Aquatic Therapy for Seniors: 3 Major Benefits
by: Melanie Farley
Eating a healthy diet, socializing, and exercising regularly are three pillars for staying healthy in mind, body, and soul. Unfortunately, as we age, it becomes difficult to maintain all three. And, while you might be able to find social activities and access nutritious food, what can you do if exercising is painful due to arthritis or other physical ailments? Well, the answer could be aquatic therapy.
One study found that aquatic exercise has similar cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits for older people as land-based exercise. Aquatic exercise in a warm, shallow pool is also safer for seniors because it reduces the risk of a deadly fall, something that happens to one third of elderly folks in the U.S. at least once a year. So, what are some of the benefits of aquatic therapy, and it is right for you or your loved one? Read on for 3 benefits of aquatic therapy.
Why Seniors Should Lift Weights
by: Melanie Farley
When you think of strength training, you might have an image of a huge, muscle-clad man like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but elderly people can benefit from lifting weights, too. In fact, adding resistance training into a senior’s daily routine can have a myriad of benefits for the body and mind.
By the age of 70, the average adult has lost about 25 percent of their muscle mass, mostly due to inactivity. Any exercise can reverse muscle loss and build strength, but weightlifting, strength training, and resistance training are best. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of strength training for older adults, and we’ll go over a few simple exercises that your senior can start right away!
What Is An Adult Day Center? And Is It Right for You or Your Loved One?
by: Vlada Rubarkh RN, BSN - Program Director at Northeast Adult Day Care
In 2016, there were about 4,600 adult day centers with more than 286,000 participants, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Adult day centers are also the most affordable long-term care solution for seniors and disabled adults who need help with daily activities.
You might be wondering, what exactly is an adult day center? What kinds of services are usually offered? And, how do you know if and adult day center is right for you or your loved one? In this article, I’ll answer these questions and more!
How To Improve Your Memory - At Any Age!
by: Melanie Farley
As we get older, some age-related memory loss is to be expected, and as long as that memory loss isn’t debilitating, it isn’t a cause for concern. Still, it can be frustrating to walk into a room and forget why you went in there, or to temporarily forget the name of your childhood best friend.
The good news is, when it comes to the brain, you can teach an old dog new tricks. That’s thanks to the brain’s neuroplasticity, which allows you to learn new things, even as you age. It turns out the brain is like a muscle – you’ve got to use it or lose it! That means, with practice, you can improve your memory (and cognitive function) at any age.
But how, you ask? Read on for 3 key elements of a good brain-boosting activity.
Structured Activities That Reduce Depression and Anxiety in Seniors
by: Melanie Farley
Even with the significant progress made with COVID vaccine availability and restrictions being lifted, many seniors are still experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and in some cases, cognitive decline, due to the impact of the quarantine orders.
The good news is, introducing stimulating social activities into a senior’s routine can significantly reduce depression and anxiety by promoting emotional connection, independence, improving motor skills, and more. Need ideas for activities for the beloved senior in your life? Read on for our recommendations, based on what’s popular with our clients.
How To Know a Senior Needs More Care: Tips and Resources for Caregivers
by: Melanie Farley
As we age, the need for assistance with everyday living is one of life’s hardest truths, and often, it falls to family and caregivers to recognize that an older loved one needs extra help. So, how do you know when your senior loved one needs more care? And, how can you help your senior get the support they need, while maintaining their independence?
While there’s not a perfect answer to these questions, staying informed about your options can help you identify what’s right for your family. Read on for our tips and resources for caregivers.
What Seniors Need to Know About the COVID19 Vaccine
by: Melanie Farley
Vaccines to prevent COVID19 are perhaps the best hope we have for ending the pandemic that has ravaged many of our communities, but it has hit our seniors especially hard. According to the CDC, 65% of COVID cases occurred in adults under the age of 50, but 95.4% of deaths occurred in adults over the age of 65. This staggering statistic shows us that while seniors aren’t as likely to contract the virus, it is far more likely to be deadly once they do.
So, we know it’s important to vaccinate our seniors quickly, but you likely still have questions. Read on to learn more about how the COVID vaccine works, what possible side effects to expect, and when the vaccine will be available for seniors.
A Message from our Founders . . .
by: Vlada Rubarkh & Anna Ufberg
As 2020 comes to a close, we thought it was important to reflect on the incredible courage and resilience of our staff and community members. Unprecedented challenges in our personal and professional lives have forced us to devise new systems of care and support, and we humbly rose to the challenge.
Read on to hear our message of hope as we head into the new year.
"Caregiving in Crisis": Celebrating National Caregiving Month in 2020
by: Melanie Farley
Each November, Northeast Adult Day Care joins organizations from all over the country to celebrate National Caregiving month. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock,” which feels like an apt way to acknowledge the more than 40 million Americans who dedicate themselves selflessly to caring for their loved ones.
It is our honor each year to celebrate caregiver’s compassion and selflessness, by acknowledging their hard work and sacrifice for their loved ones. So how can you celebrate National Caregiving Month this year? Here are 3 suggestions!
The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Older Adults
by: Melanie Farley
Study after study has shown that elderly people benefit exponentially from pet ownership. In fact, The New York Times even published an article recently about an up-and-coming trend in our rapidly advancing, technological world: robo-pets for seniors. While, robo-pets may not be available to every home in the immediate future, there are plenty of dogs and cats available for adoption at your local animal shelters and pet shops.
So, what are the some of the benefits of pet ownership for older adults, and should you consider purchasing a furry friend for the beloved senior in your life? Read on to find out.