Exercising is one of the key elements to ensure a healthy life, which is why assisted living communities encourage their residents to lead an active lifestyle. It is also seen that a lack of exercise can be very dangerous to the overall health of seniors and can cause a host of ailments. Sitting disease is one of those conditions, which can in turn lead to a lot of health problems like type II diabetes, heart diseases, decreased flexibility and mobility, and even certain types of cancer. A recent study by Northwestern University found that sedentary behavior could be a potential cause of future physical disability and can make it difficult to manage even basic daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing. According to the study, “Every additional hour a day you spend sitting is linked to a 50% greater risk of being disabled regardless of how much moderate exercise you get.” Many other studies have also highlighted how prolonged sitting can heighten the risk of chronic kidney disease, circulatory problems, heart disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. Besides, inactivity for a long time can lead to a feeling of isolation in seniors and take a toll on their mental health as well. This makes it very important for seniors in an assisted living facility to follow a regular exercise schedule to stay fit and active.  Avoiding Sitting Disease in Seniors A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine said that maintaining a high level of physical activity every day helped to […]

Seniors often experience loss of vision as they age. Changes in sight are a common concern for the elderly and it requires them to wear eyeglasses to read or view the things ahead clearly. However, studies show that there are many other factors other than aging, which can affect the eyesight of seniors as well. Some of these risk factors can be avoided, which is why it is important to be aware of the warning signs and take preventative measures to avoid total vision loss.  24-Hour caregivers at your loved ones assisted living community will be able to determine the stage of vision loss and help provide them with the care they need. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Macular degeneration refers to the condition when a part of the retina, which is called the macula, is damaged. There are two different types of macular degeneration, and they both lead to the loss of central vision. In most cases though, the peripheral vision remains unchanged. While aging is a common risk factor for macular degeneration, there can be other underlying causes too that could lead to the vision problem. This includes being overweight, following a high-fat diet, smoking, and high blood pressure. As there are no early symptoms of the condition, it is recommended to see an eye doctor regularly for screening and timely intervention. Assisted living communities can also help to reduce the progression of the disease by offering a special combination of vitamins and minerals in the diet. Cataracts This […]

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can get annoyed and frustrated with little things. It is seen that most family members have a difficult time managing the needs of their elders with dementia, which is why they turn to assisted living communities for help. An assisted living home will have professional caregivers at the site to help seniors with all their needs. They make sure that seniors with memory problems live a comfortable and contented life when there. However, moving a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia to the assisted living community can be a bit challenging at first. The change to a new environment can be traumatic for some seniors and can even make their symptoms worse. That is why you should take all the steps necessary to make the move as smooth as possible. Below are some tips to help you out in that regard. Set your Goals Straight As soon as your senior starts feeling agitated due to their condition and forgetfulness, you should start planning the move to an assisted living community. Communicate with your senior, try to learn about their preferences, and focus on their needs to choose the best assisted living home for meeting those requirements. This will help to decrease the anxiety related to the move. Besides, it will also make you feel more confident knowing that you have made the right choice. Create a Familiar Environment Visit the assisted living facility in person and check the amenities and facilities they provide. See how […]