Category: Senior Fitness & Nutrition

Older adults need to be physically active to maintain their energy levels, prevent chronic illnesses, and alleviate the symptoms of various existing medical conditions. Engaging in some type of activity regularly increases overall balance and strength and reduces the risk of falls. The cardiovascular system and cognitive abilities also benefit from regular exercise. Here are a few ways you can motivate your aging parent to get some exercise. 

Offer an Invitation

Invite your loved one to accompany you to the mall and spend some time walking around the area while window shopping. Treat your parent to lunch and continue shopping. Almost all malls have seating in case your loved one needs to sit and get a few minutes of rest. Other options include taking your parent to the zoo, a local park, or a nature center.

Helping your parent with exercise can be a challenging task, especially when you have other important duties to tend to. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.

Provide Encouragement

Initiate a conversation concerning why your loved one needs to become more physically active. Encourage your parent to choose the types of activities he or she might enjoy. Make a plan and devise ways to boost your loved one’s physical health. By giving seniors control of the situation, they’re more likely to follow through. 

Do Some Research

Look for senior groups in the community that enjoy physical activity together. There might be a group that takes regular walks. Perhaps the local senior center offers exercise classes. Community swimming pools often host water aerobics classes during the summer. Search for some senior-friendly activities in your area. 

Purchase Exercise Equipment for the Home

Maybe your loved one is reluctant to join an exercise class because he or she is self-conscious. Perhaps the embarrassment comes from being overweight. Get your parent a stationary bike or a treadmill that can be used in the privacy of his or her home. Include a set of lightweight dumbbells or wrist and ankle weights. 

While watching a favorite TV program, both of you can get up and spend two or three minutes exercising when a commercial appears and then rest between commercials and enjoy the show. You can also give your loved one some beginner exercise videos.

Some older adults have serious health issues that make it difficult for them to exercise. The type of elderly home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Senior Stride Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.

Set Goals

Once your loved one starts becoming a little more physically active, praise his or her accomplishments. Keep motivating your parent by setting goals together. Give your loved one a simple pedometer. If your parent completes 2,000 steps in the first week, encourage him or her to set a goal of completing 3,000 or more steps in the next week. Encourage your loved one to go up and down a flight of stairs. The more your parent exercises, the more likely he or she will remain physically active. 

Seniors who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Oshkosh at-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. If you need professional care for your loved one, Senior Stride Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Spearmint is a member of the mint family that’s indigenous to Europe and parts of Asia. While the most common place people in America see spearmint is in chewing gum, there are many ways this mint can be incorporated into your senior loved one’s diet. It’s great when used in soups or salads, but you can also prepare spearmint tea at home or add it to your loved one’s favorite smoothie recipe. There are many reasons family caregivers may want to incorporate spearmint into their senior loved ones’ diets, including the four outlined below. 

1. Oral Health

Spearmint is particularly useful for promoting healthy mouth and gums because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Incorporating it into your loved one’s diet can protect his or her mouth and throat from harmful infections. It also stops bad breath caused by dry mouth or certain medications. 

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. 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. Digestive Health

Seniors with upset stomachs and gastrointestinal issues often find that consuming spearmint alleviates the symptoms, especially the bloating and cramping caused by flatulence. Many seniors find chewing spearmint leaves or even spearmint gum relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well. 

If your loved one needs help planning and preparing nutritious meals, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Oshkosh elder care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

3. Circulation Health

Just a single leaf of spearmint contains 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of iron. Therefore, it’s very effective at helping seniors with anemia. It also promotes faster blood circulation throughout the body, which can help your loved one get more oxygen and feel more energetic overall. Additionally, the increased circulation can promote quicker healing after sustaining a scrape or bruise.

4. Heart Health

Spearmint promotes a healthy heart because of its high potassium levels. That’s why seniors who incorporate spearmint into their diets are less likely to have recurrences of strokes. This is because eating spearmint relieves stress on arteries and veins and may even break up the plaques in arteries that lead to stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. 

Ensuring an elderly relative maintains a nutritious diet is often an arduous task for family members. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, 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. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today. 

Physical activity is always important, regardless of a person’s age. Many seniors think there’s no point in exercising if they aren’t capable of sprinting around, but even small amounts of movement help. Benefits of exercise include a stronger heart, better balance, and increased mobility. Sedentary seniors can still get exercise with the following six activities. 

