Encouraging Exercise and Physical Activity
Exercise has proven benefits for older people. It reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer, and breast cancer. It also decreases the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.
Like the rest of us, older people may know that exercise is good for their health, but they may not have the motivation or encouragement to do it. You can guide your patients by asking about their daily activities and whether they engage in any kind of regular exercise or physical activity.
There are several ways to encourage older patients to exercise:
• Whenever appropriate, let them know that regular physical activity—including endurance, muscle-strengthening, balance, and flexibility exercises—is essential for healthy aging.
• Help patients set realistic goals and develop an exercise plan.
• Write an exercise prescription, and make it specific, including type, frequency, intensity, and time; follow up to check progress and re-evaluate goals over time.
• Refer patients to community resources, such as mall-walking groups and senior center fitness classes.
“I’d like you to exercise regularly. Just start low and go slow.”
Strategies to Improve Nutrition in Older Adults
Older patients may develop poor eating habits for many reasons. These can range from a decreased sense of smell and taste to teeth problems or depression. Older people may also have difficulty getting to a supermarket or standing long enough to cook a meal. And, although energy needs may decrease with age, the need for certain vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and vitamins B6 and B12, increases after age 50.
Try these strategies to encourage healthy diets:
• Emphasize that good nutrition can have an impact on well-being and independence.
• If needed, suggest liquid nutrition supplements, but emphasize the benefits of solid foods.
• If needed, suggest multivitamins that fulfill 100 percent of the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals for older people, but not mega doses.
Too Old to Exercise? Studies Say No!
• Together, exercise and lifestyle changes, such as becoming more active and eating healthy food, reduce the risk of diabetes in high-risk older people. In one study, lifestyle changes led to a 71 percent decrease in diabetes among people 60 and older.
• In another study, moderate exercise was effective at reducing stress and sleep problems in older women caring for a family member with dementia.
• Older people who exercise moderately are able to fall asleep quickly, sleep for longer periods, and get better quality of sleep.
• Researchers also found that exercise, which can improve balance, reduced falls among older people by 33 percent.
• Walking and strength-building exercises by people with knee osteoarthritis help reduce pain and maintain function and quality of life.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and well-being.
As you grow older, if you continue eating the same types and amounts of food but do not become more active, you will probably gain weight. That’s because your metabolism (how your body gets energy from food) can slow with age, and your body composition (amount of fat and muscle) may be different from when you were younger.
The energy your body gets from the nutrients in the food you eat is measured as calories. As a rule of thumb, the more calories you eat, the more active you have to be to maintain your weight. Likewise, the reverse is also true—the more active you are, the more calories you need. As you age, your body might need less food for energy, but it still needs the same amount of nutrients.
How Can I Keep a Healthy Weight?
Many things can affect your weight, including genetics, age, gender, lifestyle, family habits and culture, sleep, and even where you live and work. Some of these factors can make it hard to lose weight or keep weight off.
But being active and choosing healthy foods has health benefits for everyone—no matter your age or weight. It’s important to choose nutrient-dense foods and be active at least 150 minutes per week. As a rule of thumb:
• To keep your weight the same, you need to burn the same number of calories as you eat and drink.
• To lose weight, burn more calories than you eat and drink.
• To gain weight, burn fewer calories than you eat and drink.
Share this info graphic and help spread the word about healthy diet and exercise.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
• Limit portion size to control calorie intake.
• Add healthy snacks during the day if you want to gain weight.
• Be as physically active as you can be.
• Talk to your doctor about your weight if you think that you weigh too much or too little.
What Should I Eat to Maintain a Healthy Weight?
Choose foods that have a lot of nutrients but not a lot of calories. NIA has information to help you make healthy food choices and shop for food that’s good for you.
How Much Physical Activity Do I Need?
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You don’t have to do that all at once—break it up over the whole week, however you like. If you can’t do this much activity right away, try to be as physically active as you can. Doing something is better than doing nothing at all.
The benefits of exercise aren’t just about weight. Regular exercise can make it easier for you to do daily activities, participate in outings, drive, keep up with grandchildren, avoid falls, and stay independent.
personal trainer. Think about the kinds of physical activities that you enjoy—for example, walking, running, bicycling, gardening, housecleaning, swimming, or dancing. Try to make time to do what you enjoy on most days of the week. And then increase how long you do it, or add another fun activity.
TIP: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Most older people can be moderately active. But, you might want to talk to your doctor if you aren’t used to energetic activity and you want to start a vigorous exercise program or significantly increase your physical activity. Yu should also check with your doctor if you have health concerns like the following :
Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Chest pain or pressure, An irregular heartbeat, Blood clots, Joint swelling, A hernia, Recent hip or back surgery
Your doctor might have some safety tips or suggest certain types of exercise for you.
Senior Activities & Wellness Programs
Social Engagement and Connection
Senior Sidekicks
Senior Sidekicks program gives students from local communities an opportunity to create intergenerational connections. This program allows people to take part in games, social events, and educational activities. The program can achieve a better community with a better quality of life for all ages. Senior Sidekicks is perfect for the young at heart because it keeps residents involved in the community while students learn from those who are beyond their years.

