Helping Seniors Overcome Anxiety Disorders

Excessive anxiety causes distress and interferes with daily activities of a person. However, its effects seem to double when it comes to seniors.  As many are already suffering from some sort of physical health problem, they often find it difficult to deal with stressful situations. Let us review what Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety are and how different treatments can help seniors overcome these disorders.

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)

5-percent of the population experiences a generalized anxiety disorder during their lifetime. There also seems to be a genetic component. Symptoms of GAD are tight muscles, back pain, or headaches for which there might be no biological cause. Seniors suffering from GAD often feel restless, on edge, and are often irritated.

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Not all of us are that open to public conversations and might feel nervous or uneasy while talking to strangers. Seniors with a social anxiety disorder are often so terrified of social situations that they withdraw and refuse to participate in many social occasions. This may often be due to other problems that they are going through like hearing impairment, issues with incontinence, or embarrassment over using a walker or wheelchair.

TREATMENT

The elderly suffering from these disorders can be treated by a combination of talk therapies and medication. Prescribed drugs should be used cautiously and at lower doses in the elderly. A physician can prescribe some particularly effective medications such as Paxil®, Prozac®, and Zoloft®. Numerous studies have indicated that for a medication to be most effective, the patient should also be meeting on a regular basis with a skilled counselor, therapist, or social worker. Other patients can be treated with meditation, biofeedback, massage, and acupuncture.

In-home care providers are good at therapy talks and can help your senior loved one by talking to them and making them comfortable in having conversations related to their feelings. You can get in touch with Always Best Care to receive the best In-Home Care Services in East Bay, CA for your aging family member. For further inquiry, call (925) 210-0323.

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight Later in Life

In our later years, our metabolism rate slows down, and our body is unable to burn calories as fast it used to. This results in weight gain and several other health issues. To avoid that, it is important to either intake fewer calories or burn the extra off. Although it may seem a little challenging for many to maintain a healthy weight as your body is slowing down, staying fit and healthy isn’t hard if you eat right and exercise regularly.

To maintain a healthy weight, seniors can do the following:

• Do more physical activities daily. They may not be as high impact as when you were younger, but simply walking more or doing more around the house helps. It will keep your heart healthy and lower the risk of heart disease – even if you are underweight or overweight. You may also feel hungrier when you are more active.
•  If you want to gain weight, stick to healthy snacks every day, but avoid low-calorie snacks.
• Keep a diary of what you eat and how much you eat. This will help you know the portions you need for your body to be the weight you wish. It also helps show you if your diet has the right balance of all the four food groups so that you get proper nutrition.  
•  Consume low fat and oily foods to avoid excessive weight.  
• Consult your doctor if you feel you are unable to gain or lose weight to reach a healthy weight. 
• When dining out, make healthier choices. A sandwich comes with fries? Try a salad, soup or veggies as a substitute. If there are big portions, most restaurants allow you to take home left overs. Split your meal in half and have the rest for lunch the next day.
• Yes, this was already mentioned. But, to strengthen the point, regular physical activity is extremely good for seniors in most health conditions. Older adults above 65 years of age should be physically active as per their ability and health condition. Even those mobility challenged or in a wheelchair can often do a lot of stretching and move around while seated.

If you need Elder Care Assistance in East Bay, get in touch with Always Best Care. Their caregivers are properly trained, thoroughly screened, and insured to provide the highest and safest level of senior care. Always Best Care also has good relationships with senior resources, hospitals, and senior communities throughout the area. To learn more about them, call (925) 210-0323.

The Right Diet for Seniors

In old age, our body goes through a lot of changes. The bones get weaker, the digestion system does not function as well as it used to, muscle strength deteriorates, and the immunity system is weakened. The nutritional needs of individuals also change significantly as they age.

