat, especially as you age. Because your body stops retaining water as well as it used to, and it’s more difficult to pick up thirst signals, it’s always good to have an extra few glasses of water throughout the day. Remember to pack water for any long summer drives and try to include a sweat replacement product (these contain essential salts and potassium) in your diet if you are feeling dehydrated.
2. Medical conditions and hot weather: Certain chronic medical conditions can be aggravated by the heat, so stay aware of your body temperature and possible worsening of symptoms. Try to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and, if you find yourself feeling too hot while on an outing, spend a few hours in a cool location to restore yourself. Grocery stores, cinemas and libraries are all great places to stop and cool off.
3. Keep your medications cool: Heat can damage your medications, so be sure to keep them in dark, cool locations (room temperature is fine) and off sunny shelves.
4. Protect your eyes: Protecting your eyes is essential. As we age, we become more and more vulnerable to eye conditions that lead to vision loss, as the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays can make many of these conditions much worse, it’s important to wear sunglasses that offer 99-100% certified protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.
5. Protect your skin: Your skin can become more vulnerable to damage as you age. Wear a good sunblock of 30SPF (sun protection factor) or more when you are outdoors. Light, loose-fitting clothing and hats will also help you keep cool and protected from the sun.
6. Know the signs of heat stroke: Heat stroke can happen quickly, and knowing the symptoms can help keep you and other seniors safe from a potentially fatal condition. Signs to watch for include flushed face, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness, and confusion. Contact a nurse as soon as possible, drink cool water and sit down out of the heat, if possible.

Assisted living services for independent seniors in South Jersey

United Methodist Communities at The Shores, prioritizes quality of life – allowing seniors to enjoy their community, friends and social activities while we manage their tasks of day-to-day living. With comfortable, open-plan apartments, a lively community spirit and an events calendar filled with activities, we offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

In addition to assisted living, our senior communities also offer comprehensive hospice services and respite care, and are fully able to serve the needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

For more information on The Shores and our senior communities, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/sun-safe-tips-seniors/

Caring for your eye health as you age

Our eyes, like the rest of our bodies, are not immune to the aging process. However, there are a few things we can do to give our eyes the proper support they need to stay healthy. Read these tips on caring for your eyes as you age from assisted living specialists in South Jersey.

• Maintain good nutrition: Eating healthfully is key to preserving your eyesight. Prioritize foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and C, like leafy green vegetables, eggs, nuts, and oily fish (mackerel, tuna and salmon).
• Cut down on alcohol: Overconsumption of alcohol negatively affects health in a number of ways and may trigger free-radical reactions that are damaging to the macula (the eye tissue that allows you to see detail and color).
• Reduce your sugar and fat intake: While sugar may create the same free-radical 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 UVA and UVB rays, as poor quality sunglasses can actually increase your UV ray exposure.

Care, comfort and compassion at our assisted living  community in South Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities at The Shores, we offer comprehensive assisted living services that actively promote our philosophy of ‘aging-in-place’. Our service model is scalable to allow you or your loved one the right level of support as needs change over time, while our apartment-style accommodation ensures the maximum amount of comfort and independence.

In addition to our assisted living communities, we also offer comprehensive hospice services and respite, and are fully able to serve the needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia residents.

For more information on The Shores and our other New Jersey communities, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/caring-for-your-eye-health-as-you-age/