How to Stay Active During the Senior Years

Posted on May 10, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Staying active and social can help aging adults stave off many age-related conditions, including dementia and osteoporosis. Remaining engaged can also help the elderly lower their stress and anxiety levels and prevent isolation and depression. Here are some of the ways people can continue to stay engaged in their golden years.

Join an Organization

Older adults can join groups in their community, such as book clubs, dance groups, or art organizations. The purpose of joining these groups is to keep the mind actively engaged. In addition to clubs, seniors can volunteer with local charities and nonprofit organizations. Furthering a cause that enhances the lives of others could potentially boost the emotional and mental health of adults in their senior years.

Seniors who need regular mental or social stimulation should consider professional in-home care. For families living in Oshkosh, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Senior Stride Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Use Social Media

Modern technology gives seniors the ability to maintain close relationships with their family and friends, despite the distance. Your elderly loved one can use social media to send messages to past coworkers or video chat with his or her grandchildren. Using social media can keep the mind engaged, enhance short-term memory, and boost cognitive health. It is important for seniors to learn new things as they grow older. Since companies are always developing updates and new advancements for their apps, your loved one will need to navigate these changes, keeping his or her brain active.

Read

Reading is one of the easiest ways to remain engaged at any age. Older adults can read new books or choose popular novels from the past. The books seniors read can help their brains come alive with emotions and imagery that turns on their senses. The more your loved one reads, the better his or her odds of reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will be. Reading can also prevent depression due to boredom.

Develop an Exercise Routine

Dancing, doing yoga, performing aerobics, hiking, and swimming are some of the exercises and activities seniors can do to stay engaged. Doing moderate exercises each day or a few times per week can enhance mental, physical, and emotional health. Seniors who exercise can lower their risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, obesity, and other health issues. Those who stay mentally and physically engaged in the golden years can enhance their quality of life and maintain their independence for a little while longer.

If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elderly care Oshkosh families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

Adopt a Pet

Taking care of a pet is a good way to provide seniors with the stimulation they need to keep their bodies moving, their spirits lifted, and their brains active. You can buy your loved one a dog, cat, bird, fish, or hamster. Make sure to purchase a pet that is low-maintenance so your loved one can enjoy being a pet owner instead of stressing out over the responsibilities. Becoming a pet owner could stimulate your loved one to read up on the pet and learn more about its interests and health needs. Having a pet may also help seniors fight against depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To learn more about our elderly care services, call us at 920-717-1767 today and speak with one of our qualified Care Managers.

How to Provide In-Home Care for a Stubborn Brother or Sister

Posted on April 19, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Caring for an aging sibling who is uncooperative is no easy task, but it can be done with the proper support system and plenty of patience. At-home care is an excellent option for difficult seniors who need assistance but want to maintain some of their independence. The following tips can help you provide the best possible care to your sibling.

Start the Conversation Early

One of the best ways to make caring for your sibling as stress-free as possible is to broach the subject early on. A few months or years before your sibling requires caregiving services, have a conversation about all of the options. Bringing this subject up after a major illness or injury is almost always going to result in a heated conversation. Family members should also realize that multiple conversations might be needed before everyone comes to an agreement.

If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality in-home care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.

Determine How Much Help He or She Needs

Everyone has their own unique needs as they grow older, which is one of the reasons many home care agencies offer flexible services. Some seniors only need rides to and from the store, while others require constant supervision. When you bring the conversation up with your sibling, discuss how much assistance he or she is going to need and who is going to help with daily tasks. You must also revisit this conversation once every few months or whenever there are any changes to your sibling’s physical or mental health.

Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional 24-hour care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Offer Plenty of Options

Many seniors balk at the idea of caregiving because they feel as if they are going to lose all of their independence. Your sibling will most likely need to compromise on a few issues, but you should offer plenty of options and alternatives so he or she maintains some control. For example, ask which days your sibling would like some help instead of handing him or her a schedule.

Recruit Professionals

In many cases, it is easier for seniors to speak with professionals who can leave emotions out of the situation. If your sibling requires caregiving services because of health issues, he or she might need to speak with a medical specialist. Your sibling can also talk to a professional caregiver so he or she has a better idea of what to expect in the coming months. Depending on his or her beliefs, you might want to have your sibling speak with a pastor or minister as well.

