Tag Archives: Palo Alto Elder Care

Exercise Your Brain

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We at Home Care Assistance Palo Alto recognize the many benefits of reading in a digital age. In our book Happy to 102, we share the secrets to living longer, healthier and happier lives. One of the behaviors linked to healthy longevity is mental stimulation. Exercising your mind is just as important as exercising your body and one of the most enjoyable ways to keep your brain active is by reading.

Maryanne Wolf, director of the Center for Reading and Language Research at Tufts University, tells us in Benefits Of Reading, “Reading gives you a unique pause button for comprehension and insight.” When we watch TV, perhaps the most common pastime nowadays, we often become drone-like while reading requires our full concentration and often involves reasoning.

Dr. Geoff Kauffman, an author for Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, speaks to our involvement while reading stating, “When people read a fictional story, they vicariously experience their favorite character’s emotions, thoughts and beliefs in the process.” Imagining something happening is just as good at activating the brain as actually participating in the event in reality; our brains simulate experiences. When we allow our brains to press pause and become wrapped in a story, we are building and strengthening neurological connections.

In addition to keeping your mind sharp, reading is also correlated with reduced stress, a benefit we think our Palo Alto home care clients appreciate since maintaining calmness is also linked to longevity.

Home Care Assistance Palo Alto encourages you to keep your brain young by picking up a book and putting down the remote or computer mouse. Take your grandchildren to the library to choose books together. It’s a great way to bond and promote the benefits of reading.

Stressed About Stress?

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At Palo Alto Home Care Assistance we dedicate every March and April to raising awareness about caregiver burnout. Both our professional Palo Alto caregivers and community members providing Palo Alto home care for their loved ones must balance multiple responsibilities, often leaving little time for them to care for their own health. Recognizing the health risks of chronic stress is an important first step in preventing burnout. Here we address some of the ways in which burnout can impact your physical and mental wellbeing:

  • Hindered immune system. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and disease.
  • Increased risk of hypertension. When you are stressed, your body is at a heightened level of activity and blood pressure can spike—prolonged stress leads to prolonged high blood pressure.
  • Memory loss. Chronic stress can result in confusion, difficulty concentrating and memory loss.
  • Weight gain. When you are stressed, the body reacts in a self-preservation manner, hanging on to fat.

It’s important to take steps to create a more relaxing lifestyle—if you are healthy, you will be able to provide optimal care for your loved one or client. Some tips include:

  • Seek and maintain social ties. Having a strong social network has been linked with mental and physical wellbeing and longevity. Our relationships provide emotional support, make us feel connected, and help reduce stress and depression. Caregiver support groups are also great resources as you can share concerns and seek advice from those with similar experiences.
  • Take care of your body. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise for at least 20 minutes, two or three times a week—a quick walk around the neighborhood is enough.
  • Include “me” time. Make time in your schedule for activities you enjoy. Go to the movies or dinner with friends and you’ll have the added benefit of socialization.

Facebook for the Brain?

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Most, if not all, Palo Alto residents have heard of Facebook, the social networking site that built its empire from an office on University Avenue (not too far from our Palo Alto Home Care Assistance office), but many think its single benefit is in facilitating communication between young people. Preliminary research presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Annual Meeting, however, suggests that Facebook may have a pertinent benefit for seniors in boosting cognitive performance—and many of our Palo Alto home care clients use Facebook to keep in touch with grandkids.

The study looked at seniors ages 68 to 91, a demographic whose social media behavior has not been largely investigated though according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project 1 in 3 online seniors use a social networking site. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 14: the first group learned how to use Facebook and posted daily, the second group learned how to use an online diary site where daily entries were kept private, and the third group was told they were on a waiting list for Facebook training.

A series of questionnaires assessed levels of loneliness, social support and cognitive abilities at the beginning of the study and again eight weeks later. Those in the Facebook group showed a 25% increase in cognitive performance while the other participants showed no significant change. Further analysis will determine the impact of the social aspect of Facebook (compared to the non-social diary group) and the relationship, if any, between number of posts and performance.

At Home Care Assistance Palo Alto we know how important mental stimulation and social ties are to healthy longevity—they are part of our Balanced Care Method, a unique approach to care based on scientific research of the longest-living people on Earth, in which all of our Palo Alto caregivers are trained.

Keep It Off!

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Losing weight can be hard, but keeping lost weight off can be even harder.  While obviously undesirable, this phenomenon may also be harmful. New research suggests that the cycle of losing and regaining weight can increase one’s risk of cardiovascular problems. In observance of heart month, Home Care Assistance Palo Alto would like to share this research with you so that you can take preventative measures to protect your heart.

Researchers at Wake Forest conducted a 17-month study of 80 postmenopausal obese and overweight women. After five months of controlled dieting, the women lost an average of 25 pounds. The researchers evaluated the women’s health six months and then one year after the experimental diet period was completed.

