Senior living communities have hosted videos of their apartments and villas on their websites for years. However, many weren’t easy to navigate and didn’t always give families the best view of the community. The COVID-19 pandemic made the industry finally realize the power of connecting virtually with potential residents and families.

Because they couldn’t allow visitors for months, most communities began offering virtual tours for families searching for assisted living or memory care. Many have continued offering virtual visits because they are beneficial for adult children who live far away and locals exploring their options.

A question that often arises about virtual tours is if they are as effective as in-person visits to a senior living community. As you might expect, the answer is no. If you can visit in person and talk with residents, families, and staff, that’s always better. But a virtual tour is the next best thing.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your virtual tour.

Schedule carefully: Don’t make the mistake of blocking out only 15 or 20 minutes to complete a virtual tour just because you aren’t going there in person. These real-time tours are interactive, so you’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time.

Prepare a list of questions: Just like you would for an in-person tour, take some time to put your questions down on paper. Making an informed decision starts with knowing what to ask. “Checklist: Questions to ask an assisted living community” will help you make sure you don’t forget to ask something important.

Take good notes: While you may think you’ll remember what you liked and disliked about each community, it’s tough when you schedule virtual tours with several providers. Make a point to write down concerns, advantages, and your overall impression. This also makes it easier to compare communities when you are narrowing down your choices.

Set the pace: These tours can make both the person leading them and families feel a little awkward at first. If the pace seems too quick for you to get the inside look you are seeking, let the staff member know. It’s usually helpful if you ask questions and comment as the tour progresses. The tour leader will appreciate the interaction and the opportunity to make sure the visit is useful.

Talk with residents: Finally, ask if you can talk with residents and families virtually, too. Senior living communities typically have people who love the opportunity to share their experiences and answer questions. It’s a great way to hear unbiased insight.

If you narrow down your list but can’t visit in person for a second tour, it might be advantageous to have someone do it for you. For those without a local connection, enlisting the services of a geriatric care manager is an option to consider. They are also known as aging life care professionals. This database will allow you to search by zip code and find one in your desired area.

If you are concerned about a senior loved one’s safety when you can’t be there, a mobile monitoring unit might be the answer. With the push of a button, these discreet devices can summon help quickly. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to learn more!

Is a virtual tour of a senior living community helpful? While in-person tours are best, here’s how to make the most of a virtual visit.

Can You Evaluate a Senior Living Community Virtually?

We’ve all heard how important exercise is for wellness. In fact, one question a physician asks during an annual physical is how much exercise you are getting. If you are trying to make physical activity a priority as we head into spring, consider taking a daily walk.

It’s a form of exercise you can do on your own, with a friend or neighbor, or even with a furry, four-legged pal. From stronger core strength to improved mental health, here are a few ways walking helps seniors.

Falling is a common concern for seniors. Not only are older adults at increased risk for falls, but they are also more likely to experience a serious injury if they fall.

Walking is proven to help prevent falls among seniors because it improves balance, core strength, and coordination. It also increases flexibility in joints and strengthens overall muscle and bone mass. If the senior does fall, the benefits derived from walking often decrease the severity of injuries.

As we age, many of us develop high blood pressure. While some of it can be linked to genetics, lifestyle can also play a role. A poor diet or sedentary lifestyle can contribute to a rise in blood pressure.

Routine walking has been shown to be as effective as some medications in regulating blood pressure. It helps strengthen the heart, which typically makes it more efficient at pumping blood. That aids in managing blood pressure.

Another health battle older adults often struggle with is maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Uncontrolled bad cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, leading to a heart attack. By increasing the amount of good cholesterol in the blood while simultaneously reducing the amount of bad cholesterol, seniors can avoid or delay health problems. Walking is a great way to naturally control cholesterol. “Understanding Cholesterol Screening Results” will help you learn more about cholesterol and screenings.

Seniors are more likely to experience spikes in blood sugar, especially after eating. Taking a walk after eating has been shown to reduce those spikes, allowing the body to use the blood sugar efficiently.

Exercise releases hormones called endorphins. These hormones reduce your perception of pain while heightening positive feelings. This means that engaging in fitness activities like walking could improve your mood, reduce feelings of depression, lessen anxiety, and lower stress.

Where you walk can further lift the spirit. A botanical garden or park where you are surrounded by nature’s beauty can give you even more of a boost.

It’s an unfortunate reality that as our age increases, our metabolism decreases. This makes seniors more susceptible to weight gain. Walking, combined with a healthy diet, can help seniors maintain their weight by burning more calories than they consume.

