High cholesterol can be a serious health problem for many seniors. It significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several simple steps that can be taken to lower bad cholesterol levels, raise good ones and help seniors remain healthy! Make Simple Dietary Changes Let’s face it: Major diet changes are never easy. However, by encouraging your loved one or client to make a few simple changes, their cholesterol levels can be lowered–and often, they won’t notice what they’re missing. Try some of these strategies: Eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna Try whole grain products instead of their processed alternatives Avoid trans fats Eat fewer processed foods Minimize refined carbohydrates Add in foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables Incorporate Simple Activities When your client or loved one isn’t moving, it’s easier for bad cholesterol to build up, hardening their veins and making it difficult for them to get healthier. Regular activity, on the other hand, can decrease bad cholesterol! Try some of these simple activities: Take up dancing! Classes together can be a great bonding experience. Get out and take a walk several times a week. Go for a swim. During the summer months, swimming outside is a fun, free exercise. Even during the winter, many gyms offer indoor water aerobics programs. Start gardening. Growing pretty flowers or fruits and vegetables is both healthy and invigorating! Find a class at your local gym or senior center. There are plenty to choose from and they’re sure to find something appealing! Decrease Portion Size There are a number of foods that are very healthy and full of cholesterol-fighting properties. Unfortunately, many of them are also high in calories. Whether you’re changing your senior’s diet to incorporate more good fats or they’re indulging in a favorite treat, practicing portion control is the best way to ensure that the treatment will be healthy, rather than causing more health problems down the road. Encourage Socialization Regular social contact with others has a higher impact on the body’s overall health–including cholesterol levels–than giving up smoking. If your loved one is struggling with high cholesterol levels, consider looking for more ways to get them out and about, socializing with loved ones. This could include: More family time! Take vacations together, plan family events, or just get together and hang out. Getting involved with a local church or charity. Spending more time at the local senior center, engaging in activities they offer. Increased socialization won’t just help with cholesterol levels. It will also help your senior loved one live longer and enjoy a fuller, happier life–so make sure that socialization is an on-going priority. Laugh Often Laughter is known to give you a healthier heart. It raises the levels of good cholesterol in your blood, decreases stress, and even offers an immune system boost! Watch funny movies or read funny books with your client or loved one. When you’re not around, encourage them to engage in these pastimes on their own as well. Drop the Bad Habits As your loved one approaches their senior years, it’s time to think about what those bad habits are really worth–most notably, smoking and drinking. Both regular alcohol consumption and a smoking habit can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels, leaving your loved one struggling to get their health under control. Simply giving up those habits, on the other hand, can keep them around longer. Follow Doctors’ Recommendations If your loved one has been prescribed a medication for high cholesterol, it’s important that they take it exactly as prescribed! Their doctor is monitoring their cholesterol levels and will adjust the medication as needed. Many people believe that as their cholesterol drops, they no longer need the medication. Unfortunately, this can simply complicate the issue and lead to a greater need for medication later on. Dealing with high cholesterol in a loved one isn’t easy, especially with all the fears it brings up. If you need more help caring for your senior loved one, contact us today to learn how we can help.
Dining out is fun no matter your age. For seniors, it’s a special treat to get out of the house and to enjoy a meal in public where they may see people they know. If you are planning to take your senior parents to dinner, or you are an in-home caregiver taking a patient to dinner, then selecting the right restaurant is important. There are senior-friendly restaurants in the Denver area that offer discounts and deals. Here’s a list of the top 3. The Best Senior-Friendly Restaurants Around Denver 1. Applebee’s Applebee’s offers a senior discount of 15% off total bill for those age 60 and older. Menu items range from delicious steaks to chicken and seafood. Start by sharing an appetizer and if visiting at lunchtime, try one of their lunch combos. Other menu options include pasta and salads. Save room for dessert because it’s hard to say no to Applebee’s butter pecan blondie! 2. Denny’s AARP members are eligible to receive a 15% discount off their total bill every day. A special menu is available for those aged 55 and older. Traditional meals such as country-fried steak and grilled chicken are on the menu. Breakfast items include French toast and omelets. For lunch, seniors can try a grilled cheese and soup. There are several Denny’s locations throughout the Denver area. Thanks to their partnership with AARP, Denny’s remains a popular restaurant for seniors. 3. IHOP IHOP offers an exclusive menu for guests age 55 and older. The menu offers smaller portions of classic dishes including create-your-own omelets and a roasted turkey dinner, all at a lower price. For a healthier option, seniors may enjoy the grilled tilapia. Side dish options range from mashed potatoes and gravy to steamed broccoli. Don’t forget about their selection of pancakes! After all, it is the International House of Pancakes! The Importance of Seniors Dining Out The social interaction of dining out is important in a senior’s life. As many seniors no longer drive, having someone take them out is crucial to limiting senior isolation. Many seniors also live alone and have to cook for themselves, resulting in poor nutrition. Dining out is one way to ensure they are getting a hot and nutritious meal. Finding Time Major holidays are often times of family gatherings at restaurants. Seniors, however, need to get out more than the occasional Mother’s Day or Easter brunch. For their busy adult children, finding the time to take their loved one out to eat is difficult. Work and family commitments are overwhelming yet it is easy to develop guilty feelings about caring for their parents. It is better to ask for help than to try to balance everything yourself. There will be less stress and times together will be more enjoyable if you have help in caring for your senior parents. Elderlink Home Care Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has a professional, caring staff dedicated to providing you with a positive home care experience. Taking their clients out for an enjoyable meal is something our caregivers can assist with. Not only can they take their clients out for a meal if they desire, but they can also help with menu planning and preparation at home. Home care can help prevent your loved one from feeling lonely and isolated. From going to the movies and other recreational activities, you can rest easy knowing your loved one is being properly cared for so you can concentrate on other responsibilities. For more information about in-home care by Elderlink and for a full list of services, contact us today. Elderlink has proudly served the Denver area since 1988. For 30 years, they have provided in-home care for Denver area residents and have received many positive testimonials from current and past clients. Let us help you in ensuring your loved one is properly cared for and getting all of their needs met.