After a year, 70% of the women had regained some portion of the weight they had lost. Notably, they had mostly regained fat and lost lean muscle mass. Most importantly, however, researchers found that many of the women who regained weight ended up with higher risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes than their baseline risk factors—meaning they were now less healthy than before they lost the weight.

Experts say this study shows that people should not focus on diet fads, or quick weight loss programs. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight are important, but we should be aware of the healthy ways in which we can accomplish these goals.

At Palo Alto Home Care Assistance, we know that healthy diet and regular exercise are important in weight management. Our professional Palo Alto caregivers are trained in our exclusive Balanced Care Method, which uses scientifically proven lifestyle behaviors like smart eating and physical activity to promote healthy longevity. They prepare healthy and delicious meals for all our Palo Alto home care clients as well as assist with exercises.

Stress-fighting Snacks

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Palo Alto home care clients, what do you do when you’re stressed? We’ve all seen movies and read books where stressed or upset characters turn to food to squelch their unpleasant feelings—most often a personal pint (or quart) of ice. While a number of these fat-laden, high-calorie foods do increase production of serotonin, the “feel good” hormone, their effects are only temporarily and can be strongly outweighed by resulting weight gain and associated health risks. In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, Home Care Assistance Palo Alto would like to share some foods that have stress-reducing capabilities but are also nutritious:

  • Tea—Green tea contains theanine, an amino acid which has been shown to boost mood, reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. Similarly, WebMD reported on 2006 findings that black tea promotes relaxation and boosts our ability to respond to and recover from stress. Chamomile tea contains antioxidant flavonoids which have been shown to possess mood-enhancing properties.
  • Dark chocolate—This is one treat you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in daily! Chocolate contains many of the same relaxation-promoting flavonoids found in tea and the darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids present. Results of a clinical trial published in 2009 found a correlation between dark chocolate consumption, namely 1.4 ounces per day, and reduced levels of stress hormones.
  • Citrus fruits—Results of a 2002 German study suggested that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helped people recover more easily from stress; blood pressure, cortisol levels, and subjective experience of stress were lower in people given the vitamin C supplement than in those given the placebo.

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste. Our Palo Alto caregivers are trained in healthy meal preparation and often make healthy adaptations of our Palo Alto home care clients’ favorite meals using our Comfort Foods Cookbook.

Siri, Do I Have Parkinson’s?

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Palo Alto Parkinson’s care clients, new research suggests that we may soon be able to monitor Parkinson’s disease using our cell phones!

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. As the disease progresses, it results in tremors and trouble with movement and coordination. More than four million people around the globe currently suffer from the disease, the majority aged 50 and older.

Just a few months ago Dr. Max Little and the Parkinson’s Voice Initiative announced that they had developed a computer program that could detect voice disorders—one of the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is dysphonia, or impairment in the ability to produce vocal sounds. When initial tests indicated an 86% accuracy rate in disease detection, Dr. Little and his team decided to extend research to voice recordings taken over the telephone. The group is now analyzing over 10,000 recordings to test the potential use of telephone monitoring to detect and monitor progression of Parkinson’s.

Palo Alto Parkinson’s care patients know the current test for Parkinson’s is expensive, slow, and not always reliable. Thus, the ability to detect the disease with an object we use every day is invaluable. Little believes that if his test does work, they could inexpensively test almost ¾ of the world’s population. This breakthrough would especially benefit poorer areas where having adequate healthcare to perform various tests may be unlikely. While not a cure, the ability to efficiently detect the disease will allow early intervention to slow disease progression.

If you or a loved one suffers from Parkinson’s, consider contacted a reputable Palo Alto home care agency like Home Care Assistance. Our  Palo Alto caregivers are trained to address the specific needs of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders.

A Cup of Joe a Day May Keep the Doctor Away

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Whether it’s Peet’s, Starbucks, Philz or a special home brew, many Palo Alto seniors, executives and students alike start their days with a nice cup of Joe. According to scientific research your morning cup of coffee may do more than give you the energy to get going. It turns out that coffee has real, and proven, health benefits—happy news for many of our Palo Alto home care clients. Coffee is associated with a reduced risk of:

  1. Type II Diabetes. Habitual coffee consumption, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, has been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use it to maintain a normal blood glucose level. The exact mechanism is not clear but may be attributed to the high concentration of antioxidants and minerals like magnesium and chromium, which help the body use insulin effectively.
  2. Cancer. Higher rates of coffee consumption have been correlated with lower rates of cancer, particularly liver cancer and prostate cancer. In addition, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that frequent coffee drinkers had a 50% lower risk of dying from oral and throat cancers, perhaps attributed to the mix of antioxidants and polyphenols in coffee.  
  3. Heart Disease and stroke. The correlation between coffee consumption and reduced risk of heart disease and stroke has two potential mechanisms. First, coffee may decrease heart rhythm disturbances, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Second, type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, so in preventing type 2 diabetes, coffee also indirectly reduces the risk of these conditions.