Find a Way to Express Your Emotions

Caregivers who don’t work through their thoughts and emotions often experience mood swings, chronic stress, and a variety of physical ailments. There are many ways to naturally boost your mood and reduce your stress levels, including exercising, journaling, and meditating. You can also join a support group filled with other caregivers who are facing the same challenges.

Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one receives high-quality care at home. Oshkosh elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, give Senior Stride Home Care a call at 920-717-1767 today.

Importance of Digestive Health for Older Adults

Posted on April 5, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

All of the body’s systems rely on the digestive system for the nutrients needed to function properly. Every cell throughout the body must receive the appropriate amounts of nutrients, water, and oxygen to survive and thrive. Issues that affect the gastrointestinal system affect other body systems as well as physical and mental health in different ways. The following article examines why elderly people need healthy digestive systems.

The gastrointestinal system contains trillions of bacteria that are necessary to break down foods, create vitamins, neutralize toxins, and regulate hormones. Disease processes that are distant from the system might occur secondary to digestive issues. Arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis are all thought to have origins from gut disturbances. Researchers from University of California, San Francisco published an article in a 2017 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which indicated a link exists between digestive issues and the development of autoimmune disorders.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Oshkosh families trust in Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Antibiotics, illness, a lack of sleep, poor food choices, and stress affect the digestive tract, which may damage mucus-producing cells, causing further illness. In addition to following a proper diet and getting an adequate amount of sleep, getting a sufficient amount of physical exercise also affects the digestive system. Exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and enhances blood circulation, which is also necessary for gut function.

Approximately 80 percent of the body’s immune system is found in the gastrointestinal system. When an issue develops in the gastric tract, the body’s natural immunity comes to the aid of the dilemma. However, in doing so, inflammation occurs, which can affect various regions and body systems. If the immune system becomes impaired, seniors are more susceptible to infectious diseases. Damage to the protective lining enables bacteria to cause ulcerations and further inflammation.

The gut contains more nerve cells than the central nervous system. For this reason, scientists refer to the gastrointestinal tract as the second brain. As such, the neurons throughout the digestive region are responsible for producing and releasing serotonin and other neurotransmitters. If the neurons become damaged or the messages are not transmitted properly, emotional or cognitive disorders are likely to develop. Older adults may experience depression or behavioral changes because neurotransmitters are not able to travel to the brain.

Once food and fluids enter the gastrointestinal system, various chemical processes and microbial activity break down the substances into usable nutrients. The vitamins and minerals are then absorbed through the lining and pass into the bloodstream, which disperses them throughout the body. Toxins are neutralized and leftover substances pass out of the digestive tract. Any action that interferes with the digestion processes has the potential for causing illness elsewhere in the body.

Seniors can boost their digestive health by making healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising and eating nutritious meals. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care Oshkosh to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call us at 920-717-1767 to hire a professional caregiver for your aging loved one.

10 Healing Foods for Older Adults Post-Surgery

Posted on March 22, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Recovering from surgery can be a challenging task for a senior. Getting the right types of food ensures the body has the nutrition it needs to heal properly. Make sure your senior loved one eats the following healthy foods when recovering from a surgery.

1. Lean Proteins

Protein is essential for building new cells after surgery. It is ideal to pick proteins that contain a lot of iron for blood cell production. Good options include black beans, chicken, lean ground beef, and lentils.

Switching to healthy foods is just one of the many ways older adults can speed up the recovery process. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional non-medical home care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Seeds and Nuts

The healthy fats in walnuts, almonds, sesame, and flax seeds help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins properly. Most nuts and seeds contain a lot of vitamin E, which is necessary for speeding up wound healing and reducing scars.

3. Fresh Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to get all the vitamins and minerals needed for post-surgery healing. Most vegetables also contain high amounts of fiber, which can alleviate the digestive issues caused by pain medications.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is great for seniors to eat after a surgery because it contains a lot of live probiotics. These helpful bacteria restore the body’s natural bacterial imbalance after managing antibiotics and potential infections from a surgery.

Caring for a senior loved one who is recovering from a surgery can be a difficult task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

5. Berries

Berries are a great source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation following a surgery. Vitamin C is particularly helpful because it rebuilds the collagen in skin.