1. Isometric Exercises

Isometric exercises work out the muscles without moving them, and they involve doing things like pressing firmly against a wall, tensing the core, and clenching the leg muscles. These exercises can help seniors retain muscle tone even if they’re confined to chairs all day long. 

Family caregivers who don’t have the time to help their loved ones exercise should consider professional in-home care. Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

2. Swimming

Many seniors who feel discomfort during normal methods of exercise find swimming a good option. The water supports a lot of the weight of the body, so swimming is far easier on the joints than many other forms of exercise. Since water is thicker than air, even simple movements in the water help seniors burn more calories and exercise their muscles more. Seniors who aren’t comfortable with their swimming ability can still get exercise benefits by kicking around the pool while on a float. 

3. Weight Lifting

Weight lifting can be safe as long as seniors use proper form and don’t try to lift anything too heavy. This type of exercise is great for sedentary seniors because it can be done slowly while sitting or lying down, and it reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Seniors can use light weights to do bicep curls or lunges, or they can try doing exercises with weight machines. 

Consider hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one exercise safely. Home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

4. Chair Yoga

This gentle form of yoga is excellent for seniors who want to try yoga but are concerned about losing their balance. During chair yoga, seniors go through yoga poses while seated or holding on to chairs for assistance. Doing chair yoga increases flexibility and strength without requiring potentially dangerous motions. 

5. Arm & Leg Lifts

Even seniors who are bedbound can perform arm and leg lifts, which require getting into a position that’s comfortable for them and raising each limb a few inches for about 10 to 20 seconds. This sort of exercise can be surprisingly challenging, and it helps seniors retain muscle tone. Another benefit of arm and leg lifts for bedbound seniors is that they can reduce pressure sores. 

6. Riding Recumbent Exercise Bikes

These machines are excellent for seniors who need cardio exercise but don’t have the balance or mobility for activities like running. They allow seniors to sit safely while pedaling at their own pace. Seniors can adjust the difficulty to meet their level of fitness. 

Remaining physically active in the senior years can help older adults stave off age-related conditions and live healthier lives. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of Oshkosh at-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Senior Stride Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services. 

Carbohydrates are sometimes mistakenly viewed as unhealthy, since many sugary foods, such as cakes and cookies, fall into this category. While many diet plans recommend cutting out carbohydrates completely, seniors should always be wary of going to such extremes. When eaten in moderation, the right types of carbohydrates provide seniors with benefits that enhance their wellbeing. 

1. Increase Energy Levels

The body breaks down the starch and sugar in carbohydrates and turns them into energy. For seniors, it’s best to choose complex carbohydrates that take longer to break down to avoid too many fluctuations in their blood sugar. For instance, a piece of whole-grain toast for breakfast will produce fewer spikes in glucose levels than a processed donut. 

2. Promote a Feeling of Fullness

Seniors who need to manage their weight sometimes experience hunger that makes it difficult to resist cravings. Complex carbohydrates stick around in the digestive system longer, which alleviates hunger pangs. Try giving your loved one a bowl of oatmeal in the morning if he or she wants to snack before lunch, or you could add whole grains to dinner to prevent late-night snacking.

A trained professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support when it comes to helping seniors plan and prepare healthy meals. Senior 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.

3. Avoid Eliminating Fruits & Vegetables

When people try to switch to an all-protein diet, they omit some of the healthiest foods available. Fruits and vegetables are carbohydrates that also provide a wealth of other benefits to seniors. For example, they contain powerful antioxidants and nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, that are essential for keeping the body functioning properly. If your loved one needs to watch his or her blood glucose levels, serve fruits and vegetables that have less sugar in them, such as celery and broccoli.

Some seniors have health conditions that limit their ability to shop for healthy foods or cook nutritious meals without assistance. Living with serious health conditions 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.

4. Help with Digestion

Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables also contain fiber, which stimulates the digestive system. In addition to keeping your loved one fuller for longer, the fiber pushes the food through the intestines so he or she feels less constipated. However, your loved one may need to slowly increase the amount of carbohydrates eaten if he or she prefers foods that are high in fiber (such as beans), as this prevents the negative side effects of taking in too much fiber at once, such as gas pains. Start by adding small servings of one or two of these types of carbs to your loved one’s diet until he or she can eat them comfortably.

