Page 23 - Scene Magazine March 2022 47-03

For Your Health
BY ZINTA AISTARS
boost memory. A healthy lifestyle can also increase our enjoyment of life and help us to get the most out of every day.
Intellectual health involves exercis- ing our minds, just as we do our muscles. We do so whenever we learn a new task or topic, such as learning a language
or playing an instrument, or even just
by reading a book. Whenever we learn something new, our brains form new neu- rons, and that can help keep our brains sharp and prevent cognitive decline. While puzzles or games can sharpen our minds in the short run, once we become practiced at them, the benefits taper off.
What does it mean for seniors to have healthy habits?
At Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E., we provide comprehensive care that helps you to live your life to the fullest. As most seniors prefer to live in their own homes, our mission is to bring integrat- ed, compassionate care to older persons to make that possible. We coordinate and provide at-home care with a team of health care professionals – medical doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, therapists, dietitians, and medical social workers.
No less important than keeping our minds and bodies in good health is keep- ing our spiritual selves nourished. Being spiritual may or may not mean being religious. Spirituality includes feeling a deeper connection to self and life, with a sense of compassion towards the self and others. A way to practice spirituality is, for example, to keep a gratitude journal.
By becoming a participant of the Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. commu- nity, you or your loved one can meet all of these healthy lifestyle goals. Our services include, but are not limited to, medical care, rehabilitation, use of the day health center, personal care, social interactions, home care, transportation, and monitoring your prescriptions. We offer a wide variety of activities and programs designed to support social, physical, and spiritual wellness.
What we do in our own day-to-day routine to maintain good health mat- ters most – and Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. helps seniors to do so.
Learn more about how to become a participant by calling Senior Care Part- ners P.A.C.E. at (269) 441-9319 or visit us online at seniorcarepartnersmi.org. We look forward to talking with you!
A good day begins with a good morn- ing, waking from a good night’s sleep. The idea that seniors need less sleep than younger adults is a common miscon- ception, according to Medicare – a solid seven to eight hours is recommended throughout adulthood and into senior years.
Another aspect of a healthier self is to build strong social connections.
In a study on aging conducted by Ma- ther Institute, five factors are identified as crucial to maintaining good health throughout our lifetimes:
Healthy eating habits keep the mind and body in shape. Caloric needs may change with age – check with your doc- tor for an optimal calorie range for you. Medications may affect appetite. Less physical activity can also reduce the need for calories. Yet even with reduced calorie intake – the quality of those calories can make an immense difference in our health. Dietitians recommend
the Mediterranean diet, which consists mostly of vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean meats, nuts, and olive oil. Avoid processed foods and sugars.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle increases in impor- tance as we age.
With our bodies well nourished,
it’s time for physical activity. Pick
an activity or activities you enjoy and practice it 30 minutes for five days each week. Exercises such as walking and
the ancient practice of Tai Chi are ideal choices because they are low-impact
and offer many health benefits. Tai Chi can improve balance, muscle control, flexibility, and posture. These can also be meditative practices that can be practiced indoors or outdoors.
Our social life includes being an active member of our community, our families and friends. It can be expressed by being
a member of a book club, taking a class, volunteering, or participating in some kind of group activity. There are many ways to be an active part of our community, and the result can be a sense of well-being, of being valued and appreciated.
A healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and even
Finally, regular physical check-ups with our doctor are necessary to make sure all is well. Annual vaccinations keep us from getting sick or, at very least, lessen symptoms.
Health Habits for a Healthier You