As is true of all forms of exercise, talk with your primary care physician about walking if you haven’t been active lately. The general guideline for seniors is to exercise 150 minutes a week. While that number may seem overwhelming, breaking it into sessions helps.

Many people just starting out begin with two 15-minute walks five days a week. As you become stronger and stamina improves, you might want to walk once a day for a longer period. The most important thing is to set a goal and stick with it.

Aging well requires staying on top of the latest research and trends on healthy eating, exercise, preventative medical screenings, and more. One way to do that is by bookmarking the Life Protect blog and stopping back each week. We update this blog regularly to make it easier for seniors and their loved ones to stay informed.

Walking offers a variety of health benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Learn why it’s a form of fitness worth trying, especially for seniors.

Family caregivers are known for making their own health and wellness a lower priority when they are busy caring for a spouse or aging parent. Since caregivers are often middle-aged females, the health consequences of skipping yearly physicals or putting off essential health screenings can be significant. Small issues that may have been treatable with early intervention might become bigger problems before they are detected.

Routine visits to your primary care physician keep you on schedule with vital mid-life preventative screenings. They also allow you and the doctor to build a relationship. Having a comfort level with your health care professional makes it easier if medical problems—such as diabetes, depression, cancer, or heart disease—arise.

If you are a woman caring for a loved one and you haven’t seen a doctor in a while, the best first step is to schedule a physical. This will give the physician a chance to conduct a routine exam to check blood pressure, screen for depression (quite common among caregivers), evaluate cognitive health, talk about body mass index, and check reflexes.

They will likely order blood work to identify any vitamin deficiencies, check cholesterol and thyroid health, and screen for diabetes. Based on your personal health and family medical history, there may be other follow-up testing.

During your physical exam, the doctor will also recommend other screenings and health care appointments:

Yearly well-woman visit: Time passes quickly when you are caring for a loved one. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the gynecologist, it’s important to get back on track. They’ll perform an exam to detect any abnormalities and screen for HPV and cervical cancer. The gynecologist might also order your yearly mammogram and a bone density screening if your primary care doctor doesn’t.

Colon cancer screening: Depending on your personal and family history, you might also be due for a colon cancer screening. Newer colon cancer screening guidelines say people should begin these at 45 years of age instead of the previous recommendation of 50. While a colonoscopy is considered the best option, there are other types of screenings, such as Cologuard and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Read “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Tips” for more information on colon cancer awareness.

Self-Care Can Include Preventative Vaccines

Many people associate vaccines with younger children, but older adults need them, too. They offer a strong defense against some serious health conditions. If you are a caregiver, they are vital for more than just your own well-being. Should you become infected, you can unknowingly pass an illness on to your loved one, who might already have a weakened immune system.

In addition to talking with your primary care doctor about COVID-19 vaccines and others that are best for your personal health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests adults over the age of 50 speak with their physician about these four vaccines:

Influenza vaccine: Also known as a flu shot, this yearly vaccine helps lower the odds of catching the virus. In a typical flu season, older adults account for as much as 80% of flu-related deaths. So, caregivers should consider this vaccine as a method of protecting themselves and the senior they are caring for.

Tdap vaccine: This guards against three different deadly illnesses: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Once you have it, your doctor may recommend a booster every 10 years.

Shingles vaccine: The newer shingles vaccine, called Shingrix, is highly effective at preventing both shingles and a painful complication of shingles known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This two-shot vaccine is important to receive as one in three adults will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Pneumococcal vaccine: Finally, ask your primary care physician about the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine helps protect you from pneumonia and other infections in the lungs and bloodstream. It is generally recommended for adults 65 and older, as well as for caregivers and younger people with compromised immune systems.

Emergency Call Alert System Gives Peace of Mind

An important part of healthy self-care is managing stress. That can be tough when you are a caregiver. You worry about everything from your loved one’s nutrition to in-home hazards that might cause them to fall.

One way to get peace of mind is investing in a mobile monitoring unit for the senior you are a caregiver for. If they experience an emergency when you aren’t by their side, they can summon help with the push of a button. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Women who are caregiving for a loved one often set their own health care needs aside. This self-care guide will help you get back on track.

Mother’s Day is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in May. It’s a day we pause to celebrate the mothers and grandmothers in our lives. If you are trying to come up with a unique idea to honor your family elders this Mother’s Day, consider hosting an intergenerational tea. It can provide you with an opportunity to gather several generations together for a few hours of fun.

Here are some suggestions for organizing a Mother’s Day tea for your loved ones.

