Healthy Aging

One experiences an increasing number of changes as they grow older, major changes such as retirement, maybe the loss of loved ones, and of course physical changes of aging.

The key to aging well is how you handle these changes. Aging healthily is about staying physically healthy and maintaining a sense of purpose and a zest for life. There are a few basics which can help for aging well, even though it is not the same for everyone, but knowing the basics will help a person to live a meaningful and joyful life throughout their senior lives.

It`s difficult to cope with change at any age, and there are many challenges for older people when they lose friends and family, a career, or even health and independence. With the inclusion of positive ingredients into one`s life, coping and aging is that much easier.

One has to reinvent themselves by finding new things to enjoy, learning to adapt to change, staying physically and socially active and being connected to one`s surroundings and loved ones.

Old age does not have to mean poor health and disability. There are many older adults who enjoy vigorous health, and there are preventive measures such as healthy eating, exercising and managing stress that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and the risk of falls later in life.

There are things one can do to keep the memory sharp, and avoid or delay significant memory loss. The more you use and sharpen your brain, the more benefits you will get. You can try crosswords, cooking new recipes, variations on things you already enjoy, perhaps more challenging ones, new word games etc.

The elderly are capable of learning new things, it`s important for them to believe in themselves and have confidence and a positive attitude.

There are things in life which are beyond our control, difficult as it might be, those are the things we have to accept, and rather than create stress over these things, one should focus on the more positive things, the ones that you can do something about, because the way you react to problems is the key. There are some limitations as one grows older, but accept them with a great sense of humour, and also with dignity. Find interest in the things around you and expand on that, or start up with a hobby, going for a walk, and learn at least one small thing every day.

Meals on Wheels help countless elderly people by providing nutritious, cooked meals to those who cannot fend for themselves.

Fun and Laughter in Old Age

With an old age population on the rise, we need to take a good look at how we can enrich the lives of these seniors, and remove the picture from our minds of an elderly sitting in a chair knitting all day (nothing wrong with the activity – but all day?) or snoring out of sheer boredom.

These elderly people can still enjoy interacting with others, and one is inclined to leave them out when they don`t hear as well as they used to, or aren`t as exciting and interesting as other company might be.

We all need fun and laughter in our lives, but sadly so many elders are inactive, have no enthusiasm for life and feel left out it. Yes, we no doubt provide all the physical needs, like a comfortable bed, food and warmth, but do we see to their emotional needs? Maybe if we have an elder living in our home, we might want to keep her out of our kitchen for example not thinking that perhaps she misses being able to see to the odd meal, even if only for herself. She has probably catered for her family for so many years and it is difficult to relinquish that independence. It`s a big mistake to say that they have done their share and should now take it easy. Let them gauge how much they can do without being tired out too much.

Our way of thinking towards the elderly has to change, and we should work towards a better quality of life. The elderly are a very important part of family life and we should include them in as many activities as possible.

Music is very uplifting and whilst the different generations in the house may have varied taste in music, have a time when each one has a choice of music to listen to, and one can even include physical movements or dance in time to the music, which can also create a lot of fun and laughter. Physical activity, especially if it is fun, is great for an elder (or any age) and it helps to keep one happy and the mind alert.

A happy person is generally a healthier person, and so if in old age one can keep active with hobbies, perhaps with making a collage or scrap booking, doing puzzles, crossword puzzles to keep the mind alert, going for walks etc it would surely benefit the entire family and enrich their lives.

Perhaps one could also include an elder when planning meals, find out if there is any particular choice of meal that they would fancy, and include their input when preparing a shopping list.

Meals on Wheels are committed to providing the elderly with nutritional, cooked meals when they do not have the resources to fend for themselves.

Indulging with Nutrition

Indulging with nutrition sounds rather conflicting, does it not?

We all know how important it is to follow a wonderfully healthy eating plan, for that feeling of vitality and zest for life, but all too often we fall off the wagon with that incredible indulgence that leaves us feeling rather guilty and naughty.

Well here is a healthy recipe which should whet that appetite for something scrumptious, without leaving that `low’ feeling afterwards at having let ourselves down for wanting something really different and delicious.

