An estimated 6.9 million people in the United States aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Since June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, it’s the ideal time to talk about this disease and ways to potentially reduce the risk of its development. Keep reading to learn about signs and symptoms, how to spread awareness, and tips for focusing on brain health.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s is a disease that initially begins to destroy memory. Over time, it also affects the parts of the brain responsible for thinking and reasoning, language comprehension, and social behavior. People with Alzheimer’s experience changes in personality and lose the ability to carry out simple, daily tasks.

It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, though it’s not a normal part of aging. And while the causes of Alzheimer’s remain unclear, the disease is likely to be the result of a combination of determinants that include genetics, health and lifestyle factors, and age-related changes in the brain.

Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Indicators of Alzheimer’s can vary but often begin with memory issues. Some people may forget recent conversations or events or have difficulty finding the right words when speaking. Other symptoms can include:

• Visual or spatial difficulties
• Repeating questions
• Problems with decision making and reasoning
• Mood or personality changes
• Losing or misplacing items in strange spots
• Increased aggression or anxiety

People with Alzheimer’s may also have difficulty performing everyday tasks like paying bills, handling money, driving, or getting dressed. They are also often confused by simple things and easily get lost.

Tips for Brain Health

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But certain brain-healthy habits and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing the disease or help slow its progression.

Exercise. Research indicates that regular physical activity, particularly aerobic workouts, can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Be social. Spending time with family and friends defends against depression, which can hasten memory loss. Social isolation has also been shown to diminish thinking skills, increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Get enough sleep. Quality sleep recharges the body, improves memory, and keeps the mind alert. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night.

Prioritize health. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of developing memory problems. Talk to your doctor to learn how to manage any ongoing medical concerns.

Engage your brain. Keep your mind sharp with activities that encourage thinking, memory, and problem solving. Do puzzles and crosswords, read, learn a new hobby or language, or volunteer.

Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness

During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages people to learn about and talk about Alzheimer’s disease. The more we know about this disease, the more we stay focused on eliminating stigmas and promoting research to find a cure.

Some of the ways you can help include:

• Sharing personal stories on social media of how the disease has affected you, your loved ones, or someone you know.
• Hosting or attending a fundraiser event to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
• Wearing purple during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month to show support for the cause.
• Becoming an advocate by talking to local policymakers or distributing resource materials.

Support in Our Southview Communities

In all our Southview Senior Communities, we provide a host of activities and amenities to ensure residents live their best and most comfortable lives. We offer a variety of fitness classes and dining options while focusing on brain health and social interaction to promote overall wellness for every resident. And we have specialized Memory Care options for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Learn more about what we have to offer by scheduling a tour at the Southview location nearest you.

The post Focusing on Brain Health: Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month appeared first on Arbor Lakes Senior Living Blog.

While most common in older adults, arthritis is not an inevitable part of the aging process and can affect people of all ages. Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to talk about this chronic condition. And for those affected by arthritis, we also want to highlight some movement and dietary ideas that can help manage joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Facts About Arthritis

Rather than one single ailment, arthritis is a general term for a range of conditions that cause pain in joints and the tissue that surrounds them. As joint tissue or cartilage deteriorates, mobility becomes challenging and increasingly restricted.

• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.
• About 1 in 4 adults and hundreds of thousands of children have been diagnosed with arthritis.
• There are more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis.
• Arthritis affects almost half of adults aged 65 and older.

People often think arthritis only affects seniors, which is not always the case. While age is a common risk factor, it’s not the only one. Others include obesity, previous joint injuries, and infections.

Additionally, arthritis symptoms tend to worsen over time and can vary depending on the type of arthritis. Common symptoms include reduced range of motion, headaches, and fatigue as well as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation.

Ideas for Managing Arthritis Pain

Though there is no cure for most types of arthritis, many people manage their condition with lifestyle changes, including low-impact exercises. These regular movements help increase range of motion and strengthen the muscle around affected joints.

• Reduce stiffness with simple stretches, shoulder shrugs, and ankle circles.
• Reinforce joint-supporting muscle by using resistance bands or light weights for doing squats or bicep curls.
• Improve balance and stability with single-leg stands, leg raises, and heel-to-toe walking.
• Strengthen hips and knees with simple sit-stand movements.

Walking, water exercises, and cycling also provide effective cardiovascular workouts without putting added stress on already painful joints. It’s recommended to warm up joints beforehand and apply ice as needed afterward to mitigate stiffness and soreness. For added safety, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Foods for Arthritis Management

When it comes to diet, there is no guaranteed cure for arthritis pain. But there are foods that contain properties to boost immunity, strengthen bones and muscles, and soothe or reduce inflammation.