Planning an Intergenerational Mother’s Day Tea

Think about your guest list: Before you can choose a location, think about who you want to invite. Will you limit it to family members or ask close friends to join the celebration, too? Once you have an idea about how many people will likely attend, you can begin the real planning.

Explore possible locations: Having a tea party can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. If you have the space to accommodate the event, hosting it in your own backyard could be fun. Or you can investigate tea houses in your area and book time for your party at one of them. Cafes or coffee houses that have a private room are another possibility.

Choose a party theme: Tea parties are often organized around a theme of some kind. Depending on the ages of your guests, you could go with a Disney theme. Other ideas are Downton Abbey, Somewhere in Time, or a Victorian tea party. In 2022, Mother’s Day is the same weekend as the Kentucky Derby. That’s another fun theme to use.

Plan a tasty menu: If you select a theme, the menu will likely be much easier to plan. But if you opt for a traditional tea party, you might want to serve a combination of savories and sweets. Miniature toasts, cucumber sandwiches, and tiny chicken salad puff pastries are tea party staples. As are treats like petit fours, coconut cherry macaroons, and small lemon poppyseed cakes.

Select a few teas: Don’t forget to devote a little time to taste-testing for the star of the party—the tea. You’ll have many options to choose from. You’ll likely want your menu to include two to four different types of tea. Sites like Destination Tea and Whole Foods Market have online guides to help you choose a few teas that match your food menu and learn more about serving them.

Order party favors: If you’d like to send each family member home with a memento of this occasion, personal is probably best. It could be a small pot of fancy jam with a custom label. Or maybe you ask loved ones to email you photos ahead of time and use them to create a family ornament or calendar.

Finally, don’t forget to inform guests about your theme ahead of time so they know how to dress. Otherwise, fancy hats and twirly dresses for women and bow ties and jackets for men are traditional tea party attire.

If your aging parent or family elder lives alone, it’s natural to worry about their safety. Being able to quickly call for help if they fall or have a medical emergency is vital. That’s why a mobile medical unit is a solution to consider. In the event of a crisis, the user can press a button and quickly be connected with an emergency operator 24/7. Call 1-844-203-5617 to talk with an expert today!

Trying to find a new way to celebrate the women in your family on Mother’s Day? Consider hosting a tea party. Here are a few tips to help you plan.

Hosting a Mother’s Day Tea to Honor Family Elders

From more frequent, severe storms to rising sea levels, climate change is upon us. While experts say it’s too late to reverse the damage, there are steps we can all take to mitigate the situation. Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22, is a great time to learn more about climate change and what you can do about it.

Earth Day dates back to 1970, when people first began voicing concerns about the climate. Back then, the primary concern was smog over urban areas. Now, over 50 years later, it’s still a great day to learn more about climate change and take steps to reduce your carbon footprint.

Here’s what you should know about Earth Day and how you can adapt your daily behavior to help protect our planet.

In the spring of 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist John McConnell called on Americans to participate in grassroots efforts to learn more about issues impacting the planet. That April, people around the country joined forces to shine the spotlight on smog and how it could be prevented. There was growing evidence that linked increasing air pollution to developmental delays in children, and families were concerned.

Today, debates over climate change and global warming rage on. While politicians argue, scientists say the situation has become dire.

To help seniors find ways to make a positive difference to the health of the planet, we’ve assembled a list of easy steps you can take.

How Seniors Can Help Create a Healthier Planet

Recycle: If you don’t already do so, start recycling. Some communities offer comprehensive recycling programs in conjunction with trash pickup. If yours doesn’t, this beginner’s guide to recycling will help you get started. Recycling reduces the amount of trash in landfills, saves energy, and conserves natural resources.

Monitor utility usage: How hot or cold you keep your house impacts your carbon footprint. By turning the thermostat down by just 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer, you can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,000 pounds per year. You can also reduce utility usage by turning the lights off as you leave a room, unplugging unused appliances, and changing your furnace filter on a timely basis.

Avoid single-use plastics: From plastic water bottles to disposable grocery bags, plastics are clogging up our rivers, oceans, and parklands. It’s pollution that is making our climate challenges worse. To learn other ways you can become less dependent on plastics, read How to Decrease Your Reliance on Single-Use Plastics.

Carpool and cluster errands: For every mile you don’t drive, you prevent one pound of carbon being released into the environment. That’s why it’s important to try to plan errands and trips carefully. Carpool with friends when you can. If you have clean, safe public transportation in your city, consider using it.