To maintain good health, seniors must eat carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, and vitamins in easy-to-digest small frequent meals every day. To avoid the ill-effects of free radicals in the body, vitamins E, C, and A, plus certain minerals are essential. It is important to eat the right types of foods to fulfill the requirement of nutrients in the body. If you are unsure what is right for you, speak with your doctor. Some medications may interact with certain foods, or you may have other restrictions.

A healthy diet for seniors should consist of the below.

• Include protein rich elements like beans and cheese made from low-fat milk in your daily meal. They help to repair worn-out cells and develop new tissues.
• Add seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet. They not only work as antioxidants but also prevent constipation and other common problems of the body.
• To improve the cholesterol level in the blood, use mustard oil or olive oil in your cooking instead of corn or vegetable oils.  
•  Vegetable soups without thickening agents can be great for supper. They also make easy 6 small easy to digest meals and snacks throughout the day. Just watch the sodium level.
•  Avoid processed foods containing artificial colors and preservatives. 
• Eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, mushrooms, peas, broccoli, fenugreek seeds, sweet limes, coconut water, and cumin seeds to maintain blood pressure, prevent water retention, and increase muscular flexibility. 
• Drink about 12 to 15 glasses of water to avoid the risk of dehydration and muscle density reduction in summer. 
• To keep the vital nutrients in the food, do not overcook it. It is also good to include granola, oats or porridge in your breakfast to get a sufficient amount of energy for the entire day.

If you are looking for professional Elder Care Assistance in Contra Costa County, get in touch with Always Best Care. Their compassionate and trained caregivers can help you with your physical, social, and emotional needs. For more information, call (925) 210-0323.

Safe Driving Tips for the Elderly

Driver safety calls for more than just understanding the traffic laws and road signs. As you get older, you are likely to have many physical changes which make certain actions, like braking or turning your head to look for the oncoming traffic, a little more challenging. Hence, it is important to know a few safe driving tips that can help avoid the risk of accidents.  

          
Some driving guidelines for the safety of seniors are:     

• Avoid driving during the peak hours of high traffic.
• Take less traveled roads, for instance, avoid major expressways during rush hour and take smaller highways.
• Try to avoid driving at night if you have poor vision.
• Raise the level of your seat to have a clearer vision of the road.
• To improve visibility, try to keep your mirrors, headlights, and windshields clean. 
• Stay alert and be aware of flashing lights of emergency vehicles if you have poor hearing. 
• Minimize any distracting noises, including cell phones, music, talk shows, or conversations of passengers inside the vehicle.
• Keep a proper distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you so that you could have a sufficient enough time to brake safely fast.    

It is also important to keep the accessories of your vehicle in a proper working condition to avoid any failure. 

If your health does not allow you to drive, you can always ask your children or other family members to help you with transportation. However, if they are unable to help, you can consider hiring a caregiver. Always Best Care is one of the leading providers of Senior Home Care Services in East Bay and has a team of well-trained and experienced caregivers. They are thoroughly screened and bonded before hiring. To learn more about Always Best Care and how they can meet your care needs, feel free to call them at (925) 210-0323.

Know-how of Home Care Services

Home care services are great! They help take care of your elderly loved ones in your absence. But before you hire a home care service provider for the older adults of your house, there are certain things that need to be taken care of. These can be:

• Accessibility: Your responsibilities do not end after you find a reliable home care services provider. You have to make sure that the home care is within your reach and can be visited quickly in case of an emergency.
• Isolation: You should ensure that the home care services do not keep your senior from community activities and friends. No one likes to be isolated after all.
• Medical condition: You should keep a note about the necessary elements related to the senior’s health condition, the list includes things like medicines, allergies,etc.

A reliable home care services provider takes care of the following things for you:

• Household maintenance: From shopping to housekeeping and from doing laundry to paying the bills, home care services do everything it takes to keep your older adult’s routine as smooth as possible.
• Transportation:Eventually, it becomes difficult for seniors to travel on public transport. These assistants can drive them across the city to drop them at their desired venue.
• Personal care: Many people need assistance in their daily chores, like bathing, dressing, and cooking. The workers make the seniors feel comfortable in their presence and assist them to remain as independent as possible.