For those diagnosed with arthritis, incorporating these foods into your diet can help manage joint pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

• Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-wheat pasta help lower inflammation.
• Avocados and certain nuts—including almonds, pistachios, and walnuts—contain anti-inflammatory properties.
• Red beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are packed with minerals that promote a healthy immune system.
• Blueberries contain cartilage-protecting properties.
• Tart cherries are a natural remedy for reducing inflammation.
• Fish like tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce stiffness and inflammation.
• Green tea contains antioxidants believed to slow cartilage deterioration.
• Citrus fruits rich in vitamin C promote the formation and maintenance of collagen and cartilage.
• Broccoli is rich in bone-building calcium and contains a compound that may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

Resources in Our Communities

Our Southview Senior Communities take steps to ensure health and happiness for every resident, every day. During Arthritis Awareness Month, we call special attention to the ways in which we help residents feel at home and comfortable, considering all needs. We also consider all abilities when designing games and physical activities, allowing everyone to participate in their own way. And our menus provide meals rich in nutrients and minerals for overall well-being.

Learn more about us and what we have to offer by scheduling a tour at the Southview location nearest you.

The post Arthritis Awareness: Ideas for Managing Pain appeared first on Arbor Lakes Senior Living Blog.

After a long winter, spring is finally in the air. Minnesotans are anxious to get outside for picnics, walks, and yard projects. And many are thinking about what to grow in their gardens this year—flowers, vegetables, herbs, or all of those. Soon, residents in our Southview Senior Communities will be tending to the garden beds we cultivate each year, growing a variety of plants. To celebrate National Garden Month, we want to highlight some of the health benefits of gardening, especially for seniors.

National Garden Month

In the late 1980s, at the insistence of garden and horticulture organizations, Ronald Reagan designated one week in April as National Gardening Week. The idea was to showcase the importance of gardening for the environment as well as overall wellness for gardeners of all ages and abilities. More than a decade later, the National Gardening Association called for a monthlong celebration of gardening, with the first such celebration being April 2003.

Then in 2015, April was officially declared National Garden Month by then-Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Gardening for Physical Health

With additional risks that come with age, maintaining physical health and fitness can become more challenging as we grow older. But simple, low-impact exercises and activities provide a range of benefits to help seniors stay mobile, healthy, and happy.

Gardening is a fun, relaxing, and purposeful activity that offers physical health benefits including:

• Increased vitamin D from spending time outdoors. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption for healthy bones, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
• Improved cardiovascular health. Digging, twisting, raking, and other light exercises keep the heart and circulatory system strong, keeping blood pressure in check and lowering the risk of stroke.
• Enhanced balance and flexibility through routine movements like walking, reaching, and bending.
• Maintaining dexterity and motor skills by using tools, handling and planting seeds, digging, and more.

Gardening for Mental Health

Spending time outdoors is a natural stress reliever. The quiet and peacefulness of nature provides a calming experience that allows our minds and bodies to slow down and be present in the moment. And because gardeners are essentially immersed in nature, planting and cultivating a garden is an ideal activity for mental wellness, promoting:

• Brain function through detailed focus and problem solving. Gardening requires planning and thought processing that provides cognitive stimulation and improves memory.
• Mood-boosting levels of serotonin and dopamine. Spending time outdoors increases exposure to sunlight, triggering the release of the body’s happy hormones.
• Relaxation and stress reduction through routine tasks. Repetition provides a sense of structure, so habitually watering, weeding, and tending to a garden can ease anxiety and stress.
• A sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem by planting seeds and watching them grow.

Gardening for Social Wellness

One of the great things about planting and tending to a garden is that it can be done by anyone of any age and any skill level. Gardening gets people outside, and it gets them talking, connecting, and sharing stories. And for seniors who may feel lonely or isolated, gardening helps grow social wellness, too.

Our Southview communities provide shared spaces for residents to plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Working in these gardens brings people together, and we’ve watched many wonderful friendships grow.

And as a team, everyone who’s interested shares the responsibility of caring for our gardens. That way, we all feel a sense of pride when we see the colorful flowers or harvest the vegetables.

Grow with Us at Southview

We hope these health benefits of gardening for seniors inspire you or your loved one to get out and get planting during National Garden Month. And we encourage you to come and grow with us! Schedule a tour of any of our Southview Senior Communities to explore our campuses and discover all the life enrichment opportunities we have to offer.

The post National Garden Month: Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors appeared first on Arbor Lakes Senior Living Blog.