6. Water

It might not technically be a food, but water is essential to surgery recovery. Dehydration can make healing take much longer. If your loved one does not like plain water, try including some fruit juice or herbal tea.

7. Eggs

Eggs have a soft texture that is ideal for seniors after surgery. They are also loaded with a lot of nutrients. A single egg contains protein, vitamins A, B, E, and K, calcium, zinc, iron, and many other nutrients needed for recovery.

8. Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens are some of the most important types of vegetables to eat after a surgery. Mustard greens, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are all great sources of vitamin K and iron.

9. Plant-Based Oils

The body needs a lot of fat to absorb vitamin K and other essential post-surgery nutrients, but saturated fats can lead to clotting and high blood pressure. Get healthier monounsaturated fats from coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.

10. Whole Grains

In addition to providing plenty of fiber, whole grains are also important because they are a healthy source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are vital after a surgery because they give the body the energy it needs to heal.

Older adults who need help maintaining their health while recuperating from surgery should consider professional in-home care. Find out how an Oshkosh, Wisconsin, caregiver can help your senior loved one enjoy a higher quality of life by reaching out to Senior Stride Home Care. All of our professional respite and live-in caregivers are trained in comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care, and they can also assist seniors with basic daily tasks like exercise, cooking, bathing, and light housekeeping. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Stimulating Activities for Elderly People with Parkinson’s

Posted on March 8, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Parkinson’s disease can negatively affect many aspects of a senior’s life, but staying actively engaged can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disease. With careful planning, family caregivers can find various activities that are less intrusive and can be performed in moderation. Here are some safe and engaging activities that seniors with Parkinson’s should try.

1. Crafting

Crafting is not only fun and safe, but it also provides long-term health benefits. Knitting is one of the best crafting ideas for adults living with Parkinson’s because it increases motor function. Crafting is a mentally stimulating way for seniors to alleviate worry, doubt, and depression. Participating in crafting projects can reduce stress related to Parkinson’s and slow the progression of the disease.

If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated home care company. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.

2. Volunteering

Your loved one can donate his or her time and volunteer with a community organization or local program. Check if there are any organizations nearby that are advocating for Parkinson’s in regards to research, financial assistance for people living with the disease, and educational programs for family caregivers. Seniors living with Parkinson’s may begin to isolate themselves, but volunteering is an engaging activity that can enhance socialization skills and reduce the risk of depression.

For families living in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Senior Stride Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

3. Writing

Encourage your loved one to write about his or her experiences in a journal, for an online blog, or in a memoir. The writing should detail how your loved one feels about living with the disease and include different ways Parkinson’s has impacted his or her life. Writing is an engaging activity that can also be therapeutic for seniors living with Parkinson’s. Sharing the literary work could make your loved one feel mentally and emotionally stronger.

4. Dancing

Dancing can increase balance. When your loved one moves to the rhythm of the music, he or she may prevent freezing episodes associated with Parkinson’s. Almost any form of exercise, including dancing, can help seniors with Parkinson’s alleviate symptoms related to gait and flexibility. Dancing is a fun and engaging way to keep the brain active and anxiety levels down.

5. Painting

Painting is a creative form of art that provides seniors with an emotional escape from the realities they currently face, and it only requires small movements from those living with Parkinson’s disease. The movements are also controlled, making it easier to enjoy the activity instead of worrying about failure or causing bodily harm. Painting and coloring can help older adults manage tremors and other symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.
When seniors develop Parkinson’s disease, their families are not always able to provide the care they need and deserve. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Parkinson’s care experts are available around the clock to help seniors maintain a high quality of life while managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s, allowing families to enjoy greater peace of mind. To learn about our Parkinson’s care plans, give Senior Stride Home Care a call at 920-717-1767 today.

How to Manage Jealousy as a Family Caregiver

Posted on February 15, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

As a family caregiver, it is normal to feel a twinge of jealousy when you hear about a friend’s weeklong vacation. However, allowing these brief moments of jealousy to add up could lead to feelings of resentment. While you might not be able to do things the way you used to, you can use the following strategies to address feelings of jealousy so you can keep a positive perspective regarding your responsibilities as a caregiver.