There are a number of companies that provide Senior Home Care Services in East Bay, CA, and Always Best Care certainly is counted among the most preferred. Their experienced professionals make your elderly adults feel like family. You can learn more about the services they offer by calling them at (925) 210-0323.

Importance of a Diet Plan in the Life of a Senior

As one grows older, the body weakens, and it becomes prone to diseases like cancer, arthritis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and many more. A healthy diet does not guarantee to keep you protected from these diseases but can cut down the risks by boosting the immunity system in the elderly. We tend to become so occupied that we often neglect the importance of a steady, healthy diet plan. Fast foods have replaced multiple meals in our routine, and that is why awareness needs to be promoted.

  

While a healthy diet is important for individuals within all age groups, for older adults, it has a more vital role to play. Once we attain our maximum bone density, the backward process starts, with the density of our bones decrease gradually over the years. This often leads to diseases like osteoporosis in seniors. Including food items, like dairy products that are rich sources of vitamin D and calcium, to your meals help in keeping bones intact. In addition, a few cardiovascular activities throughout the day help strengthen our bones. Coronary heart diseases can also be avoided by switching to a healthier lifestyle. Limiting fat intake of your beloved seniors can prolong their lives as saturated fats after a certain age become harder to digest and are more likely to accumulate in the blood vessels, hindering the flow of the blood. 

Again, a healthy diet plan does not guarantee health but makes a major contribution towards the mental and physical well being of an older adult. Senior Home Care Services in East Bay, CA, for the aging members of your family is something that should never be taken for granted. Always Best Care can assist you with creating a diet plan for your loved one while taking into consideration their condition and necessities to fortify their health! Get in touch with them today at (925) 210-0323.

How to Help Older Adults with Medication Management

As people age, they rely on a number of medications to stay fit and healthy. But, one of the biggest challenges that seniors and family members face is the managing the different drugs properly. Because of multiple requirements of each medication, such as take with food or take on an empty stomach, it can become a difficult task for seniors to remember to take the right dosage at the right time. Forgetting to take their medications or taking incorrect dosages can prove to be fatal or result in serious side effects. So, how can you help seniors with their medication management? Here are some tips you can consider.

• Keep a list – Create a complete list of all their medications, their dosage and frequency and provide it to your loved one. Update the list regularly and take it along when visiting each of their doctors. However, make sure your aging parent keeps the list same with him/her.
• Store properly – Make sure to store the medicines properly in a sealed box. Throw away the expired or unused medicines.
• Count the pills – Make sure to count the pills on regular basis. When visiting the doctor, calculate how many pills are left according to the prescription from the last visit. 

However, if the doctor prescribes any new medicine, stay with your loved one to see if there are any side effects. If anything concerns you, get in touch with their doctor immediately.  

However, if your loved one lives alone or you are unable to look after their medication use, you can consider hiring an experienced caregiver. An in-home care provider will assist your senior family member with their medication and also keep an eye on their health. 

If you are planning to hire an experienced Senior Care provider for your loved one in Contra Costa County,contact Always Best Care.

For more information, call (925) 210-0323.

How to Care for an Older Adult after a Stroke

Has your aging loved one recently suffered from a stroke? Well, older adults are more likely to suffer from stroke than the young. It can affect their lives in many different ways and may even lead to some long-term health problems. Caring for an aging loved one after a stroke can be a difficult task. So, here are some tips that can help. 

• First, talk to their doctor and find out more about your loved one’s condition. If you have no clue where to start on caring for an aging parent after a stroke, talk to someone who has experienced the same situation. But, if you still find it difficult to look after your senior family member, you can also consider hiring professional help in the form of caregivers. The experienced care provider will ensure proper care, meal and medication management and also help your loved one lead a healthy and happy life.

