Senior
Health & Wellness

Nutrition and Aging: Eating for a healthy mind and body

From our Care Blog

For older adults, the benefits of good nutrition are endless. Healthy eating can improve memory, increase energy levels, strengthen the immune system, speed up recuperation, help manage chronic health problems and more. But nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition are not uncommon among seniors. March is National Nutrition Month, an opportunity to emphasize the importance of a well-balanced diet for healthy aging. Nutritional Needs as We Age As we age, our nutritional requirements change. The body's daily energy needs slowly decrease, so fewer calories are necessary to fuel the body than when we were younger. The impact of our eating habits shift,...

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The Importance of Sleep for Elderly and Older Adults

From our Care Blog

The importance of sleep for elderly adults cannot be stressed enough, as a major contributor to overall wellbeing as we age.

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Love Your Heart: Helping Prevent Heart Disease with a Healthy Diet

From our Care Blog

Taking care of your heart is integral to healthy aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 27.6 million Americans – about 11.5 percent of the population – have diagnosed heart disease. The good news is heart disease can often be prevented – and even reversed – when people make healthy choices. That includes adoption of a healthy diet. February is American Heart Month, and it's a good time to take a look at lifestyle changes we all can make to help fight cardiovascular disease. Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your...

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Random Acts of Kindness: Good for the World, and Good for Your Health

From our Care Blog

Next Week, February 12 to 18, is Random Acts of Kindness Week. And it's the perfect opportunity to shower some kindness on the people in your life -- or maybe even a total stranger. We've all heard stories about the person at the drive-thru who bought coffee for the stranger who was next in line. Simple deed, big reward. Everyone could use a little boost from time to time to raise their spirits. Those who need a little extra support – an elderly neighbor, an adult with a disability, a loved one recuperating from surgery – could find even the smallest...

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Senior Companionship: Building Relationships Later in Life

From our Care Blog

February. It’s a month that’s traditionally focused on love and relationships. But for older adults, maintaining relationships can be difficult. Often, they’re coping with the loss of a spouse or partner, shrinking social circles or family they can’t easily visit. Aging in place often means living alone, and older adults who live on their own without regular human interactions can feel isolated. That’s why some seek to form relationships with peers who have similar interests. This may be as simple as finding a casual friendship or someone to meet for a recreational activity. Or, sometimes, it could mean dating and...

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The Post-Holiday Transition: Isolation and Depression in Older Adults

From our Care Blog

The holidays – and the many visitors and activities that come with them – have come and gone. And for many older adults, the looming question is, “Now what?” The post-holiday season can be especially challenging for older adults who are already dealing with isolation. The sudden and dramatic change in their environment when activities wane and loved ones leave after the holidays can have a profound impact on their mental health. A very real problem for the aging population As the population of adults 65 and older continues to explode, we’re learning more about the impacts of isolation. As...

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FirstLight Home Care’s Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

From our Care Blog

No matter where you live, FirstLight Home Care caregivers can help implement cautionary practices using these winter safety tips for seniors.

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Surviving the Holidays: Tips to Help Older Adults Savor the Season

From our Care Blog

We’ve all been there. While our vision for the holiday season is one of intimate gatherings, delicious meals and bliss, the reality can be much the opposite. The volume of activities, shifting of schedules, decadent food and potential for conflict can put added strain on the entire family. Especially older adults. If you’re an older adult, or if you care for someone who is, you can make the holidays more manageable by taking just a short amount of time to plan ahead. By considering some of the factors you can control this season, you can make the holidays safer, healthier...

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Empowering the Older Adult: Tips for Taking Control of Your Health

From our Care Blog

October isn’t just about falling leaves, candy corn and jack-o-lanterns. It’s also Health Literacy Month, Organize Your Medical Information Month and Talk About Your Medicines Month. Are all of these observances trying to tell us something? Numerous studies have shown that people who are engaged in their health have better health outcomes. That’s why October is a good time to resolve to be informed, get organized and start a conversation. Following are tips to help older adults – and their family caregivers – take control of their health during October, and every month throughout the year. Be informed during Health...

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The Flu Vaccination: “Nice to Have” or “Must Have” for Older Adults?

From our Care Blog

Some people go to great lengths to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy this time of the year. Even so, there’s one thing we can count on each time the calendar turns to fall: Flu season. If you’re caring for an aging loved one, you’ve probably wondered if a flu vaccine should be part of your seasonal wellness routine. After all, many people view the flu shot as a “nice to have" – something that’s beneficial if it fits into the schedule, but not a requirement for good health. But the reality is that the flu vaccine offers critical protection...

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