News
‘They Are Helping Me’, Organizations Reaching Out To Seniors During COVID-19 Pandemic April 22, 2020 08:56
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Seniors are among the most vulnerable populations to COVID-19. This is not only because of the risk of the virus itself, but also the effects of being socially isolated. The National Institute on Aging says loneliness can lead to issues in both physical and mental health in the elderly. |
During the pandemic, some South Florida groups are stepping up and reaching out.
With the stress of COVID-19, staying stimulated and engaged is more important for seniors now than ever. Social distancing, however, makes that difficult.
That’s why 63-year-old Evelyn Chacin, says she is taking advantage of free services offered by the YMCA of South Florida.
“I do exercises,” she said. “I do breathing exercises that they have taught me in the workshops.”
All of these come on a link sent right to her phone. They are also providing her with added peace of mind.
“They are helping me with my food,” Chacin says. “They are helping me with my rent.”
The YMCA said even though their doors are closed, they have other ways to offer support that people may not realize.
”I am so proud of the opportunity to be able to allow the show to go on,” said YMCA of South Florida President, Sheryl Woods. “We’ve been able to find ways to get them the resources they so desperately need.”
“Right now, during this crisis, we have programs that we provide remotely on the phone or FaceTime,” said Emilia Solano, YMCA District Executive Director. “We have depression management program, a health navigation program.”
Health professionals like Dr. Gianna Neil, with ChenMed, said services like this are critical.
“Prior to COVID-19, we identified that being alone or feeling alone was a risk factor for our seniors to end up in the emergency room,” she explained.
While it helps keep them safe from contracting the virus, feeling isolated can negatively affect mental health.
“At a time when social isolation is a necessity, it’s like a double-edged sword, if you will,” said Dr. Neil. “We are trying our best to make sure we combat it with the technology and being a helping hand.“
Places like ChenMed are doing what they can to engage with older patients, even if not in person
“You can expect to get, what we call, a love call. This is a call for which there is no specific agenda,“ she said.
Dr. Neil says their staff also is delivering bags of food and supplies to their home-bound patients.
For seniors or those who may be caring for an aging loved one, she has some suggestions to help them cope. Ideas include sticking to a daily routine as best they can, performing chair exercises for mobility, doing word or number puzzles to keep the mind occupied, and keeping in touch with people regularly over the phone, or even FaceTime, if available.
By Karli Barnett
Four Healthy Habits for Seniors to Reduce Cognitive Decline and Prevent Dementia March 3, 2020 09:19
With little advancement in the ability for drugs to treat dementia, many people are left asking:
- What can I do to help prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline and dementia?
- What can I do to maintain healthy living as I grow older?
Chair Exercise DVD Programs
WOW!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! THIS IS MY LIFE SAVER -SO GLAD I FOUND THIS March 2, 2020 11:49
Anne Pringle Burnell is awesome in leading the exercise. I have been using this for two weeks. What a difference in the way I feel and move. You get a total body workout sitting in a chair. I was so weak and now I'm getting stronger by the day.
~Ray
Stretch & Strength Chair Exercise Program
Staying fit forever: ‘Even people using walkers or wheelchairs are exercising’ February 27, 2020 10:58
Staying fit forever: ‘Even people using walkers or wheelchairs are exercising’
“You have to be active,” Becker says, imitating a hunched-over person thumbing a cell phone. “Everyone is sitting in front of a computer all day. You have to move your entire body.”
Exercise for Seniors DVD
Complexity is the Secret of Youth February 26, 2020 17:11
The incredible processes that enable our bodies to perform even the simplest of tasks boggle the mind of the layman- but our physiological processes become increasingly simple as we age.
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Even seemingly simple bodily functions like heartbeat rely on interacting networks of metabolic controls, signaling pathways, genetic switches, and circadian rhythms. As our bodies age, these anatomic structures and physiologic processes lose complexity, making them less resilient and ultimately leading to frailty and disease. |
A large and growing body of research suggests that biological complexity diminishes with aging, as various tissues and organs, and their communication pathways, gradually break down.
The fractal-like networks of tissue in our brains, bones, kidneys, and skin all lose structural complexity as we age. This loss impairs their capacity to adapt to stress, and may eventually lead to disease or disability. For example, when the microscopic struts in bone tissue thin and disconnect, as occurs with osteoporosis, bones become brittle and prone to fracturing. Likewise, the
pruning of neural connections in the brain is associated with age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Physiologic processes, too, lose complexity with aging. Take, for instance, heart rate. Although average beats per minute may stay relatively constant over a person’s life span, tiny variations in the timing between beats become more regular (less complex) with advancing age. Numerous studies have linked this change to cardiac disease and mortality: The simpler the signal, the higher the likelihood of abnormal rhythms, heart attacks, and heart failure. Similarly, neural activity produces electrical signals that appear less complex in older adults. As complexity declines, so do motor control and cognitive functions, including gait, attention, and memory.