Remember Your Reasons for Caregiving

When you feel jealous, it is easy to forget the positive parts of being a caregiver. As soon as you notice a niggling feeling of resentment creeping in, take a time out to reflect upon the reasons you became a caregiver. For instance, you may look forward to strengthening your relationship with your parent, or you may simply know that he or she is happier when you are around. Once you have your reasons figured out, write them down so you can refer to them when things are stressful again.

Caring for a senior loved one can be a challenging task, which can put caregivers at risk of a variety of negative emotions. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Identify the Real Issue

Examine your feelings to determine if there is something else exacerbating your response to hearing about a friend or family member’s good news. For example, you might feel jealous after hearing about your best friend’s spa day. Once you figure out the deeper meaning behind your feelings, you will have a better idea of how to go about fixing the real issue.

Family caregivers can manage some of the emotional challenges of caregiving by hiring professional in-home care experts. Though you may be researching multiple home care agencies, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senior Stride Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust in Senior Stride Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.

Practice Self-Care

Negative emotions may get worse when you are physically exhausted or ill. Make sure to go to bed at the right time each night to wake up feeling rested. You may also need to include snacks in your daily meal plan if you find yourself feeling hungry. Once you’ve taken care of the basics, add in a few pampering treatments each week. Even if you just get a fresh haircut or spend a minute rubbing scented lotion into your hands, these brief bouts of happiness may make it easier to fend off jealousy.

Use Caution with Social Media

People tend to put only the best parts of their life on social media, which can give you a skewed perspective. If you find yourself feeling jealous as you scroll through people’s profile feeds, then simply take a break. You may also find it helpful to remember there is often more going on than people are posting publicly, and everyone has some type of stress in their lives.

Reach Out for Support

Constantly managing your elderly loved one’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing may be difficult at times, and it could lead to caregiver burnout. Reach out for support and arrange for respite care services so you can get time to yourself and remain healthy.

If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Steps Older Women Can Take to Enhance Their Heart Health

Posted on February 1, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Heart disease is a serious health issue for women, yet most women do not believe it is a dangerous threat. Older women who have poor heart health are at a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks. Here are some steps elderly women can take to boost their heart health.

1. Exercise

Regular physical activity can help senior women lose weight, which could lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease. It can also help them control their arterial blood pressure, leading to better cardiac function and postponing a degenerative process that is responsible for heart cell damage. As a result, the heart functions normally and the risk of developing heart disease decreases. Some of the best exercises for senior women who want to boost their heart health include:

Swimming
Walking
Cycling

If your loved one requires help maintaining a regular exercise routine, consider hiring a professional caregiver. In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, caregiver agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

2. Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol-filled plaque affects more women than men, increasing their risk of heart attacks. In women, the plaque is more likely to erode in the vessel wall instead of bursting, which leads to smaller, non-fatal heart attacks. Smoking puts women at a higher risk of developing cholesterol-filled plaque buildup. Poor eating and exercising habits can also increase the odds of blood clots. To prevent plaque buildup and blood clots, senior women need to stop smoking, eat healthy, exercise, and check their blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly. There are medical devices they can use to ensure their blood pressure and cholesterol remain at healthy levels. If not, they need to seek medical attention immediately to protect their heart health.

3. Cut Out Sodium

Instead of cooking with salt, senior women need to use herbs and spices when preparing their meals. The more sodium they consume, the higher their blood pressure will be. As a result, more strain is placed on the heart and arteries. Most herbs and spices are full of antioxidants that fight the free radicals that damage heart cells.

The best spices and herbs for women to use in their senior years are:

Ginger
Turmeric
Garlic
Cinnamon
Basil
Cumin

4. Engage in Social Activities

Being around other people can reduce the risk of boredom and loneliness for senior women. Instead of being sad and depressed, they can be happy and laugh more. Laughter is one of the easiest ways to keep the heart healthy. When seniors laugh, their blood flow increases and their blood pressure rises. However, feelings of sadness and anxiety can cause their blood pressure to drop to unhealthy levels. Participating in social activities allows positive endorphins to be released throughout the body, which can boost physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

5. Track Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve issues are common among older women. To prevent these issues, women should know the signs and begin making healthy lifestyle choices immediately. Knowing the symptoms allows them to seek immediate medical attention. Some of the most common symptoms associated with heart valve disease are:

Shortness of breath
Swollen ankles
Loss of consciousness
Chest pain

If your loved one needs help maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consider hiring a professional caregiver. In Oshkosh, home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your elderly loved one, call one of our professional Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.