5. Provide a Low-Fat Source of Protein

Some of the best carbohydrates also contain high levels of protein, and they can serve as an alternative to higher-fat red meats that may need to be limited in your loved one’s diet. Try swapping out a processed ham sandwich for one that has nut butter instead. Beans, yogurt, and quinoa are a few more carbs that can help your loved one get enough protein without having to load up on too much fat.

Providing nutritional advice and preparing healthy meals are just two of the many ways a professional caregiver can support your loved one. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

Though walnuts have long been believed to contain many crucial nutrients, recent studies have discovered just how beneficial they are for people over 65. A small daily serving of walnuts can provide many healthy advantages for your senior loved one, including those listed below. 

1. Promote Heart Health

By eating walnuts, your loved one receives vitamin E, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and many more healthy nutrients, all of which play an important role in the heart’s ability to function normally. Calcium, potassium, and magnesium can regulate your loved one’s blood pressure levels, and vitamin E can prevent plaque from building up in his or her arteries. All of these nutrients also work to reduce cholesterol and prevent heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. 

Managing all the aspects of a senior’s health, including diet, can be challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality at-home care, Senior Stride Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.

2. Strengthen Bones

Eating walnuts can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. The magnesium found in walnuts can help seniors maintain bone strength, slowing down bone loss. If your loved one doesn’t consume enough calcium, he or she could lose bone mass and develop protein deficiencies. However, the calcium in walnuts, in addition to potassium, fights against osteoporosis and boosts bone health. 

3. Prevent Cancer

The antioxidants found in walnuts fight cancerous cells until they die or dissolve, and they can be especially effective at protecting against breast and prostate cancer. Walnuts contain cancer-fighting properties that can slow the growth of prostate tumors by 30 to 40 percent. By eating at least 2 ounces of walnuts each day, seniors can also reduce the growth of breast tumors by almost 50 percent. 

If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Oshkosh, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Senior Stride Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

4. Slow the Aging Process

The antioxidants in walnuts also combat free radicals. Walnuts are one of the few common foods that contain powerful antioxidants such as the flavonol called morin, which controls how fast a person ages. Free radicals can destroy your loved one’s tissues and organs, but antioxidants can fight these free radicals and reduce wrinkles and other damage to the skin. 

5. Manage Diabetes

As a person ages, gains more weight, and becomes less active, the risk of developing diabetes increases. However, eating walnuts can help seniors with diabetes control the disease. Adding walnuts to your loved one’s diet can boost his or her endothelial function, which causes the blood vessels to dilate properly. Walnuts eaten in moderation won’t make your loved one gain weight. Instead, they can reduce the problems associated with metabolic syndrome, a condition that can cause diabetes. 

Eating nutritious foods can help aging adults stave off a number of health issues. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. 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. Call one of our Care Managers at 920-717-1767 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.

Diet soda may seem like the ultimate low-calorie beverage, but it has several serious drawbacks that can negatively impact aging adults’ health. Here are some of the top reasons to stop drinking diet soda in the senior years. 

Increased Waist Size

Studies show seniors who drink diet soda on a regular basis may experience a notable increase in waist size over time. A larger waist size may not sound too alarming, but it can actually affect senior mobility and posture, and extra weight can lead to significant joint problems. 

If your loved one needs help following a nutritious diet, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. 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.

Confused Taste Buds

Artificial sweeteners in diet soda have more intense flavors than regular table sugar. Prolonged consumption actually dulls taste buds to naturally sweet foods, such as apples and bananas. This leads to an increase in sugar consumption just to satisfy the taste buds. 

Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Seniors already have a higher risk of diabetes than younger people, and drinking diet soda considerably increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One study published in Diabetes Care showed daily consumption of diet soda led to a 36 percent increase in the risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67 percent increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Monitoring your loved one’s diet can be challenging, especially if you have work and family obligations to attend to as well. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, 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.

Greater Depression Risk

Diet soda consumption has been linked to depression. In studies of people aged 51 to 70, seniors who drank diet soda were found to have a 30 percent higher chance of being diagnosed with clinical depression over a 10-year time period. If your loved one is drinking diet soda every day, help him or her gradually consume less with emotional support, education, and assistance with finding a viable replacement for the addictive beverage.

Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to help your loved one make healthier choices and enjoy a high quality of life. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at 920-717-1767.

Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, which keeps bones healthy and strong as seniors age. However, lactose intolerance is increasingly common, and many seniors find they’re more sensitive to dairy the older they get. Learn more about the health benefits and detriments of dairy.