If you enjoyed this article, we invite you to bookmark the Life Protect Blog and stop back often. Throughout the month we share updates on topics ranging from healthy aging to caregiving. It’s helpful information for both seniors and their adult children.

Earth Day is a good time to commit to changing behaviors that might be contributing to the climate crisis. Learn more here.

There’s been a lot of buzz around gluten-free diets in recent years. For people who have been diagnosed with celiac disease, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or some autoimmune conditions, adopting a gluten-free lifestyle is a necessity. Because gluten can cause inflammation in the body, especially in the digestive tract, people with these diseases may experience pain and cramping after consuming even small amounts of gluten.

A question that often comes up is whether there are health benefits to going gluten-free if you don’t have one of these conditions. Is a gluten-free diet right for everyone? While some who’ve made the transition say they’ve lost weight and feel more energetic, health care professionals say you need to do a little research before giving up gluten.

As you consider adopting a gluten-free diet, it might help to learn what gluten is and where you typically find it. In the simplest of terms, gluten is the name used for a family of proteins that is found in wheat and other grains. It is the substance that holds foods together and allows them to maintain their shape.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, wheat-berries, durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, and graham are all forms of wheat that contain gluten. Rye, barley, and triticale also contain gluten. These grains are usually found in cereals, pastries, cookies, breads, pasta, soups, oatmeal, and even beer.

So, what are the pros and cons associated with giving up gluten? Let’s take a closer look.

First, going gluten-free may force you to cut down on the amount of carbs you consume. If your current diet is filled with sugary baked goods, pasta, and bread, you may find yourself losing a few pounds when you avoid gluten. People with some forms of dermatitis also say their skin problems improve when they eliminate or restrict gluten. Others say they feel more energetic.

But there are some definite drawbacks to skipping gluten. Because many find it a tough diet to follow, they fill up on gluten-free processed foods, such as cookies, breads, and crackers. It makes them less likely to eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. That can lead to deficiencies in key vitamins, iron, or other nutrients.

Then there is the fiber factor. People who go gluten-free might not get enough fiber from their diet. That can result in health challenges such as fatigue, constipation, and digestive issues.

The bottom line? If you don’t have a medical condition that requires giving up gluten, discuss the pros and cons with your primary care physician. They can help you evaluate whether it is a good decision for your overall well-being.

If you decide a gluten-free lifestyle isn’t right for you, one diet that receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from medical professionals is the Mediterranean Diet. It’s derived from the lifestyle of those who live in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. People there eat a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and lean protein, and they tend to have lower incidences of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more.

If you are looking for additional steps you can take to prevent heart disease, 8 Ways to Live a Heart-Smart Lifestyle is a good read. It has suggestions ranging from managing stress to getting quality sleep.

Should you consider a gluten-free diet if you don’t have a health condition that requires it? We weigh the pros and cons here.

Is Going Gluten-Free Good for Your Health?

If you are an adult child of an aging parent, you might find yourself wondering how safe and happy they are living alone. Is their quality of life as good as it could be? While many people are familiar with the term assisted living, few really understand what it means and how to tell if it’s time for a senior loved one to consider it.

Objectively evaluating how an older adult is doing can be difficult. It’s made even tougher by the fact that an aging parent might be too proud and independent to admit they need help. Some even go to great lengths to hide their struggles. That’s why waiting for a parent to ask for help, especially if the solution requires moving from their home, isn’t usually a good idea.

But how can you tell if your parent needs help if they don’t ask for it? What can you do to impartially assess their situation? Here are a few common red flags that indicate it might be time for a change.

Is It Time to Talk to Your Parent About Assisted Living?

There are almost always signs—big and small—that suggest a senior is struggling and might benefit from moving to the more supportive environment offered by an assisted living community.

Let’s start with the senior’s appearance, personal hygiene, and sleep habits. Change is usually the key, and might include differences such as:

Clothing inappropriate for the season or time of day

Other warning signs that can signal trouble include:

Condition of the house: If your parent always kept a clean house, but now you find overflowing trash, dirty dishes piled up, and a general lack of cleanliness, it’s likely something that needs to be discussed. So is a general lack of attention to home maintenance and repairs, from burned-out light bulbs to an untended yard. Keeping up a home might require more energy than the senior has.

Mismanaged finances: Has your parent made mistakes with bills or fallen victim to a financial scam? Perhaps they neglected to pay one bill while paying another multiple times? Mistakes managing finances is often another indication of a struggle.