Best & Worst Foods for Elderly People with Diabetes

Posted on January 18, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Diabetes is particularly harmful to seniors since it can cause extensive nerve and organ damage if left untreated. Diabetic seniors should monitor their blood sugar regularly and pay close attention to their diet. Food for diabetic seniors needs to be rich in nutrients while being low in sugar. Take a look at some of the beneficial and harmful foods for seniors with diabetes.

Good: Fresh Vegetables

Whenever possible, it is a good idea for seniors with diabetes to eat dishes made from fresh vegetables. Vegetables with a lot of color, like tomatoes, beets, carrots, and kale, tend to have particularly high nutritional content. For many older adults, weight loss is an important part of reducing the symptoms of diabetes. Fresh vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories, so they can keep your senior loved one feeling full for hours without packing on the pounds.

It can be difficult preparing food for diabetic seniors, but a professional caregiver can help your loved one maintain a nutritious diet. Oshkosh non-medical home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Bad: Processed Starches

White bread, premade cookies, flour tortillas, pastries, and crackers all tend to have a lot of added sugar. Since these foods are so low in nutrition, they only provide empty calories without many nutrients. In addition to being loaded with sugar, these sorts of processed starchy foods are particularly problematic because most of the fiber has been removed from them. The body processes them too quickly, causing dangerous blood sugar spikes.

Good: Lean Protein

The healthiest types of proteins for older adults with diabetes are typically plant-based proteins like tofu, nuts, seeds, and beans. These foods contain enough protein to make your loved one feel energetic and active, but they are also very low in fat and sugar. Diabetics who want animal-based protein should typically stick to seafood and low-fat poultry so they can keep their weight low while receiving plenty of nourishment. Excessive fat intake can exacerbate diabetes symptoms, so you may need to trim fat off the chicken and other meat your loved one eats.

Bad: Sugary Drinks

Without any food or fiber content to slow digestion, the sugar from juices enters the bloodstream rapidly. Seniors with diabetes need to cut back on sweetened coffee, sweet tea, soda, and energy drinks. Even fruit juices or fruit-based smoothies could cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Sugary alcoholic beverages like frozen margaritas are a particularly bad choice because alcohol causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate.

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, an Oshkosh home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Good: Whole Grains

Many diabetics worry that they cannot eat carbohydrates, but whole grains are healthy for people with diabetes. Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and barley can keep blood sugar levels at a steady number, and they also provide plenty of beneficial fiber.

Seniors with diabetes who need assistance with meal planning and cooking can benefit from professional in-home care. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. To hire a professionally trained in-home care expert for your elderly loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

4 Ways Yoga Enhances Elderly Health

Posted on January 4, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

As people age, they may be more likely to develop chronic illnesses and pain. While many medical conditions can be managed by prescription medications, they are not without side effects. It is therefore important to try and implement complementary or alternative therapies such as yoga into an older person’s therapeutic care plan. Here are four ways yoga makes seniors healthier.

1. Facilitates Effective Breathing Patterns

Chronic respiratory disease, issues with posture, and degenerative spine disorders can lead to poor lung function and difficulty breathing. Participating in a regular yoga program can enhance breathing function by increasing oxygen flow in the respiratory system. Since yoga is a low-impact exercise, it is better tolerated by people affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or fluid in the lungs.

The deep breathing involved with yoga can help seniors keep several health conditions at bay. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

2. Enhances Flexibility

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and certain autoimmune disorders can lead to stiff, painful joints and muscles, which can make it difficult to complete activities of daily living. Yoga, like other low-impact exercises, promotes flexibility while lowering the risk for injury. Seniors who regularly practice yoga feel stronger and less likely to experience instability and an unsteady gait when ambulating. Those participating in yoga programs may notice they need less pain medication to manage their chronic conditions, and in some cases, they can stop taking their medications altogether.

