Engaging Activities for those with Limited Mobility

While growing older can bring a new appreciation of life, it can also bring a series of challenges including a decline in health that impacts a person’s mobility. This can be due to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity. Other causes are diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as profound vision or hearing loss that interferes with people’s abilities, requiring people to rethink some of their lifelong activities. 

The good news is many of the things’ people enjoy doing can still be done – they just may need some modifications. During this phase of life, you may discover new activities you enjoy just as much as the things you had to let go. Most importantly experts say do not define yourself by your limitations. 

Rather they remind seniors that staying active and engaged has many benefits including boosting physical and mental health; and provides people with a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives. It has also been shown to improve memory and slow cognitive decline. Studies find seniors who stay socially active can even lower blood pressure, elevate mood and reduce anxiety and stress. 

Some activities enjoyed by seniors with limited mobility include things like gardening in raised-beds, chair yoga, Tai-chi, water aerobics and low-impact resistance training.  Creative pursuits such as painting or drawing, playing a musical instrument and learning a new cuisine; as well as games such as trivia or bridge brings meaning and joy to someone regardless of their physical limitations.   

Senior living communities are great places to help seniors find purpose and companionship, along with the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone is always around to lend a hand if needed.  For senior living Littleton, CO seniors can trust, take a look at MorningStar of Littleton. Our 65 private assisted living suites are smartly-designed to maximize space, and residents enjoy a whole host of resort-style amenities, senior care services, and wellness programs and activities. 

We also provide exceptional Alzheimer’s care families can count on for a loved one with compassionate, personalized support and services. Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior care communities in Littleton, CO.

Start Your Day at Your Best

While we may think we don’t have a morning routine, typically there is a way we start our morning whether it is drinking a cup of coffee and reading the morning news to perhaps doing some exercise. Whatever your routine, experts say adding a few healthy additions to our mornings can start our day off even better.   

Since many of us don’t drink as much water as we should each day, one suggestion is to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. This helps to not only rehydrate your body after a night’s sleep but goes a long way toward meeting your daily water goal. To make it easy to do, keep a water bottle next to you on your nightstand table.

Another tip is to exercise. If you are not really a morning person, there are many examples of short, effective morning workouts on the internet. One 10 minute workout starts with doing deep breathing exercises while still in bed. Other suggestions for early exercises include a solitary walk in nature or weeding your garden. Being around nature can improve our physical health as well as provide benefits to our mental well-being. 

We have all heard the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast. Some good breakfast options include whole grains like oatmeal, whole-wheat toast, quinoa, or cereal as well as fruits and vegetables like berries, bananas, avocado and spinach.  Protein-packed foods include eggs, yogurt, nuts and seeds. 

Another healthy habit to start the day with is to play a brain game as it helps clear up our morning brain fog. Taking a few minutes to meditate each morning is also a good way to clear your mind and allow you to focus on the things that are important in your life. 

The MorningStar of Littleton senior living community provides trusted assisted living and memory care. Our community has 65 stylish private suites in a choice of studios and one-and-two-bedroom floorplans. In our distinct Reflections Neighborhood, our 20 suites provide specialized Alzheimer’s care that celebrates and elevates life. Contact us to schedule a personalized tour of senior living Littleton, CO families have come to count on.

Food to Enjoy without the Guilt

When dieting, it is best to shy away from fried foods, foods loaded with empty carbs and sugary foods. Dieticians say that still leaves a lot of tasty food we can eat without feeling guilty. At the top of the list are non-starchy vegetables of which there are many ways to prepare them to ensure they are both satisfying and tasty. 

If vegetables aren’t your favorite foods, it may be you are not creative enough in preparing them. A simple suggestion is to give your veggies a quick spray of olive oil, add seasoning and a few cloves of garlic. Either roast or air fry to give them a punch of flavor. If you love dips, think about switching up from heavy-caloric dips to ones using salsa or low-fat yogurt. 

A list of veggies nutrient-dense and light in calories includes broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, sprouts and kale. If you want fruits, the best to eat are watermelon and cantaloupe, most berries and kiwi. Beata Rydyger, a registered nutritionist based in Los Angeles, says “Along with these foods being beneficial for weight maintenance and weight loss, they are very high in macronutrients such as carbohydrates and micronutrients including vitamins and minerals.” Moreover these foods are rich in fiber, and fiber keeps blood sugar levels stable and keeps you feeling fuller longer.    

Other foods that fill you up are nuts and seeds. While they are higher in calories than fruits and veggies, a handful contains protein as well as vitamins and minerals. Snacking mid-afternoon on a cup of low-fat cottage cheese, hard-boiled egg or cup of tuna helps ensure you won’t overeat at dinner time. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking a glass of water or bone broth before a meal can help reduce the amount you eat during the meal. However dieticians say when making any dietary changes, you should start slowly and work with your healthcare provider. 

The MorningStar of Littleton assisted living and memory care community represent the finest senior living Littleton, CO offers. We have 65 assisted living suites in a wide choice of floor plans, and 20 memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our Alzheimer’s care incorporates Montessori-based therapies and individualized service plans with 24/7 care from an experienced staff and access to licensed nurses. Contact us to set up an in-person tour.