Mistakes with medication: Another major concern is how well your family elder is keeping on track with their medication schedule. Because seniors are more likely to take multiple medications, it’s easy to make mistakes. It might be taking too much of one medicine and not enough of another. These types of errors can land an older adult in the emergency room.

If any of the warning signs listed above sound like the situation your parent is in, it may be time to talk with them about the many benefits of an assisted living community. Another idea to consider is investing in a medical alert system. A mobile monitoring unit works off wireless technology that allows the senior to push a button and call for help from wherever they are. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Wondering how you will know if it’s time for a parent to move to assisted living? Here are a few of the red flags to be on the lookout for.

One life transition many older adults experience is the need to sell a larger family home and downsize to a small place or a senior living community. A move to a safer environment for seniors often makes good financial sense, too. An essential part of downsizing is preparing a senior loved one’s home to sell.

Today’s real estate market is unpredictable. In some areas of the country, homes are selling for full price or over list price within hours of the house hitting the market. Other homes are lingering for long periods of time with little or no activity. In either situation, the key to getting the best price for the older adult’s home is making it as appealing as possible.

These tips will be useful as you get ready to list your senior loved one’s house.

How to Prepare a Senior’s House for Listing

Seniors tend to stay in their homes longer than younger adults. And it’s just a fact of life that the longer you live in a home, the more likely you are to have acquired a lot of “stuff.” Even if an older adult keeps an organized, tidy home, chances are good they’ll have a lot of belongings in cupboards, drawers, and closets. Unfortunately, that can make the house appear smaller, which puts most buyers off.

Start the decluttering process now, even if you aren’t quite sure your aging family member will actually move soon. An easy way to get moving is to go room by room disposing of obvious clutter, such as old magazines, papers, and magazines. Just be careful to shred items that have any personal information on them instead of throwing them in the trash.

Then the tough part of downsizing begins—going through years of belongings and personal items to decide what to keep and what to get rid of before the house is listed. Set up and label boxes for items the senior no longer needs. You might also find it helps to pack up and store items your loved one doesn’t use regularly to help make the closets look bigger when the house is being shown. Holiday decorations are a good example.

It’s often useful to label boxes according to the items’ final destinations, such as Donate, Trash, Family, or Storage. Work your way through every room and closet.

As busy homeowners, many of us put off making small repairs or tending to maintenance tasks. When the time comes to sell the house, however, it’s important to get those items taken care of. If buyers spot these kinds of issues around the home, they’ll likely wonder what important household upkeep has been ignored.

Start by walking around the house and making a list of everything that needs to be repaired. Also take an objective look at the condition of walls, ceilings, and floors. Do any rooms need a fresh coat of paint? That’s a routine task seniors might put off because it’s inconvenient. Once you have your list, see if loved ones can pitch in and help. If not, hire a handyman. Your local senior center may have a list of companies known for fair treatment in their work with older adults

As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. When it comes to selling a house, making a positive impression is essential. Many buyers drive by a place before even deciding if it’s something they want to look at. Don’t let poor curb appeal scare people off.

This is another place you’ll need to try to be objective. Take a look at the house and property from the curb, walking all the way around the home’s exterior. Is it warm and inviting? Shrubs should be tidy and trimmed, and flower beds free from weeds. A freshly painted front door helps, too.

Without going overboard, consider adding a few seasonal items. A new doormat and wreath on the front door can be welcoming. A pot or two of flowers or evergreens is also a nice touch.

Most buyers say lighting influences their buying decision. If the home doesn’t have good natural light and there isn’t a reasonably priced way to add it, position lamps and floor lights throughout the home. Make sure to place them at different heights for maximum appeal.

Use attractive tiebacks to pull curtains back to allow in as much light as possible through the windows. Before every showing, make sure all the lights are on and the curtains and blinds are open.

Finally, never underestimate the importance of a sparkling clean home and the impression it makes on buyers. It sends a message that the house is well-cared for.

Scrub the kitchen from top to bottom, including appliances. Be sure the bathrooms are spotless and smelling good. Clean the windows to let the light shine in. Have the carpet and area rugs professionally cleaned. Take down the drapes and wash or dry-clean them.

If safety concerns are what is driving the decision for a senior in your family to make a move, consider investing in a mobile monitoring unit. These discreet devices allow the wearer to call for help with the press of a button. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Are you getting a parent’s or other senior family member’s home ready to sell? These tips will be helpful.

Preparing a Senior Loved One’s Home for Sale

Nutrition plays an essential role in living our best life. Most of us are at least vaguely aware of how important a healthy diet is. So even if we don’t always eat well, we know we should. From disease prevention to healthier skin, nails, and hair, the benefits of eating right are numerous.

