Rhode Island

Q – Although I have been practicing yoga for years, my mom is reluctant to give it a try because she seems to have bought into a number of myths about practicing yoga as a Rhode Island senior. She is relatively active, and I truly believe this is an activity that she will enjoy and that can improve her oval health. What can I tell her to try her to convince her that her preconceptions about yoga are just myths and that practicing yoga could benefit her life?

A – Many seniors have the belief that yoga is an activity that’s reserved for younger generations, and part of that has to do with the fact that it’s so trendy today. Here are a few of the most common myths about yoga for seniors that might be of concern for your mom, and the truths behind them!

• Fiction: yoga isn’t suitable for seniors. Fact: yoga benefits seniors in a large number of ways, and some of the founding yoga masters that practice are older adults – one is even 90!
• Fiction: yoga requires a high level of flexibility. Fact: yoga can be adapted for people of all ages, and physical fitness levels
• Fiction: yoga will result in injury for older adult. Fact: when under the supervision of a yoga instructor who typically works with older adults, seniors will receive only benefits to their muscular strength and overall physical fitness
• Fiction: seniors with existing medical conditions shouldn’t try yoga. Fact: yoga can actually help seniors to manage and improve cardiovascular health, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes and more

Sources:

1. AARP

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Alzheimer’s and diabetes have forever been paid blame to by genetic factors and even unhealthy lifestyle choices; but a new research study shows that these diseases can be attributed to more than just genetics. It turns out, that there are environmental factors that could play a role in Rhode Island seniors developing these conditions in older adulthood, so no matter how much we try to eat well, exercise and prove that we won’t follow in the footsteps of older generations; we might still be at risk.

According to the study, nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines found in processed foods and even pesticides can play a role in the development of age related diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. According to the research, these substances can break down insulin resistance and damage DNA, resulting in an increased risk for these illnesses.

Of course, exercising and eating well will still help Rhode Island seniors to fortify themselves against potential disease and illness – but as it turns out, there are some things that may just be out of control as they are present in the environment.

Sources:

1. Medical News Today

Image Source: pro.coebis.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Having had pets all of my life, I couldn’t imagine not having them around me on a daily basis – not even in older adulthood when it can become increasingly more difficult to care for yourself, little less a demanding pet like a dog. But while there might be challenges, I don’t think that would stop me from having a furry companion in my home as a senior, because it’s a time of life when companionship is needed more than ever. Fortunately, I think that it’s even more of a realistic reality for seniors to keep pets today, and will be even more so in the future with the availability of pet technologies that can make pet care more simple and convenient for older adults.

• Hyrdosurge – an all-in-one dog bathing system that automatically suds with shampoo, combs and rinses. It’s a device that can be attached to any faucet, and it resembles the end of a garden hose. This can help seniors who face physical strain when struggling to restrain a pet and fumble with multiple bathing devices and products
• GoDogGo – every dog needs exercise, but throwing a ball can be physically laborious for seniors, so this is a product that automatically shoots out tennis balls to entertain and exercise a dog
• Komfort Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier – you’re never supposed to leave a pet in the hot car, but when out and running errands with pets, seniors are able to leave their pets in the climate controlled pet carriers. They adjust the temperature of the carrier if the car temperature is too hot or too cold
• The Haptic Creature – for those seniors who really can’t have a living pet, there’s a robotic version that provides the same therapeutic benefits, as the pet responds to touch and sound just like a real animal

Sources:

1. Forbes

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.