The Nutrients Found in Milk 

Milk contains many nutrients important for senior health, such as calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for senior women, who lose bone density after menopause. Studies suggest regular milk consumption can lower the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in the elderly.

In addition to consuming nutrients, seniors with osteoporosis can reduce the risks of falls and fractures by receiving help from a professional caregiver. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of senior care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

The Benefits of Dairy Fat

Milk contains fatty acids that promote overall health. When researchers studied the effects of a fatty acid known as trans-palmitoleic acid, they found people who had more of the acid in their bloodstream had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, less joint inflammation, increased sensitivity to insulin, and less belly fat. The most beneficial forms of dairy fat are found in full-fat dairy products, which suggests seniors should skip the low-fat options and drink full-fat milk in moderation.

The Dangers of Unpasteurized Dairy

Seniors should avoid unpasteurized milk and cheese, which are often touted as healthy, as they contain beneficial fats and minerals. However, these dairy products don’t undergo the pasteurization process, which means they can be breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. While younger adults with healthy immune systems may not be affected by the bacteria in unpasteurized milk, seniors should be more careful. They should avoid unpasteurized milk and cheeses like blue cheese, chevre, and brie.

The Relationship between Dairy & Cancer 

Dairy promotes the release of hormones like insulin and IGF-1. While these hormones can be beneficial, as they help seniors stay strong and increase their muscle mass, they may also have detrimental effects. Though research results are varied and somewhat inconclusive, some studies suggest elevated levels of these hormones can increase the risk of prostate cancer. 

Focusing on a nutritious diet is just one of the many ways seniors can stave off cancer and other serious illnesses. Living with serious health conditions 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.

Facts about Lactose Intolerance 

Lactose intolerance isn’t a true food allergy. People who are allergic to dairy are allergic to the protein casein, and consuming this protein causes a negative immune response. People with lactose intolerance, on the other hand, experience uncomfortable symptoms when they consume more lactose than their bodies can tolerate. These symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Seniors with lactose intolerance rarely need to cut out dairy entirely. They simply need to determine how much they can tolerate. Some seniors may be able to drink four ounces of milk a day, while others may be able to drink eight. By finding and setting their limits, they can have the beneficial nutrients without the gastrointestinal effects. 

Caring for a senior and finding the right dairy products for him or her can be a challenging task. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of homecare. 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. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767

After hearing what the doctor had to say during your aging loved one’s most recent appointment, you know the time has come for Mom or Dad to start eating better foods. However, your loved one has made it clear that he or she isn’t as concerned as you are, and you need some help getting  your parent on the right track. There may be some resistance when asking your loved one to change his or her diet, but here are a few simple ways that can make the process easier.

Allow for Moderation

In many cases, doctors say certain foods have to be significantly reduced. This isn’t the same as banning them entirely. For example, your parent might need to start eating lean meats for most dinners, but he or she can still enjoy burgers and hot dogs at the annual Fourth of July picnic. Education can also be very powerful, so you may want to teach your parent about moderation by chatting with the doctor.

Focusing on a nutritious diet can boost quality of life in the golden years. 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 home 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.

Make Cooking Fun

When seniors prepare meals with new healthier ingredients, they might start to forget about how much joy cooking used to bring them. Bring the grandchildren over one day to cook with your parent, or spend an afternoon researching new recipes online together. By distracting your parent from the fact that he or she is using new ingredients, you’re allowing your loved one to focus on spending time with the little ones or envisioning his or her culinary masterpiece.

Eating well is just one of the many ways older adults can maintain their health as they age. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. 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.

Cook for Your Loved One

While you may need to hire help for certain days of the week, you can cook for your loved one when time allows. Invite your parent over for dinner, or bring the family over to prepare a meal. If the food is prepared and ready, your loved one may be more likely to eat it than if he or she had to prepare it. 

Not all families are able to find the time to help their aging parents with tasks such as cooking. 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. If you’d like to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our friendly Care Managers, call 920-717-1767 today.

Whether your senior loved one takes a class or just turns on the music and moves to the beat, dancing has been proven to offer numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits. Multiple studies show moving to music is particularly beneficial for older adults. Here are five reasons dance is so therapeutic for seniors.

1. Reduce the Risk of Dementia

Several scientific studies suggest dancing is more effective at staving off dementia than any other form of exercise. One particular study found frequent dancing reduces the chance of developing dementia by as much as 76 percent.