What seniors might not know is how much nutritional needs change with age. The body absorbs and processes nutrients differently, which alters what and how much you should eat in a day.

National Nutrition Month is celebrated annually in March. To help raise awareness, we are sharing a few tips to help seniors like you maintain a healthy diet.

The term diet triggers such negative emotions. The idea of going on another diet during retirement likely isn’t very appealing. Instead, think in terms of gradually adopting a healthier lifestyle. You’ll look and feel better and have more energy and confidence to enjoy your retirement.

The key is to find a lifestyle plan you can sustain. One to consider is that followed by people who live in five regions around the world known as “Blue Zones.”

People in Blue Zones enjoy the longest, healthiest lives. In these areas, healthy lifestyles are the norm. Residents eat fruits, vegetables, and lean sources of protein. Most consume at least 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables every day and limit how much red meat they eat.

Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to better heart and brain health. They play a role in regulating blood clotting and controlling inflammation. Some research shows they might also help control autoimmune diseases and protect against cancer.

It’s best to work foods high in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet at least twice a week. They can be found in leafy greens, flaxseeds, walnuts, sardines, salmon, lake trout, tuna, and mackerel. If these aren’t foods you enjoy, a supplement might be necessary. Talk with your family doctor for advice on how much to take.

Choose foods and beverages with flavanols

Eating foods that contain flavanols is another best practice learned from the Blue Zones lifestyle. These plant-based antioxidants have been shown to protect brain and heart health. Flavanols might also be beneficial for helping people manage asthma and diabetes.

If you aren’t familiar with flavanols, they are found in tea, vegetables, legumes, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, grapes, apples, and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. They are also in cocoa, dark chocolate, and red wine.

Salt and sodium can also impact how well you age. Consuming too much puts you at increased risk for high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. That’s especially concerning as seniors are already at higher risk for these conditions. Instead of reaching for salt or other high-sodium seasonings when you are cooking or grilling, experiment with herbs and spices to enhance flavor.

For example, rosemary is a good addition to fish, pork, chicken, and potatoes. Basil perks up tomato-based dishes and soups. Chives, dill, and sage can enhance the flavor of root vegetables and dips.

Older adults, especially those who reside in northern climates, experience vitamin D deficiencies in greater numbers than younger people. A lack of exposure to sunlight and difficulty absorbing nutrients are often the cause.

In recent years, researchers have identified just how important vitamin D is to successful aging. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to health problems, including muscle pain, fatigue, cancer, and heart disease. Older adults who are deficient in this essential vitamin are more likely to develop osteoporosis and experience bone fractures.

Talk to your primary care doctor to see if you might need a blood test to screen for vitamin D deficiency.

Another key element of aging well is staying abreast of the latest research and findings. We invite you to bookmark the Life Protect blog and stop back often. It’s updated every week with news and information on wellness, senior exercise, caregiving, senior care, and more!

Seniors are often surprised to discover how their nutritional needs change with age. Learn more about diet and aging here.

When a senior loved one suffers from a life-limiting illness, family members typically feel frustrated, sad, and even fearful. As the disease progresses, family caregivers might worry about what comes next and whether they will be able to manage their loved one’s care.

It can also leave an adult child or grandchild who is the caregiver feeling anxious and uncertain about their own health. This is especially true for a disease like Alzheimer’s, where so little is known about the cause and no treatment exists.

While the research on potential genetic links that increase the risk for Alzheimer’s are largely inconclusive, lifestyle choices are believed to play a role in who will and who won’t develop this most common type of dementia. One of these is exercise—both keeping physically fit and giving your brain regular workouts.

A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease looked at potential links between exercise and brain health. Participants were an average of 78 years old and living a sedentary lifestyle. Researchers divided the participants into two groups:

Seniors known to have a mild cognitive impairment

During the 12-week trial, participants exercised on a treadmill. When the trial was over, both groups showed improvement in cardiovascular fitness, memory performance, and neural efficiency. Researchers believe it shows that exercise plays a key role in maintaining and possibly improving brain function and memory recall, even for those who have mild cognitive impairment.

Besides walking, other low-impact forms of exercise to try could include tai chi, Pilates, yoga, recumbent biking, and low-impact aerobics. If you’ve been fairly sedentary or haven’t exercised recently, remember to talk with your physician for advice before getting started.

When it comes to building physical stamina and muscle strength, repetition is often the key. For your brain, however, the opposite is true. Doing the same things, the same way, day after day, can lead to a decline in cognitive well-being. The brain needs novelty and stimulation to stay healthy.

