Seniors who live a healthy lifestyle will probably live a long life. Most seniors are now living at least ten years longer than their parents. This is great news, especially for active and healthy seniors. Increased life expectancy is a result of awareness and education and more seniors are taking better care of their body. Below is a short list that provides some facts on the increase in life expectancies.

1. Improving living conditions can help lengthen life. If seniors live in a clean and safe environment, they are more apt to be healthier.

2. The improvement in general health is largely due to public health efforts that aim to prevent disease and improve the living conditions of seniors.

3. There has been a drastic increase in life expectancies over the past 170 years. In fact, the life span has increased at an astounding rate of 2.5 years each decade. This is equivalent to 6 hours each day.

4. As people age, their chances of death increase. However, if an individual were to reach the age of 110, their chances of death do not increase anymore. Instead, it holds steady at a 50% chance.

5. As people begin to live longer, it causes changes in the way younger adults think. If they believe they will live a long life, they should begin to take care of themselves better. This is the hope for the younger generations. It is important to remain as fit, healthy and active as possible, no matter what your age is.

Source:  http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2010/03/aging.html

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Senior Parents

It is not easy to provide care and assistance to an aging parent. Many caregivers find that senior parents are the number one cause for stress. This can be avoided by following some of the tips below. These tips will help you remain sane when caring for an elderly parent, while at the same time allowing you to provide the care they need.

1. Practice coping strategies. This may be different for every caregiver. Some people just need to find a way to escape from their role for a few minutes each day in order to regroup.

2. Know just how much care is needed. Many seniors will rely on a caregiver if the caregiver offers to do everything. This is not the best way to provide care to an aging parent. It is important for seniors to stay as active as possible and this can mean still having responsibilities. Make sure you set limits and know exactly what things seniors need assistance with and what they can still do on their own.

3. Caregivers should also know how to recognize the signs of decline. This can be difficult to accept, but these signs may indicate the need for further assistance.

4. Gain as much knowledge as possible by using online resources. There is a lot of information available for caretakers.

5. Keep a sense of humor and make sure to take time for yourself. These two things can play a huge role in maintaining your sanity.

Source:  http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/05/15/oprah.caring.for.parents/index.html#cnnSTCText

Fit and Healthy – Love your Body

Accepting and loving your body are two essential keys to staying fit and being happy. Seniors who accept their body are typically much happier and healthier than those who do not. The following list of tips and information can be beneficial to seniors who wish to accept who they are and stop the insane search for vanity. We can’t all be supermodels!

1. Everybody wants to be a supermodel, but for most seniors, this will never be a dream that comes true. To overcome this, seniors need to learn how to love their body. This is done by noting the positive and not dwelling on the negative.

2. Keep in mind that being different from another person is what makes us all unique. If everyone were a model and had perfect features, there would be no personal satisfaction or gain when a goal is reached.

3. Losing weight may help get your body trim again, but it is not the most important thing in life. Never compromise general health for vanity.

4. Looking good comes from feeling good. If you are comfortable with the person you are on the inside, chances are you will have a better chance of accepting the physical aspects as well.

Source: http://www.fromfat2fit.com/articles/a2.html

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Seniors have to deal with declining health on a daily basis. As we age, the body begins to function differently. It is important for seniors to be aware of warning signs. These signs could indicate the onset of a serious medical problem. With early detection and treatment, many illnesses can be addressed. The following list contains some warning signs.

1. If seniors suddenly lose interest in something they previously enjoyed, there is cause for concern. This includes socializing with friends, involving themselves in hobbies or losing interest in physical activity.

2. When seniors become less active, there may be an underlying problem. It is important to talk to a doctor when seniors begin to be less physically active on a day to day basis.

3. Be aware of how seniors move. If they normally move at a normal pace and suddenly begin to slow down, there may be a medical reason. Seniors should try to remain as active as possible. If they suddenly walk differently, make sure to talk to a doctor.

4. Seniors who begin to lose weight rapidly and have changes in appetite or eating habits could have a medical problem. These changes are unhealthy and should always be taken seriously. Be sure to report any changes in weight or eating habits to a doctor.

5. Many seniors do not walk as well as younger adults. However, if seniors begin to wobble when they walk, this is a warning sign. Seniors who lose their balance could have a medical problem that needs treatment.

