The importance of good nutrition spans the generations, but as we age, our dietary requirements change. Seniors need to concentrate on eating foods with a high nutrient density—that is, whole, natural, fresh foods that are packed with essential nutrients and fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, healthy sources of protein and low-fat dairy products.
Food For Senior Life: Preparation and Storage
Food safety for seniors: each year about about 13 million Canadians become ill from eating foods contaminated by bacteria, viruses or parasites, Health Canada reports. However, safe food handling, preparation and storage practices can greatly decrease the risks of food-borne illness. These practices are particularly important for seniors.
Seniors: Your Appearance May Affect Your Emotions
A decline in grooming often indicates that a senior needs assistance due to a loss of physical dexterity or onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s that inhibit the ability to perform the activities of daily living. But it also can go much deeper, signaling depression and a loss of direction or interest in life.
Senior Life Goes Better With Exercise
The importance of exercise for seniors: many research studies prove that seniors can improve their health and extend their longevity and time of independent living by extending their arms and legs in regular physical activity.
Helping Seniors Stay Safe and Independent
Helping seniors stay safe and independent. By increasing seniors’ safety, they can not only experience better health and wellbeing but also stand a greater chance of living in their own homes independently for as long as possible. Two areas to consider are home and vehicle safety.
Seniors at Greater Risk for Chronic Dehydration
Seniors are at a higher risk of dehydration than younger adults. In fact, one study showed that up to 48% of seniors were dehydrated upon admission to the emergency department for other issues. Staying hydrated keeps the cardiovascular system healthy. Proper hydration positively affects both blood pressure and heart rate.
Physical Activity Helps Seniors Manage Chronic Conditions
One of the best actions seniors can take to combat chronic disease is to get moving. Today almost 92% of seniors have at least one chronic condition and 77% have at least two. Chronic conditions are costly and are major contributors to disability and loss of independence.
Prevent Senior Blindness with Cataract Check
If a senior you know is experiencing blurred or double vision, or if he or she needs more light than usual to read, it may be time for a cataract exam. Cataracts are the most common eye disease in older adults, and the leading cause of blindness, with more than 2.5 million people in Canada struggling with it.
Hunger and the Senior: 5 Million Seniors at Risk of Malnutrition
Hunger and malnutrition is a greater problem for Canada’s seniors than many may realize—and it is due to a wide variety of causes, not just financial constraints. According to a report by FoodBanks Canada seniors accounted for 5.5% of food bank clients in a typical month.
Senior Foot Care: Caring for Feet as You Age
Senior foot care: foot injury, neglect, and disease are major factors contributing to mobility, or lack thereof, in elders, and senior adults tend to experience more problems with their feet than younger adults simply because they have used them for longer.