According to the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, learning provides aerobic-like benefits for the brain. In fact, it may help decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 70%!

So, what does a workout for the brain look like?

Here are a couple of activities that protect brain health:

Try a new language: Learning a new language challenges the brain. While it might be fun to sign up for an in-person class at your local community college or learning annex, there are other options that let you learn at your own pace. Online platforms, such as Babbel or Rosetta Stone, are good ones to explore.

Start a garage band: Music is linked to a variety of health benefits, including protecting brain health. If you already play an instrument, start your own band! Even if you don’t, round up a few friends and learn how to play together. Practicing in your garage or on your patio is good for your brain and spirit!

Read every day: Another way to keep your brain fit as you age is through daily reading. Read the local newspaper online every morning or borrow a mystery series from the library. Also check with your local library to see if they have an app you can download on your tablet. Those typically allow you to borrow magazines and books online.

Write a novel: Writing also gives your brain a healthy workout. If you’ve never been a writer, begin with something simple. It might be a series of short stories or your own biography.

Play games: Whether it’s a few rounds of Wordle on your tablet or a Scrabble competition with friends, game play stimulates the brain. Those that require memory and strategy skills are best.

Taking these steps now might keep you from developing Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia in the years ahead.

Peace of Mind with an Emergency Call Device

One more prevention strategy that might give seniors and caregivers peace of mind is a mobile monitoring unit. In the event of an emergency, these devices allow the user to quickly summon help from wherever they are. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to learn more!

Did you know it’s not just your body but your brain that needs regular exercise? Here are a few ways to give your brain a workout.

How to Prevent Memory Loss as You Grow Older

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In the past we’ve shared research on the role your diet might play in developing either colon or rectal cancer. What you eat can impact your risk for a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer.

Equally important is learning more about this often-preventable disease and the other lifestyle choices that can put you at increased risk.

Colorectal cancer is an umbrella term for cancer that begins in the colon (the large intestine) or the rectum. It happens when polyps, small clumps of cells on the lining of the colon, develop into cancer.

The most common form of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma, although there are others. Accounting for as much as 96% of all cases, adenocarcinoma begins in the cells that create mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum.

Unfortunately, there are few, if any, symptoms of any type of colorectal cancer in the earliest stages of the disease. Here are the most common signs of colon or rectal cancers:

Persistent abdominal cramps, pain, or gas

Sensation that bowel won’t empty completely

While a procedure known as a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for early detection, other options exist for those at average risk for colorectal cancer who are hesitant to get a colonoscopy. This list of colorectal screening tests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can help you learn more.

Colorectal Cancer Is a Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths in the US

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in this country. While deaths among older adults have been declining, largely due to more people being screened, it’s a different story for those under the age of 64. For those between 50 and 64, loss of life to colorectal cancer has increased by 1% a year. For those under 50, the rate is climbing by 2% a year.

While some risk factors for colorectal cancer, primarily age and family history, are unavoidable, others are linked to lifestyle. By being mindful of certain choices, you may be able to lower your odds of developing this disease.

Lifestyle Choices That Impact Colorectal Cancer Risk

You may unknowingly be putting yourself at higher risk for colon or rectal cancers with the lifestyle choices you make each day, such as:

Smoking and secondhand smoke: Smokers and people who live or work in close quarters with a smoker have a higher risk for colorectal cancer.

Alcohol consumption: According to the National Cancer Institute, people who regularly indulge in moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol are up to 1.5 times more likely to develop colorectal cancers than those who don’t drink at all.

Sitting too much: While researchers aren’t sure why, a sedentary life is linked to three types of cancer. They are breast, endometrial, and colon cancers.

Lack of exercise: Physical activity plays a role in preventing most forms of cancer, including colorectal. Studies show people who regularly exercise are 30% to 40% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

What you eat is believed to play an essential role in either increasing or lowering your risk for colorectal cancer. Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower your risk. By contrast, a diet high in meat, especially processed meats like hot dogs and some types of bacon and sausage, increase your odds of getting colorectal cancer.

If you’d like to learn more about food choices and colorectal cancer, Can Dietary Choices Affect Your Risk for Colorectal Cancer? is a good resource to review.

In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we share information on the disease and risk factors for developing it.

Between the holidays and the cold weather, winter can be a season when healthy lifestyles falter. This is especially true for adult children who are caregivers for an aging parent. During warmer weather, it’s easy to spend time outdoors gardening and walking with your senior loved one. Both are good activities for the body and mind.