Happy Hour and Special Events
These events find a reason to celebrate life’s little moments every day! Local communities aim to create an atmosphere where planned events and festivities will help you connect with new faces or spend time with beloved friends and family. Many of the communities have happy hours that serve up delicious drinks along with live music or comedy acts. You can find yourself at elegant dinner parties, wine and cheese tastings, or ice cream socials on warm summer days. You’ll love checking the monthly calendar to see what exciting event is just around the corner.
Technology

Technology creates more possibilities for you to stay connected with the people and places you love. Many of the communities offer common spaces offer complimentary Wi-Fi or Business Centers. Catch-up with friends and family through email, check the latest sports scores or read the news each morning with our easy internet access. If you need a refresher course to help you thrive online, the communities often provide computer and internet literacy courses that will allow you to feel more confident on the web.
Start or Join a Club!

Most communities are shaped by the passionate and diverse residents that call them home. The friendly staff is always open to creating new opportunities for residents to enjoy their favorite hobbies or lifelong passions. From billiards to book clubs, they will work with you to develop activities that help you find more joy in our community. You can start a new club to explore your spiritual or intellectual interests, form a study group with like-minded friends, or discover new passions.

Activity and Movement
Fitness / Exercise Classes

Fitness is an important piece of any lifestyle. That’s why it is simple to incorporate movement and activity into your days. The scheduled exercise classes and offer on-site fitness centers to help you find daily workouts you’ll enjoy. From strength training to yoga, there is truly something for everyone. The program encourages swimming and water aerobics for a fun, low-impact pastime in communities with on-site pools. The caring staff tailor activities to the abilities and interests of residents. Discover what moves you in any of the beautiful communities!
Outings
If you like getting out and enjoying new things, you’ll love the socially-engaged outings. Residents get to see, explore, and discover the greater community around them. You can take frequent trips to local museums, restaurants, and so much more. Whether you like nights out at the theater or love spending your days at the casino, there are plenty of outings to choose from that are sure to delight.
Transportation
How would you like to get out and explore your community without the stress or worry of driving in traffic? Most communities offer accessible transportation options, which allows you to be more mobile than ever. The communities make it easy to schedule a ride, and their professional staff can assist you while you are out and about. Whether you have a medical appointment or want to catch an afternoon movie at the theater, their transportation services can help you get around with ease!
Wii Sports
Nintendo Wii helps you enjoy a world of sports, activities, and games at the touch of a button. Most communities love playing Wii bowling, golf, tennis, as well as other interactive pastimes. Senior communities that have joined international leagues and competitions, which adds to the enjoyment and thrill. The residents can be a part of old passions and take on new adventures through the magic of technology.

Art and Creativity
Visual Arts
We know that visual arts are an important outlet of expression for many of our seniors. Most communities offer painting, drawing, and sculpture classes to help you explore your artistic skills. There are plenty of opportunities for guided crafts and adapted projects to fit any ability. If you want to work on a private project, many of the communities have dedicated spaces that are perfect for your needs.
Cooking
Cooking is a lifelong passion that many of the residents still enjoy. Even while you savor the daily dining services, you can also participate in cooking and baking activities in the community. From making holiday cookies and treats to expanding your skills through the advanced classes.
Gardening
At Senior Lifestyle, many of the communities have gardening programs that allow you to get outside and enjoy the fruits of your labors. Many communities are filled with dedicated garden beds, flower boxes, and even greenhouses.
Music
Most communities dedicated staff strives to create musical moments in their communities that bring joy and connection to their residents. You can join choirs, play your favorite instrument, or sit back and watch live music from local artists. They love how music can re-engage the moments and feelings that you have cherished over the years. Senior Lifestyle welcomes you to share your musical interests and favorite genres with your community!
Acting
The communities welcome you to explore your love of performance through plays, improv, holiday programs and more. They love seeing their thespian residents work towards a common goal and then share their talents with an appreciative audience.

Dining for Wellness
Excellence in Dining
Most communities enjoy creating a dining experience that impresses each day through presentation, taste, and service. Their culinary team will work with you to define your preferences and nutritional needs while preparing delicious menus that offer you the perfect balance of nutrition.
Family Meals
The communities inviting dining venues draw in their residents, friends, and family to enjoy delicious meals and each other’s company. You will love each experience around the tables because they are full of light and laughter. Many of the communities offer private spaces for you to host get-togethers, birthday parties, and celebrations.
Food Committees
You can also influence the look, feel, and taste of your dining experience. The communities have food committees that help their culinary professionals meet the needs of their residents. You can work with your neighbors to guide the type of dishes and experiences you would like to see more often–to create a lifestyle you’ll love!

CINTAA home care shares useful information regarding healthcare on weekly basis. The post is only for information purpose only. Please check with your health care professional before using this information. To keep yourself updated with many other health tips, stay with us. We provide certified caregivers for seniors at home. If you need any help regarding eldercare, please feel free to call us today at 561-963-1915.