2. Boost Cardiovascular Health

Gently raising the heart rate for a few minutes every day can strengthen the cardiovascular system, reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Researchers at the Lancisi Heart Institute in Ancona, Italy, found dancing the waltz offers seniors with chronic but stable heart failure the same cardiovascular benefits as traditional aerobic fitness training. Plus, many older adults find dancing a lot more fun than other forms of heart-healthy exercises.

Even if seniors have mobility issues or health challenges, they can still get the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Oshkosh elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

3. Alleviate Aches & Pains

Many aging adults develop joint issues at some point in their lives. When joints are stiff or inflamed, traditional forms of exercise can be difficult, but dancing is a low-impact exercise that can strengthen all the ligaments that support the joints. Numerous studies across North America have found low-impact dance programs are highly effective at reducing the amount of pain medication seniors take. One study in particular focused on a 12-week dance course, and at the end, participants were able to reduce their need for pain medication by an average of 39 percent.

4. Increase Balance

Slip-and-fall accidents are common among aging adults, and they can result in life-threatening injuries. Increasing balance is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of a slip-and-fall accident. Dancing strengthens all the stabilizer muscles throughout the body and enhances spatial awareness. One specific example is the rhythmic walking step that forms the foundation of the tango, which is why this dance is particularly helpful in increasing balance and gait function in seniors, especially older adults with Parkinson’s disease, according to research published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over occasionally. Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

5. Be More Social

Most forms of dance therapy for seniors increase opportunities to socialize and connect with others. Developing and maintaining relationships has been proven to extend longevity, boost overall health, and enhance quality of life for older adults.

Seniors who need assistance with exercising safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Home care service 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 create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.

Surgical procedures can cause varying levels of trauma to the body, requiring time for healing. However, older adults can speed the healing process by eating foods that are rich in essential nutrients. Here are some of the most nutritious foods to help seniors recover after surgery.

1.Lean Meats

Seniors who weigh around 150 pounds should consume up to five ounces of protein each day. Healthy protein options include eggs, fish, poultry, lean red meat, beans, and legumes. 

Caring for a senior loved one who’s recovering from surgery can be a difficult task. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

2. Yogurt

Physicians often prescribe antibiotics following surgery to prevent infection. However, antibiotics commonly interfere with the healthy natural bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract. The probiotics in yogurt can make up for losses in natural bacteria. 

3. Fibrous Foods 

Anesthesia, pain medications, reduced physical activity, and stress can all lead to constipation. However, eating foods high in fiber can prevent constipation and boost digestive health. Prunes have soluble and insoluble fiber, which work together to soften stools. Other options include fresh fruits, vegetables, and oatmeal. 

4. Dark-Colored Fruits 

Dark-colored fruits are high in antioxidants, which prevent free radicals from interfering with cellular repair. The fruits also have anthocyanidins, which boost the effectiveness of vitamin C.

5. Sweet Potatoes

One sweet potato provides 120 percent of the daily recommended intake of beta-carotene along with half of the daily vitamin C and E needs. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is essential for soft tissue repair. 

6. Red Bell Peppers 

One cup of chopped red bell pepper provides up to 190 milligrams of vitamin C, which is much more than what citrus fruits provide. The vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A. The nutrients found in bell peppers create collagen and prevent blood clots.

7. Mushrooms

Maitake, reishi, and shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin D, which recuperating seniors may lack because they’re unable to get direct sun exposure. 

Seniors often need help preparing meals and managing other daily tasks while they recover from surgery. 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.

8. Oysters

Oysters contain high levels of zinc, which is needed for immune system function. Zinc is also necessary for wound healing, as it plays a role in protein synthesis and cell growth. Other foods rich in zinc include beef, lamb, and liver.

9. Avocados

Avocados are a good source of healthy fats that absorb vitamins and strengthen the immune system. Healthy fats also provide enduring energy while supplying vitamin E, which is needed for healing wounds and minimizing the appearance of scars. Other sources of nutritious fats include olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, and seeds. 

10. Water 

As the human body is 55 to 65 percent water, staying hydrated is essential. Water levels are often depleted after surgery. Fluid is needed for cell replication and growth, organ and muscle function, and joint lubrication.

Older adults who need help maintaining their health while recuperating from surgery should consider professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, the Oshkosh, WI, live-in care professionals at Senior Stride Home Care are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.