At Home Care Assistance Palo Alto we’re committed to helping you and your loved ones stay healthy and informed. The next time you’re sitting, enjoying a cup of Joe with a friend or your Palo Alto caregiver, pass along this information!

Four Safety Tips for Senior Drivers

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One of the most difficult changes associated with aging is loss of the ability to drive, as driving is a large contributor to independence. Everyone ages differently so there is no set age at which seniors should stop driving. Reducing risk factors and incorporating safe practices can help you continue driving safely far into your 70′s and beyond.  Here is our list of four safety tips for senior drivers:

  1. Schedule regular appointments for eye and hearing exams. Hearing and vision clarity are vitally important for tracking other vehicles and avoiding accidents.  Consult with your doctor about how often you should schedule check-ups.   
  2. Be mindful of medications. Certain medications and medication combinations can cause drowsiness or dizziness and impair your ability to drive safely. Always check the label and consult your doctor or pharmacist about side effects and drug interactions. Never drive right after taking a new medication for the first time. 
  3. Understand physical limitations. Neck stiffness could make it harder to turn and check your blind spot. A lack of arm or hand strength can impair your ability to turn the wheel. Leg pain can make it difficult to move your foot from the gas to the brake pedal. Understand what limitations you may have and adjust your driving practices accordingly.
  4. Drive in ideal conditions. Try to avoid driving at night as much as possible as aging eyes have a tougher time adjusting to varying levels of light and perceiving depth and distance. Use extreme caution when driving in heavy rain. When driving somewhere unfamiliar, make sure to study the directions in advance.

If you find that you need to reduce your driving time or give it up completely, remember that you do not have to give up your independence. Alternative modes of transportation can not only offer health benefits (cycling, walking) but also social benefits. At Home Care Assistance Palo Alto, our professional Palo Alto caregivers can assist with transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, the pharmacy, social gatherings and much more. Our caregivers can even pick up friends of our Palo Alto home care clients for a lunch or other social activity.

The Health Benefits of Chocolate

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With holiday season in full swing, many of us—including our Home Care Assistance Palo Alto family—have indulged in tons of sweets and other empty-calorie treats at all our holiday parties and gatherings with loved ones. But if there’s one guilty pleasure you no longer have to feel guilty about enjoying, it’s chocolate. Chocolate has actually been linked to a number of health benefits and is equally sweet enough to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. Dark chocolate is the best option as it contains more cocoa (the source of the health benefits) and less sugar than milk chocolate. Some of the benefits include:

  • Promotes heart health and decreases stroke risk. Rich in flavonoids, chocolate has antioxidant properties that help reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and thereby reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Chocolate also boasts blood pressure-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting cardiovascular health.
  • Protects skin. The flavonoids in dark chocolate offer protection from UV damage (but you should still always wear sunscreen!).
  • Makes you feel fuller, longer. Similar to an apple, dark chocolate is rich in fiber and thus, can actually help you maintain a diet!
  • Improves blood flow. With anti-clotting and blood-thinning properties, chocolate helps improve circulation.
  • Relieves coughs. An ingredient in chocolate called theobromine has been linked to cough relief in those suffering from chronic coughs.

Remember though that everything is best in moderation—chocolate is high in calories, fat and sugar so having too much can actually negate the benefits you would see. Home Care Assistance Palo Alto wishes all of our Palo Alto home care clients, their families, our Palo Alto caregivers and the Palo Alto community at large a very happy, healthy, and a moderately chocolate-filled holiday season!

 

Consistent Exercise Prevents Muscle Loss As We Age

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As we age, our bodies become more frail and we begin to lose muscle tissue.  Some “studies have [even] found that as [we] age, [we] not only lose muscle, but the tissue that remains can become infiltrated with fat, degrading its quality and reducing its strength.”

So what can caregivers in Palo Alto do to prevent this?

Palo Alto Home Care states that a recent study found that consistent exercise not only keeps you healthy as you age, but it also prevents muscle loss.  A study was conducted among people (ranging in age from 40-70) who exercise 4-5 times a week and the results were encouraging.

“There was little evidence of deterioration in the older athletes’ musculature.  The athletes in their 70s and 80s had almost as much thigh muscle mass as the athletes in their 40s, with minor, if any, fat infiltration.  The athletes also remained strong.”

“What we can say with certainty is that any activity is better than none,” Dr. Wright says, “and more is probably better than less. But the bigger message is that it looks as if how we age can be under our control. Through exercise, you can preserve muscle mass and strength and avoid the decline from vitality to frailty.”