200g butter , softened

200g Nature’s Choice Fructose

4 free-range eggs

75g Nature’s Choice Almonds –ground finely

100g Nature’s Choice Gluten Free Self Raising Flour

250g mashed potatoes zest 3 lemons

2 tsp Nature’s Choice Baking powder

Drizzle: 5 tbsp Nature’s Choice Fructose juice of 3 lemons

Heat oven to 180°C.

Butter and line a deep, 20cm round cake tin.

Beat the fructose and butter together until light and fluffy, then gradually add the egg, beating after each addition.

Fold in the GF Self Raising Flour, almonds, cold mashed potato, lemon zest and baking powder.

Tip into the tin (or jumbo muffin tins for individual cakes) level the top, then bake for 40-45 mins or until golden and a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Turn out onto a wire rack after 10 minutes cooling.

Bring the fructose and the lemon juice to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes, then spoon over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy with good health.

How to Select the Right Old Age Home

Selecting an old age home is more important than choosing a new house or any kind of apartment for oneself, as moving into an old age home or assisted living residence involves the many different characters who are already living there, as well as the staff concerned.

One needs to make regular visits to these establishments at different times of the day to be able to acquire an accurate impression of the facility. One can certainly start off with brochures or any information that one can collect of the various facilities, and from that point decide which ones would be worth visiting for a proper evaluation.

Elderly people need to feel comfortable and live in a pleasant atmosphere, so it is advisable to talk to the staff and ask as many questions as you possibly can, and also to talk to the residents. One can certainly get a general impression of how satisfied or happy the existing residents are. Remember that the attitude and appearance of the staff are very important, and one can decide whether they are warm, caring and efficient, or whether they are there simply to receive their pay cheque.

The elderly look forward to their meals, and one needs to find out what kind of meals are served, ensuring that the nutrition is adequate and that there is variety and good presentation, and whether the menu has been approved by a professional dietician. For those who have particular dietary needs, whether the staff are prepared to meet those needs as well.

Cleanliness is vital, take note of odour, and the bathrooms need to be inspected to ensure that bathing or showering is made as convenient as possible for any disabilities, providing hand rails etc. Take note of the appearance of the residents, whether grooming appears to be important in their daily lives.

Elderly people need to be allowed to have family and friends visiting, and whether these visits are restricted, and to what times.

Are they allowed to bring their own motor car, and whether they would be able to go out as often as they wish, provided of course that they inform staff of their intentions regarding whereabouts and times etc. A certain amount of independence can be vital to an elder`s well being.

Most assisted living establishments provide outings, enquire about these, as to how often and what sort of entertainment and activities are provided. Socialising, and with sufficient activities, keeps an elder uplifted and gives them a feeling that they are living worthwhile lives.

Personal belongings are important and it is advisable to find out exactly what and how much a resident would be allowed to bring, and whether, if the establishment is furnished, they are allowed to include any items of their own. Find out whether they are allowed to have a telephone or television, for instance in the bedroom if one is not provided.

Is the establishment close to all amenities, and whether there is in-house medical attention available as well as medical facilities for the more serious conditions that may arise.

Perhaps a resident would like to have the convenience of having access to a kitchen, maybe even to use a refrigerator.

Safety is of utmost importance, and one needs to know if there are intercoms or panic buttons provided in the rooms, with twenty four hour emergency response,and whether exits are clearly marked and accessible.

Check the ventilation, whether rooms are well air conditioned, and also providing enough warmth in winter.

Religious facilities are usually important to an elder, and one does need to find out which ones are available, or whether transport is provided to attend an outside facility.

Of course cost is of great importance, and one needs to enquire as to what increases have been made over recent years, and assess whether the establishment would be affordable with likely increases in the future. One also needs to establish exactly what services are included in the monthly cost, and which services would be considered as an `extra’.

Take your time in choosing a suitable establishment, there are so many things to consider towards making the right choice.

Visit Meals on Wheels which is a non-profit organisation that delivers nutritious meals to those who cannot fend for themselves.