• Make sure to provide a safe living environment to help seniors recover as soon as possible. As people grow older, they are more likely to suffer from slips, trips, and falls. Make sure to keep the house clutter free and get rid of all the possible hazards that can increase the risk of falls among seniors.

• Older adults who are recovering from stroke are likely to experience mood swings or behavioral changes.  In this case, you need to be patient and try to understand your loved one’s condition. Provide them love and support to help them recover.

• Stroke victims also often have issues doing the most basic of tasks that they used to be able to do and need extra therapy. The most important thing is to encourage them to heal and not to get frustrated with what they cannot do. Work with their therapists and see what you can do to help their treatment along. They may never reach the point they once were at, but every bit helps.

However, if you are looking for a caregiver who can look after your aging loved one in your absence, then contact Always Best Care. They are a noted senior care organization that has a team of highly trained, qualified and bonded In Home Caregivers In Contra Costa County. Their care providers will not only look after the safety of your aging parent but also help them maintain motivation and recover.

For more information, call (925) 210-0323.

Activities Seniors Can Enjoy

Activities are an excellent way for seniors to stay active and socialize. Seniors often give up on many of their hobbies and other fun activities as they grow older because of mobility issues, loneliness, loss of loved one to do the activity with and more. Everyone needs to accept that problems are a part of life and that we all have to find a way to move on or push through. Why not try some activities that you like for a happier, healthier you.

To help you get started, here are some ideas of the activities you may enjoy: 

• Gardening: It’s a simple and easy activity seniors can enjoy. As you see plants growing, it may give you a sense of pride and positive energy as nature is the symbol of positivity. 

• Spend time reading: Reading is one of the best activities for seniors, especially for those with mobility issues. It keeps the brain engaged, improves memory, improves sleep and also reduces stress. Reading inspirational books can even be more beneficial. 

• Exercising: Even if you have certain mobility issues, you should try some exercises you can do. Such exercises may include dancing, swimming, walking, yoga, and laughter, yes laughter. It brings a sense of light heartedness and energy. 

• Play games: Games and puzzles are an amazing source of fun activity. Even if you are alone, you can enjoy some games, such as crossword puzzles, Solitaire, Sudoku and other such games. 

• Painting: Painting is a good pastime activity for older adults. It’s also is a great way to express your feelings and thoughts. 

• Enjoy TV shows, movies, and music: Watching TV or movies every time is not a great pastime for your health if done too much, but a movie or a couple of TV shows can be a pleasant part of the day. Plus, why not choose a really funny comedy to laugh along with?

• Participate in charitable causes: This is a wonderful way to stay active and engaged with people. Also, it will help you feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Try to involve yourself in the activities you like and if you need any help regarding this and other senior care issues, contact Always Best Care. They’re a great senior care firm that provides Elder Care Assistance In East Bay. For more information, call them at (925) 210-0323.

Stress Reducers for Seniors

Stress in older adults has a number of causes. Some of the causes include: chronic illness, loss ofa spouse or close sibling, financial issues, retirement, loneliness or separation from friends and family, and there can be any number reasons. Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to reduce your stress.

Here are some stress reducers for seniors:

• Talk to someone: Often half of your stress may vanish by simply sharing the problem with your loved ones. Next time you feel stressed about something, share your thoughts with someone who can listen to you patiently

• Improve your diet: Eating habits matter more than you may realize. It’s been proven that unhealthy food can make us feel depressed, so avoid innutritious foods, such as those processed and fried foods, caffeine, alcohol and those high in sugar. Foods that are helpful in stress-relieving include blueberries, salmon, whole grains, green tea,and almonds.

• Create regular sleep schedules: Sleep is the most significant natural stress reducer. If sleep schedules are not maintained, it can be the cause of irritating behavior, anxiety, and other such issues, all which are symptoms of stress.