When winter arrives, however, you might find yourselves stuck indoors. Those who walk faithfully every day during warm months might be fearful of slip-and-fall injuries. Icy, snowy weather might also create driving hazards, making traveling to a fitness club less appealing.

It’s probably a good idea to explore a few forms of fitness you can safely enjoy in the comfort of your own living room. Doing so will make it easier to stay active during cold months, as well as during inclement weather the rest of the year. It will also help keep you moving on days when you can’t leave your senior loved one alone to go walking or to the gym.

Indoor Fitness Activities for Caregivers and Older Adults

We have a few suggestions you can talk about this winter with your doctor and your senior family member’s doctor:

Seated exercise programs: Yoga and Pilates are forms of exercise that nurture the body and the spirit. Even if you aren’t as flexible as you used to be, these can still be good fitness activities for you. Evidence shows seated chair yoga and Pilates from a seated position can be just as beneficial as traditional forms. YouTube channels like SeniorShape Fitness are an easy, free way to get started.

Tai chi: This ancient Chinese martial art is another great form of fitness to engage in with your senior loved one. It’s linked to improved core strength, as well as better endurance and flexibility. Each of these benefits is tied to a lower fall risk among older adults. The Arthritis Foundation has tai chi resources you can explore at no cost.

Dance party: Another fun intergenerational activity that benefits the body, mind, and spirit is dancing. Getting off the couch and moving to upbeat music can boost your mood on cold winter days or rainy summer ones. Even modified dancing from a wheelchair or recliner can help your senior family member feel like they are dancing along with you.

Strength training: It’s an unfortunate reality that as we grow older, our muscle mass begins to decline. Working strength training exercises into your fitness plan a few times a week can help overcome that. Resistance bands and small weights are inexpensive and easy to use. You can add weight or increase resistance as you get stronger.

We hope these suggestions are helpful for you and the senior you are caregiving for!

We know family caregivers often find themselves worrying about their senior loved one’s safety when they aren’t around. Whether you walk out to get the mail or leave the house to run a few quick errands, it’s important to have a system in place for the older adult to call for help if it’s needed. That’s where a mobile monitoring unit can be of assistance.

With the press of a button, the user can quickly summon help 24/7 from wherever they are. It provides both of you with peace of mind. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn how to get started!

Looking for indoor fitness activities for yourself and a senior loved one? Here are a few ideas you can explore together.

Ways Seniors and Caregivers Can Stay Active in the Winter

Drink your milk! It’s an order most of us heard growing up. And for good reason. Milk contains calcium and vitamin D, which are linked to better bone health and stronger teeth. What many people are unaware of is that vitamin D doesn’t occur naturally in many foods.

One way many of us get vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight. When your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, it synthesizes vitamin D from cholesterol. That’s why people who live in northern climates might be at risk for a vitamin D deficiency during the colder months of the year. When the temperature drops, people are more likely to spend the bulk of their time indoors. The result can be a serious vitamin D deficiency.

What Happens When You are Deficient in Vitamin D?

Experts rank vitamin D deficiency in two categories. Initially, it causes vague symptoms that can easily be attributed to a busy lifestyle. As it advances, however, it can cause significant problems. Here’s what to know about each stage of a vitamin D deficiency:

Early-stage: The first signs of vitamin D deficiency may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. The most common symptoms include fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, muscle and joint pain, mood swings, and general weakness.

Advanced: When a vitamin D deficiency goes untreated, it can cause more dramatic bone pain and possibly even bone fractures. It’s also linked to higher risk of heart and vascular disease, as well as greater incidences of prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

Preventing a Vitamin D Deficiency This Winter

As we head into the heart of winter, there are steps you can take to avoid developing a vitamin D deficiency, which include:

Plan menus carefully: Winter weather makes many of us turn to comfort foods when we are hungry. Sugary treats can be especially enticing. While they might make you feel better in the short run, most are lacking in vitamin D and calcium. When you plan your menus for the week, make a point of including foods that are naturally high in vitamin D or enriched with it. Canned salmon, milk, tuna, and mushrooms are good options. So are yogurt, cereal, orange juice, and eggs that are enriched with vitamin D.

Spend time outdoors: The common recommendation to help build vitamin D is to get 20 minutes of sun several times a week. If winter temps are too low to stay outdoors that long, break it up over a few days. If you have any questions about spending time outside during the winter, talk with your primary care physician since they know your medical history best.

Vitamin D deficiency is more common during winter months, especially among seniors. Use these tips to help prevent it.

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