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December 2007
HEALTHY LIVING
Snacking can be part of a balanced diet. Instead of eating a sugary snack, try smaller proportions of things you enjoy for a meal. Fresh or frozen fruit, raw vegetables, a whole wheat English muffin with apple butter, or a slice of angel food cake can all make healthy choices - and help keep you full of energy too.
source: AARP
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BE SAFE & AWARE
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Protect yourself this holiday season
Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us. Malls and retail stores will be crowded with much hustle and bustle. The crowds, excitement, and activity can provide fertile ground for criminal activity. Lots of opportunities for distraction can occur. A Mom can go running after a tot, leaving shopping bags and/or a purse sitting unattended. The push-and-pull of people bumping into one another to catch the big sale can assist those who would desire to lift a wallet from a man's back pocket or out of a purse that is carried open. Checks, credit cards, and Driver's License's are laid on counters with a bevy of people nearby. Many retail outlets will hire short-term clerks for the holiday season; some may be bent on stealing personal information. Tis' the season for wonderful times...and opportunity for crime. Some suggestions:
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DID YOU KNOW...
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On average, the share of the population aged 65 years and over is projected nearly to double between 2000 and 2050. Unless fertility rates rise, future gains in longevity will continue to increase the 'old-age dependency ratio' -- the number of people of retirement age relative to the number of working age. Unless governments reform and individuals take more responsibility for their retirement income, realizing the true benefits of the 'golden years' could be more difficult to achieve.
Source:
AARP |
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In Today's Newsletter
- When Caregivers Face Depression - How To Improve Today's Caregiving Role
- Holiday Gift Ideas for People With Alzheimer's and Dementia
- Recipe: Holiday Healthy Habits
- Ongoing Learning: Holiday Parties and Transportation
When Caregivers Face Depression - How To Improve Today's Caregiving Role
The days are long. Often there is no message of "thanks" or "I appreciate you". In fact at times it can be down right difficult to make it through the day.
The life of a caregiver can be all consuming. In fact family caregivers suffer from major depression much more frequently than the rest of the population. Yet when a caregiver suffers, ultimately so does the family member or friend he or she is taking care of.
If you are a caregiver, or have a caregiver in your life, learn to watch for the warning signs of depression.
Holiday Gift Ideas for People With Alzheimer's and Dementia
Has your life been touched by Alzheimer's or dementia?
According to the 2007 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, one out of eight people 65 and older, and nearly one out of every two over the age of 85 has it. Currently in the United States there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer's and almost 10 million caring for someone with the disease.
For early stage patients, concentrate on giving a gift that will help them through the early states of the disease. 
Keep them organized with things such as magnetic reminder refrigerator pads, baskets and trays for labeling, journal or notebook for hand reminders, and erasable whiteboards for each room of the house. Create memorable calendars, notepads, and other items using family photos. Be sure to record important dates, such as birthdays, to help alleviate stress.
Also look for items that can help with daily activities in new and fun ways. Memory phones offer the ability to store family and friends' numbers, and be easily connected by pushing a button with a photograph. Clocks come in all shapes and sizes, and can provide large type and displays. Consider a clock that tells the day of the week, dates, as well as time.
Want to add some entertainment to your loved one's life? Try taking him out to a play, concert, sporting event, or museum. A CD or DVD can also bring enjoyment. Or consider scrapbooks or other craft projects that bring social activity into his/her life.
Have a caregiver in your life? Don't forget this special person during the holidays. Provide them with a gift to help relieve stress, or provides a few hours of free time.
Gift certificates, either handmade within the family or through a service, for items like house cleaning, meal preparation, lawn mowing/snow removal, laundry services, and personal pampering such as massages, facials or manicures/pedicures.
Books are also great gifts. Try giving a novel-for-pleasure paired with a book created to assist caregivers, such as:
* "Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Guide and Sourcebook," by H. Gruetzner
* "Caring for Your Parents In Their Senior Years: A Guide For Grown-up Children" by William Molloy
Above all, give of yourself. Whether you have a caregiver, a loved one with Alzheimer's, or both, time is the most precious gift you can give. Give your time throughout this holiday season. Ask what means the most to them. You'll all be rewarded!
Holiday Healthy Habits
With the hustle and bustle of the season, it is very easy to start eating and snacking on the wrong foods. Here are a few healthy holiday snacks and tips to help you enjoy yourself this season.
* Substitute fruit and vegetables for crackers and chips
* Serve hummus with celery, carrots, jicama, and cucumber or nut crackers (1 serving only)
* Create your own trail mix, with nuts, and dried fruits,
Almonds, brazil nuts, filberts, macadamia, sunflower seeds, dried papaya, pineapple, mango or cranberries.
* Yogurt
* Fruit Smoothies
1 cup nonfat yogurt
½ cup milk or juice
½ cup frozen fruit (blueberries are great)
½ banana
1 tsp lime juice
In a blender combine yogurt, milk or juice, berries, banana, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
* Lowfat string cheese
* Try almond butter on rice cakes, or apple slices
* Low fat, low sugar granola bars (great to carry with you on shopping days)
* Limit your intake of snacks high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
* On these busy days, 30 minutes of exercise and a healthy breakfast will give you energy for the day and fuel your brain.
* Water, water, water, don't forget 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
Ongoing Learning: Holiday Parties and Transportation
 Did you know Seniors Etc can help you by driving to and attending holiday parties with your loved one? The holiday's are a hectic time for everyone; why not let one of our trained caregivers lend you a hand.
The holidays are a busy time of the year. Between shopping, attending school functions, going to a few parties, and maybe even throwing one or two parties yourself, it's easy to see why the month of December flies by. What about your loved one who can't drive anymore? Do you have the resources to bring her to her favorite groups for holiday entertaining? Consider hiring a Seniors Etc caregiver to help you. We'll be there to help drive her to the party, make sure she gets home safely, and maybe even help her have a few friends over as well. We'll give you peace of mind, and ensure your loved one enjoys this holiday season.
Want to find out more? Contact Seniors Etc for more information, and to schedule your fact-finding consultation.
Seniors Etc
6834 S. University Blvd. #401
Centennial, CO 80122
720.529.1211
Email: info@seniorsetc.com | |