• Meditate and exercise: Meditation can be a great solution of many problems. It helps focus on the positive, slowing thought and ignoring what is causing stress.It can help practitioners find inner peace, which further helps them to live life to the fullest. Exercise is also a good stress reducer when practiced regularly as it releases endorphins, which are known to make you happier. The happier you are, the better you can deal with stress. Plus, it also helps prevent health issues and builds muscles to help keep elderly from becoming very frail.

Do not ignore the symptoms of stress as ignoring them just may make the situation worse. Here are few symptoms of stress:

• Continuous headache
• Poor concentration
• Feelings of sadness
• Insomnia
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Frequent colds and infections
• Lower energy
• Having difficulty relaxing
• …and many more.

If you notice any of these symptoms, try following the above tips to reduce your stress. If you are still not able to manage your stress, consider hiring an in-home caregiver to work with you. Get in touch with Always Best Care for the best In Home Caregivers East Bay. For more information about their services, call them at (925) 210-0323.

Common Fears about Assisted Living

Older adults often fear moving from their home to an assisted living facility. Many seniors find it intimidating as they would need to move to an unknown location, leaving the home that they have been living for many years. Without understanding their fears, you may find it difficult to convince them that moving to an assisted living facility would be best for them. Therefore, first understand their fears, then sit them down and give them answers to help abate those fears. 

Below are some common fears of moving to an assisted living that you should be prepared for:

• Fear of being neglected: The biggest fear among many older adults is that their family members and other loved ones will forget them once they have moved to an assisted living facility. It is important for family members to assure them that they will plan regular visits and be there for them whenever necessary. Setting them up to be able to communicate electronically may help even more.
• Fear of losing independence: Seniors want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. They think that moving to an assisted living facility leads to loss of independence and they will be unable to continue their daily living activities. But, today’s assisted living facilities allow their residents complete flexibility. Plus, there are so many activities that are planned for seniors in an assisted living facility that will give them an opportunity do try new things and do what they enjoy.
• Fear of cost: They think that assisted living will cost too much and yes, some assisted livings are costly. Search for the one which is affordable and provides all the necessary services.
• Fear of being alone: Seniors believe that they will feel alone in assisted living as everyone will be new to them. They don’t think they will be able to get to know others well and that there will be no one they can share their deepest thoughts with. But, the truth is they will be able to make new friends just by stepping out the door of their apartment or room, eat in the cafeteria or join activities or classes at the facility.

Assisted living is often the best choice for seniors who need some extra care and want to be socially active. Choose Always Best Care, a noted senior care firm, for the best Assisted living services in Contra Costa County. For more information, call them today at (925) 210-0323.

Sleep Problems in the Elderly

Often people think of sleep problems as simply a part of aging, but it is not. The body does require less sleep as we age, but not as much as you might think. Several sleeping problems in the elderly are caused due to poor sleep habits, health issues, and stress, none of which are a part of normal aging.

Various sleep problems in seniors include:

• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Hypersomnia
• Fatigue
• Day time sleepiness
• Involuntary movement of limbs during sleep
• …and many others. 

                                   Common Causes of Sleep Problems in the Elderly

• Medical conditions: Seniors often suffer from various health conditions and take many medications prescribed by their doctor. Side effects of these medications can lead to loss of sleep at night or disturbed sleep patterns. Some of the medical conditions that disturb sleep patterns of seniors include:

         Heart and lung conditions affecting breathing 

         Painful conditions, including osteoarthritis 

         Depression or anxiety

         Frequent urination

         Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

         …and many others.

•  Restless leg syndrome (RLS): This is a condition which causes sensations of itching, crawling, irritation or restlessness when a person is trying to fall asleep. The symptoms are disagreeable, but not usually excessively painful.

• Lack of exercise: Exercise help improves quality of sleep and also reduces risk of depression. Apart from this, it has several other benefits such as reduces diabetes, maintain blood pressure and many more.

