The importance of exercise is well researched. Keeping active and healthy is proven to have a positive impact
10 top tips to fight fatigue this winter
1. Try eating smaller-portioned meals throughout the day
It’s not just what you eat that impacts your energy levels, but also when you eat. For instance, have you ever noticed how you feel sluggish after a big lunch or dinner? That’s because your body is using its energy to digest that big meal instead of powering the rest of your body. Start with a healthy, hearty breakfast to start your day right, and then try eating smaller-portioned meals throughout the rest of the day. This will keep your body fuelled regularly and may even help you lose weight.
2. Spice up your [...]
The key to maintaining brain health late in life
A Complex Organ
When it comes to exploring the brain, it would seem that with each breakthrough the scientific community makes, new unprecedented questions arise. While this is certainly positive in that it allows research to become more focused, it also illuminates the fact that the brain is vastly and endlessly complex.
In spite of all of its mysteries, one thing we do know is that the brain – like all of our organs – does indeed age. As we get older, the brain’s overall volume gradually decreases (at approximately 5% per decade after the age of 40), causing nerve cells to [...]
Strokes: signs, rehabilitation and risk reduction
What is a Stroke?
When talking about strokes, many refer to what’s known as an ischemic stroke. Accounting for nearly 80% of all strokes, an ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel (leading to the brain) becomes blocked, cutting off blood flow to certain parts of the brain. An interruption of blood flow means that the brain no longer receives its required supply of oxygen, and after just a minute without oxygen and other essential nutrients, brain cells can begin to die.
The other common type of stroke, known as a hemorrhagic stroke (which accounts for 20% of all strokes), occurs when [...]
Prostate cancer: causes, symptoms and treatment
A Growing Concern
Based on year-over-year trends, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2017, there will be 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer and approximately 26,730 deaths. One reason for its frequency in recent years is that life expectancy has increased – and paired with the fact that 80% of prostate cancer cases are found in men 65 years of age (or older), the correlation is relatively clear. While the root cause of prostate cancer may not be easily identifiable, the scientific community has come a long way in recent years in terms of understanding the role played by genetics.
Potential [...]
Food allergies: detection and management for seniors
What Are Food Allergies?
In theory, it can be easy to confuse food intolerance for a food allergy. The former primarily involves the digestive system and its inability to properly break down certain foods. Food intolerance can cause everything from nausea to bloating and cramps. With food intolerance, you can generally consume small amounts of the food without causing much of a reaction. On the other hand, reactions from a food allergy can be much more serious, and contact with even trace amounts of offensive foods can be life-threatening.
Food allergies (commonly linked to foods such as peanuts, shellfish, soy, and wheat) [...]
Skin cancer in seniors: development, identification and risk reduction
On the Surface and On the Rise
Skin cancer is consistently reported to be the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting more than one million people every year – many of whom are 65 years of age or older. While many are aware of the three types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – the actual development of skin cancer may not be as well known. Below you will learn how skin cancer forms, the differences between the three types, and how your ageing loved ones can identify and reduce the [...]
Low impact exercises for seniors
The Importance of Staying Active
Staying physically active is important at every stage of our lives, but as we grow older, it becomes especially vital. Engaging in the recommended daily amount of moderate activity (at least 30 minutes) has numerous long-term benefits, but it can also improve overall health for those with certain conditions and disabilities. Conversely, a sedentary (or inactive) lifestyle can negatively affect physical and emotional well-being, and can potentially increase the risk of injury or development of diseases.
What Are Low-Impact Exercises?While it’s certainly no secret that physical activity is beneficial, many seniors may not know exactly what kind [...]
5 quick and healthy meals for elderly people
Elderly people need to be careful about what they eat to stay in good health. However, preparing healthy and tasty meals is often a challenge. If you care for an elderly relative or friend, you might be looking for some inspiration, so here are five simple and healthy meals that you can prepare quickly or that they can prepare for themselves if they are able to.
Porridge
Nothing beats porridge for ease of preparation in the morning, and it will give you an energy boost that will last all day. It’s perfect for cold winter mornings, but great any time of year.
Simply [...]
Elderly malnutrition
Elderly Malnutrition; Spot the Signs of Malnutrition in your Elderly Relative
As we age, our bodies need fewer calories yet require more protein, calcium, B vitamins, and other nutrients to stay healthy. While malnutrition is generally caused by a lack of these nutrients from food, its real causes are often complex and stem from several physical, social and psychological issues. Unfortunately, there remains a general lack of awareness about the specific dietary needs of older people and how nutrition plays a key role in their well-being and longevity.
Older people are particularly susceptible to malnutrition because they not only have different nutritional [...]