Thanks to St. Francis Health and Wellness in Little Falls, MN January 28, 2020 20:26
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Thanks to St. Francis Health and Wellness in Little Falls, MN for utilizing the Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Programs. Patti H. says "We use four different programs- everyone loves it." |
Just right for my limitations! January 23, 2020 11:06
It's just what I needed for my situation. I have bursitis in my right shoulder and have bouts of sciatica nerve pain. You still get a good work out. I highly recommend to younger and older alike. Anyone who doesn't want to pound the pavement or is unable to do strenuous cardio workouts." ~ Peggy Tupper
Chair Exercise DVD
Chronic Illness #5 January 11, 2020 13:32
27% of older adults were treated for diabetes last year– a disease that occurs when your body is resistant to, or doesn’t produce enough, insulin. Insulin is what your body uses to get energy from food, and distribute it to your cells.A Great Life is Possible in Assisted Living or a Nursing Home December 9, 2019 09:22
We fall into the trap of believing that older people don't have anything to give back and are just consumers of services. We take away what we know people need, what science has shown we need: a reason to get up in the morning.
Best Exercise for Arthritis November 26, 2019 21:34
The strength and balance exercises are also gentle enough that I can do the whole workout. My balance is poor but I hope with time I can stand without the chair. Definitely recommend this for anyone needing effective but gentle exercise.
~ Patricia V.
Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Program
Chronic Illness - High Cholesterol November 12, 2019 10:51
47% of older adults are treated for high cholesterol – a condition that occurs when your body has an excess of bad fats (or lipids), resulting in your arteries getting clogged, which can lead to heart disease.
Exercise for Seniors DVD
Chair Yoga Testimonial November 7, 2019 14:45
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~Kimberly S. |
10 Common Chronic Conditions for Adults 65+ November 7, 2019 09:58
Age, family genetics, and gender make it nearly impossible for older adults to avoid becoming a chronic disease statistic.
| Eighty percent of adults 65 and older have at least one condition, while 68% have two or more. You probably have a parent or grandparent who is managing a condition right now, or perhaps you are managing one yourself. |
Exercise for Older Adults
Why We Gain Weight as We Get Older...It's Not Diet September 19, 2019 15:03
A major reason for middle aged weight gain is the natural muscle loss we all experience (sarcopenia)," says Dr. Caroline Apovian.
Strength Training for Seniors Video
A Weighty Response to Diabetes September 18, 2019 15:29
Even a 5 to 7 percent weight loss lessens the risk of developing diabetes if you have pre-diabetes. Exercise, though, is critical. If you try to lose weight simply through dieting, then you’re losing not just fat but also muscle, which is unhealthy.
Chair Exercise For Diabetes
Which Type of Exercise is Best for Parkinson's Disease? September 9, 2019 12:23
Different exercise programs pursue different fitness goals: balance and coordination, flexibility, endurance, and strength.
Examples of Parkinson’s-related exercise programs include:
Resistance training.
Aerobics.
Alternative exercises, such as yoga.
Home-based exercises.
Practicing movement strategies.
Thank You Presbyterian Homes in Wichita Falls, TX September 4, 2019 12:44
Thanks to Presbyterian Homes and Teresa R. in Wichita Falls, TX for adopting the Stronger Seniors Balance & Posture program!
Balance Exercise DVD Video
Building a Better Life - Focus on the Process, Not Results September 4, 2019 11:43
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The most content people aren’t focused on being the best; they’re focused on constant self-improvement. |
When you stop stressing about external outcomes — like whether you win or lose, attain a certain promotion, or achieve some other form of validation — a huge burden is lifted off your shoulders and you can focus your energy on the things you can control.
As a result, you almost always end up felling better. Research shows that concentrating on the process is best for both performance and mental health.
Living a Better Life - Build Your Tribe September 3, 2019 14:42
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There’s an old saying that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Turns out that’s true. |
A large and growing body of behavioral science research shows that motivation (or lack thereof) is contagious. One study, “Is Poor Fitness Contagious?
Evidence from Randomly Assigned Friends,” found that up to 70 percent of your fitness level may be explained by the people you train with. Other research shows that if you work on mental tasks with people who are internally driven and love what they do, you’re more likely to end up the same way.
If, on the other hand, you surround yourself with people who have a negative attitude and are focused solely on winning the rat race, you set yourself up for a less fulfilling experience.
National Senior Games Pole Vaulter Breaks the Mold July 18, 2019 16:55
National Senior Games Pole Vaulter Breaks the Mold
“The reason you can’t do stuff? Do you know why? Because you don’t do it,” Johnston said. “The secret is to keep doing it. Keep on doing it.”
Senior Fitness DVD
Senior Caregivers on Six Things That Cause Falls July 12, 2019 16:59
Senior Caregivers on Six Things That Cause Falls
There are six factors that contribute to the fact that seniors fall so much more frequently than younger people. Here are some ways to help prevent these falls.
Balance Exercises for Seniors
How Seniors Can Improve Mental Health June 18, 2019 11:26
Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation, according to Forbes.
Improving Seniors Mental Health
Exercise for Seniors is Essential June 17, 2019 11:21
Exercise has countless benefits for those of all ages, including a healthier heart, stronger bones and improved flexibility. For seniors, there are additional benefits, like the fact that regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases, lowers the chance of injury and can even improve one’s mood.
Chair Exercise DVD
The Benefits of Yoga for Seniors June 11, 2019 10:14
“What I discovered as I practiced was that the holistic approach of yoga benefited my body, but most importantly, my mind and spirit,” says Drisdell. ”Yoga practice somehow truly affects the rest of your life.”
Chair Yoga DVD for Seniors
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