Source: getmommoving.com

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

New Developments in Alzheimer’s Prevention

Scientists are constantly trying to find early signs of Alzheimer’s that may provide an opportunity for treatment or prevention of the disease. Since there currently is no cure, or any major developments that can help prevent Alzheimer’s, these discoveries can help detect trends that will lead in the right direction. Here is information on the latest discovery in Alzheimer’s:

• There is a brain plaque that is detectable in the brain long before any cognitive decline begins to surface

• The plaque referred to as amyloid –beta has been discovered to cause damage when present in certain areas of the hippocampus

• Previously, it was known that the plaque was present in seniors with Alzheimer’s, but it was unknown if it was toxic or if its presence was coincidental

• The presence of the plaque can cause neurons to die, which can be related to cognitive decline

• Since there’s no way to redevelop neurons that have already died, further research is necessary to see if there is a way to prevent the build up of this plaque earlier before it causes irreversible damage

Via: Herald Sun http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/brain-plaque-could-cause-alzheimers-study-reveals/story-e6frf7jx-1225846141143

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For some seniors, getting older can mean that they lose control over their lifestyle and have to place themselves in the care and decisions of others. If their memory inhibits them further, it truly can mean loss of independence and loss of chosen lifestyle. Seniors can help keep their minds strong by following the tips below, and that can further help them to live a life that they choose.

1. Take in your surroundings – it happens at every stage of life; when someone talks to you but you’re not really focused so you don’t actually recall what they said, or miss many of the important details. That a prime example of how focusing is important. With age, it’s even more essential, because a conscious effort needs to be made in order to help seniors retain memories. When seniors put something away, they should make a conscious effort to mentally note “I put my keys on the counter”. That will help with recall, particularly for important daily events

2. Talk through it – actually saying something you want to remember outloud can benefit seniors. Talking about it improves memory alone, but in addition to that; pausing to talk can remind seniors to really stop and focus

3. Have a place for everything – there is nothing wrong with forming habits, especially when it comes to day-to-day functions that allow seniors to thrive independently. They should have a spot for their keys, for their medications and for other crucial items so they don’t even need to rely upon executive recall to find those items and remember to follow through on important tasks

Via: Harvard Health

Daily physical activity is very important for seniors. By being active and having a little exercise each day, seniors will be able to maintain health and strengthen muscles and bones. The following list contains some information on an activity that is referred to as Day at the Beach. This is a mobility activity and can be very beneficial for seniors who have poor eyesight. This may require a friend or family member’s assistance and guidance.

1. Take a beach ball and hold it at chest level. Both hands should be on the ball.

2. Stretch the arms outward. Make sure to keep them as straight as possible.

3. Return to the original position with the arms at the chest.

4. Each motion should be help for 10 counts. This will ensure the stretch is complete and that the senior is getting the maximum effect from this mobility activity.

5. This activity can be done anywhere the senior is comfortable. To add to the exercise, do it while listening to music. If desired, the senior can also move their feet to the beat of the music while doing the exercise.

Source: http://www.getmommoving.com/activities-mind-body-soul/active-body-activity-5/

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Cancer prevention is an important area of concern for many seniors. As we age, our immune system becomes weaker, which can increase the risks associated with cancer. Prevention is possible if seniors follow some of the tips that are provided below. There are certain types of cancer that can be prevented just by taking some precautionary steps.

1. Have routine screenings. This is important for senior women. Having annual screenings for breast and cervical cancer can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. It will also allow for early detection if cancer does develop which increases the chances of survival.

2. Seniors should try to avoid using tobacco and alcohol. By avoiding these things, cancer can be avoided. Seniors should also use caution when exposed to ultraviolet rays. This will help prevent skin cancer.

3. Eating a well-balanced diet can also help prevent cancer. By adding fresh fruits and vegetables to a daily diet, seniors will get the necessary nutrients needed to battle cancer.

4. There are various vaccines available that will prevent certain types of cancer. These include the human papilloma virus vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine.

5. The more information seniors have on cancer, the better they will be able to avoid it. Screenings, vaccines and healthy lifestyles are essential.

Source: cdc.gov

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More and more seniors are looking for ways to improve their health as well as quality of life. There is a program available to seniors called the Healthy Aging Program. The program offers some great resources to seniors who wish to improve their health. By maintaining good health, seniors will be able to live a longer and happier life. The following list contains some of the services offered by the program.

1. One of the main goals of the program is to promote the health of aging adults. This is done by increasing the community’s ability to identify and implement various strategies and programs.

2. The program strives to improve the quality of life for seniors.

3. Preventative services, caregiving services and mental health services are all part of this unique senior program.

4. The program only employs professionals who are trained in aging issues. These professionals can offer a wide array of services. Seniors who are interested in improving their health and living a longer life can greatly benefit from taking advantage of the Healthy Aging Program.

5. In 2005, the Healthy Aging Program expanded and now includes the Healthy Alzheimer’s disease segment. Now seniors with the disease can get extra assistance they require at home.

6. The Healthy Aging program can also offer financial planning. The program tries to help seniors by slowing the growth of health care costs.

Source: cdc.gov

Image: oregon.gov

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464..