Seniors are more likely to exercise if they have a trusted caregiver to motivate them. An Oshkosh caregiver can help your elderly loved one manage his or her health in a variety of ways. If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise more often, eat healthier foods, or socialize on a regular basis, an in-home caregiver can address these and many other health-related concerns.

3. Curtails Anxiety

Seniors can greatly benefit from the anti-anxiety effects of yoga. In certain people, yoga may be even more effective than anti-anxiety medications. Seniors are more likely to experience adverse reactions and side effects from psychotropic medications. Certain side effects can have serious health consequences such as an irregular heartbeat, diminished renal function, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalances. In addition to anxiety, many seniors experience depression. Advancing age, chronic illnesses, constant pain, and loneliness can trigger feelings of despair and sadness. Mild forms of exercise such as yoga promote the release of certain “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, known as endorphins. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, anxious or depressed seniors enjoy feelings of calmness and wellbeing. Yoga can also dampen adrenaline surges, which raise the risk for panic and anxiety attacks and contribute to systemic inflammation.

4. Lowers Blood Pressure

Yoga can also help seniors maintain healthy blood pressure. Hypertension becomes more common as people get older, and it is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic renal disease. Yoga reduces the effects of oxidative stress and free radicals, and it is also a potent stress-reliever. Chronic stress has been shown to be a contributing factor in the development of high blood pressure. In combination with prescribed medications, nutritional interventions, and weight loss, yoga can be an important component of your loved one’s plan to stave off hypertension.

If your loved one needs help and supervision to perform yoga but you are not available to assist him or her, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Oshkosh elderly care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767, speak with one of our professional Care Managers, and create a high-quality care plan for your elderly loved one.

8 Great New Year’s Resolutions for Older Adults

Posted on December 21, 2017March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The beginning of the new year is a great time for seniors to start making positive changes that can enhance their quality of life. Family caregivers can help their senior loved ones come up with New Year’s resolutions that benefit their physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are a few ideas to get family caregivers started.

1. Stay Active Every Day

Getting some type of physical activity every day helps seniors stay in shape physically, and it can also boost their emotional health. Exercise reduces the risk of several health complications and releases endorphins that can help seniors feel happier and calmer. Caregivers can help by going for walks with their loved one or assisting with workout routines as needed.

Getting active is one of the many ways elderly people can boost their health and wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Do Brain Activities

Giving the brain a workout on a regular basis can boost mental and emotional health. Doing crossword puzzles and other activities that challenge the mind enhances cognitive function. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can benefit the most from doing brain activities.

3. Practice Better Sleep Hygiene

Being able to get restful sleep becomes more difficult as seniors age, but it’s an important part of staying healthy. Seniors can take steps to enhance sleep quality in the new year, such as getting a more comfortable mattress and staying awake during the day instead of taking a nap.

4. Look into Volunteer Opportunities

Doing volunteer work can help seniors stay socially active. This kind of work can boost emotional and mental health. Caregivers can help their loved ones find local volunteer opportunities that are suitable for their age.

5. Choose Healthier Desserts

Limiting sugar intake in the new year can help seniors manage chronic health conditions better and maintain good health. Less sugar in the diet can also enhance their mood. Seniors can opt for healthier choices for desserts, such as fresh fruit or dark chocolate.

6. Take Up a Hobby

Having a hobby to focus on gives seniors a way to put their creativity to use or learn something new, which can enhance their mental and emotional health. Seniors can try an older hobby they haven’t done in years or take up a new one such as photography or painting.

7. Schedule Regular Checkups and Screenings

Going for a routine wellness visit and having all recommended screenings done can help seniors maintain their health in the new year. Caregivers can help their loved ones schedule these appointments and ensure they attend them throughout the year.

Taking your senior loved one to medical appointments and accomplishing other caregiving duties may be challenging without assistance. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

8. Call an Old Friend

Seniors who have lost touch with friends over the years can benefit from contacting them again. Spending time with others is an important part of maintaining good mental and emotional health as seniors get older. Interacting with others prevents loneliness and lowers the risk of depression.

Achieving New Year’s resolutions can be challenging for seniors, especially if they can’t manage day-to-day activities on their own. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To hire a professional caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.