• Improper sleep schedules: Poor sleep schedules are often the biggest cause of sleep problems in seniors. If they maintain a proper sleep schedule and avoid sleeping during the day, their sleep problems minimize.  

• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing sleep apnea. Seniors who smoke often wake frequently during the night and have a higher tendency in developing insomnia.

Everyone should avoid that which interferes with their sleep, but seniors should be more aware. Maintaining a proper schedule will help you have a good night’s sleep. If you need help regarding senior care for you or a loved one, contact Always Best Care. They’re a senior care firm providing Elder care services in East Bay, CA. For more information, call (925) 210-0323.

How Can You Help a Senior with Bipolar Disorder?

Is your loved one suffering from bipolar disorder? Bipolar Disorder is a mental health disorder that many people, regardless of age, suffer from. This brain disorder can cause changes in individual’s mood, emotions, and behavior randomly. Your loved one may feel overly happy now while sad and depressed a few minutes later. Taking care of a senior family member suffering from a bipolar disorder can become challenging and frustrating for you.

If you have a senior family member at home who is Bipolar, here are some tips that can help. 

• Learn about the disorder – In order to provide the best care and support to your aging parent, it is important for you to have a clear understanding of the disorder, including the common signs and symptoms. The more you know about the disorder, the better you will be able to understand your senior family member’s needs and requirements.  

• Get professional help – It is advisable to get professional help as soon as the disorder is diagnosed. The right treatment and support from professionals, as well as the family members, can help in treating the disorder well. Their doctor will most likely prescribe medication to manage the symptoms of the bipolar disorder. Just make sure that your senior family member takes the prescribed dosage on time.

• Be patient – Recovery may take time and they may not completely return to how they were before. You need to be patient with their changing behavior and the needs of your aging loved one. Open and effective communication can help you in providing the proper care. Talk to your senior family member, learn their concerns, feeling, and needs soyou will be able to provide the required support and assistance as they need it. 

However, if you are unable to look after the needs of your aging loved one suffering from this disorder, consider hiring professional help in the form of caregivers. An experienced in-home care provider will look after your senior family member’s safety in your absence and ensure proper medication management. 

When looking for In-Home Caregivers in Contra Costa County, contact Always Best Care. For more information, call (925) 210-0323 today.

How to Care for a Senior with a Disability

Caring for a disabled senior family member can be challenging for the caregiver, both physically and emotionally. They may need constant support and assistance of friends, family members, and caregivers. If you are caring for your loved one with disability, then here are some tips that can help.

• Home modifications – First, make the necessary home modifications to ensure your senior family member’s safety. Install proper handrails and grab bars in the bathroom. This will help provide the required support to seniors when they are taking a shower or bath. Regular home maintenance will keep your loved one safe at home and also help in preventing slips, trips, or falls among seniors. Remove obstacles that can cause issues and install proper lighting. Each disability is slightly different and may need different modifications. Perform them as necessary.

• Support equipment – Seniors with a disability may not be able to carry out their daily living activities with ease, including bathing, toileting, and more. Consider getting a raised toilet seat installed for them so that they do not have difficulty standing. In addition, consider getting a walker or a walking frame to help your loved one move from one place to another more easily.

• Regular exercise – Exercise is very important for seniors for improved physical and mental health. Encourage your senior family member to exercise daily, even if they have any disability. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy can speed up recovery and help maintain the physical ability they do have.

• Senior living options – If your loved one lives alone and are unable to look after their safety, consider moving them to an Assisted Living facility. These senior living options ensure that each of their residents stay safe and offers different equipment to assist seniors with disabilities.

• Hire professional help – As people age, they often prefer to spend their golden years at home rather than moving to an Assisted Living facility. But if you are unable to care for your loved one for whatever reason, consider hiring a caregiver. 

An experienced in-home care provider will look after your loved one’s safety and assist them with daily living tasks. You can contact Always Best Care, a premier elder care provider, to hire highly trained and insured In-Home Caregivers In Contra Costa County.

For more information, call them at (925) 210-0323.

How to Care for an Aging Parent with Heart Disease

Do you have an aging parent who is suffering from heart disease? Studies show that over half of the senior population suffers from a heart condition. As such, taking care of them can be a challenging task. Doctors suggest that certain lifestyle changes can help in improving their heart health and promote healthy aging. Sadly, due to mobility issues or other health related issues, it may become difficult for seniors to stick with some of those changes.

Here are some of the ways that can help you care for your loved one with heart disease.

• Cook healthy meals – It is important for seniors to eat a healthy and nutritious diet for their overall health. Make sure to cook heart-healthy meals that are low in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fats. Provide them enough fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-dairy products. An experienced care provider can plan and assist with meal preparation.
• Encourage physical activities – Regular exercise can also improve your loved one’s heart health. Low-impact exercises are best for the older adults. They can help control blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Encourage your senior family member to follow a daily exercise routine for an overall good health. Any physical activities can be low impact exercise, such as walking, shopping, cleaning and gardening. The key is to get them moving.
• Manage stress levels – Stress and depression can increase the risk of heart diseases. Help your aging parent manage stress levels by giving them less to worry about when possible. In addition, a care provider can also accompany your senior family member to yoga or meditation classes which can help them cope with stress in an effective manner.
• Visit the doctor regularly –It is important for seniors to attend regular doctor appointments to stay up to date with their overall health and well being. A senior care provider can accompany and arrange transportation for regular doctor’s visits. In addition, they will also ensure proper medication management.

When looking for Geriatric care in contra Costa County, contact Always Best Care. They have a team of highly trained, bonded, and thoroughly screened caregivers who provide the best senior care services.

For more information, call (925) 210-0323.

Foods That Help Preserve the Aging Brain

The ‘Brain’ is a complex and fascinating organ of human body that scientists have been striving to understand for centuries. We all want to maintain a clear, active mind throughout our lifespan. However, multiple changes occur within our brain as we age. These include decreased blood flow because of changes in the blood vessels, increased damage from free radicals, and changes in the neurons which impact communication between cells. In addition to all of these changes, the brain also becomes susceptible to various memory-related diseases. One of the best ways to keep the aging brain sharp is to have the right diet. Food has a powerful effect on our brain, especially as we age. There are a few foods that are known to boost memory and brain function and some of them are mentioned below.

• Vegetables: You’ve probably been told this throughout your life, but it’s true. Vegetables hold the minerals and vitamins our bodies need to thrive. Eat lots of fresh vegetables, especially the cruciferous ones like cabbage, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables for improved memory.
• Berries: Berries, especially the dark ones, such as cherries, blueberries, and blackberries which are a great source of Anthocyanins and flavonoids that boost memory function.
• Walnuts: Walnuts not only improve hearth health, but also boost cognitive function. Next time you’re looking for a snack, consider walnuts in order to satisfy your midday hunger instead of grabbing a packet of unhealthy fried potato chips. You can also add walnuts to your salad or oatmeal, grind them up to add to a smoothie for a nutty and complex flavor, or even sprinkle toasted chopped walnuts over cooked veggies.
• Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are rich in choline, a B-complex vitamin which helps boost brain health. Choline is first converted into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which sharpens memory and allows the brain cells to communicate more effectively.
• Salmon: Salmon is rich in DHA and Omega-3’s. While DHA helps reduce brain shrinkage which comes with aging, Omega-3’s controls inflammation in the brain and Oxidative stress which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. For an extra boost, consider coating them in walnuts when roasting the fillets.

If you are unable to manage your health and need assistance with meal management or other activities in your daily life, contact Always Best Care today. The reputed senior care firm is known for providing the most reliable elder care services in East Bay, CA. Call today!