Resources For Aging Well

As we age, maintaining bone health becomes increasingly crucial, helping to ensure mobility, independence, and a high quality of life. A key player in this aspect of our well-being is vitamin Doften dubbed the 'sunshine vitamin.' This essential nutrient plays an indispensable role in maintaining bone density and aiding calcium absorption, ensuring our bones stay strong and healthy. All About Vitamin DVitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is a powerhouse essential for many bodily functions. Its most crucial task involves promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining adequate calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body. These actions ensure the normal mineralization of bones. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become brittle, thin, or misshapen. How Vitamin D Prevents Osteoporosis and FracturesOsteoporosis is a serious problem for many seniors. It's characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures. Thankfully, vitamin D can serve as an effective prevention tool. Regular vitamin D intake helps maintain bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and slowing the progression of osteoporosis. Of course, always consult with your doctor if you're looking for ways to prevent osteoporosis and other health issues. Sources of Vitamin DSo, where can you get this essential vitamin? Our body produces vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight. For seniors, a daily exposure to the sun of 15-20 minutes can significantly aid in vitamin D production. Of course, one must ensure safe sun practices, like wearing a hat, protective clothing, and sunscreen on exposed skin to avoid sunburns.Dietary sources offer another avenue of vitamin D intake. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and beef liver are rich in vitamin D. Incorporating these into your daily diet can significantly contribute to maintaining your vitamin D levels.The Importance of Regular Vitamin D Intake What happens when the body doesn't get enough vitamin D? Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone abnormalities such as soft bones (osteomalacia) or fragile bones (osteoporosis). It's vital, especially for seniors, to regularly monitor vitamin D levels and maintain adequate intake to prevent such health challenges. Regular screenings, a balanced diet, and safe sun exposure can help ensure you're getting enough of this crucial vitamin. Of course, talk to your healthcare provider about any major changes to your diet or supplements you're taking. Senior Helpers Provides Essential Care for SeniorsAt Senior Helpers Fort Collins, we understand the importance of bone health for seniors and are committed to providing services that enhance the lives of our clients. Whether you live in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, or Longmont, we are here to support you on your health journey. We can offer assistance with meal prep, help seniors keep up with their dietary requirements, or offer companionship services that can enhance seniors' quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you or your loved ones in maintaining a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

Many seniors think exercise is just a distant memory due to obstacles like pain, decreased endurance and balance. There is also the fear of injury. The fact of the matter is that water exercises get aging adults moving and active. Its a safe, comfortable, and rewarding way to live an active lifestyle once more. Here are eight ways that swimming benefits seniors and conquers their exercise concerns. So, grab your swimsuit, and lets dive into the numerous and undeniable benefits of swimming and to being an active senior!The 8 Benefits of Swimming for Active SeniorsNo Weight on Your JointsAnything you do in the water is the ultimate low-impact exercise. This means youre not exerting a jarring force on your joints. The reason is that water supports about 90% of your body weight when youre in the pool. This means you float through your exercise session with no pressure on your joints. In this relatively weightless environment, active seniors overcome painful movement caused by arthritis and other health conditions.A Healthier BrainBefore you even move a muscle, immersing yourself in water increases blood flow to your brain. The benefits of this good blood flow include improved concentration, memory, mood, and cognitive function. Studies show that for active seniors, swimming may even help repair damage from stress. It can actually forge new neural connections in the brain.A Workout for Your HeartBy swimming regularly, active seniors reap cardiovascular benefits to their long-term health. If your heart is strong, it pumps blood more efficiently for improved circulation throughout your bodyincluding the brain. The bottom line is that regular aerobic exercise, like swimming, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.A Lift for Your MoodAlmost all the senses are involved when you swim: sight, sound, touch, and smell, and if youre not careful, sometimes taste! The rhythmic strokes and breath create a focus that soothes. The feel of water moving over your body is a sensation much like a massage. Unless its a bustling pool, the calm and quiet surroundings alleviate stress, encourage relaxation, and even spark creativity. In actuality, swimming is a form of mindfulness.Better Flexibility and Range of MotionEven the most active senior loses some range of motion as they age. But thats not a problem in the water! The buoyancy of the water allows swimmers to move their arms and legs more easily through the full range of motion. Regular swimming helps keep joints supple and improves flexibilityan essential aspect of health and well-being for older adults. For those with a limited range of motion on land, stretching in the water can even improve flexibility.Improved Muscle Strength and ToneGoing for a dip in the pool is a full-body exercise that tones every major muscle group. The natural resistance of the water helps strengthen muscles faster than any land-based exercise. If youre doing laps, different strokes focus on different muscle groups. For that reason, using a combination of strokes will get you the all-over tone you want.Reduced Risk of FallWeve already established that swimming works for all the major muscle groups. With stronger muscles overall, especially the upper body, core muscles, and leg muscles, posture and stability are improved. All of this reduces the risk of falls.Stronger, Happier BackWith gravity out of the way, active seniors dont have to worry about posture or body weight on their spines when exercising. And you dont have to be a lap swimmer to reap real benefits. Water is ideal for gentle exercise as well. It can be as simple as walking in waist-deep water. The water takes the pressure off your joints and back all while youre moving.Swimming at Jacaranda TraceWe are so certain of the health benefits of swimming. Thats why were one of the few senior living communities offering our members a pool and aquatic exercise program. Its a jewel in our community. Our active senior residents benefit from year-round lap swimming, aqua classes, and recreational swimming. Our pool area is as relaxing and social as it is healthful. We even incorporate water exercises for our members receiving physical rehabilitation because of waters gentle resistance and help with balance.

When looking at senior living communities for yourself or a loved one, there are many great options and many things to consider. Whether youre looking for active independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care, a key consideration is whether the community operates as a for-profit or not-for-profit senior living organization. It can make a significant difference in the quality of the residences, services, amenities, and culture. For many seniors looking into different community options, the advantages of a not-for-profit senior living community tips the scales.While both types may look similar on the surface, there are some fundamental differences between for-profit and not-for-profit senior living communities.What is a For-Profit Senior Living Community?A for-profit senior living community, like any private business, is obligated to its shareholders to earn a profit. A good number of for-profit communities belong to large national chainssome owning hundreds of properties with thousands of residences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of senior communities are for-profit. They are either privately owned or part of a much larger chain. While they might offer quality services and amenities, their core function is to earn a profit from rent and fees.What is a Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?By definition, a not-for-profit senior living community must reinvest any profit back into its central mission. They are also allowed to raise money from individual and corporate donors, whose gifts are tax deductible, and to apply for certain government and private grants.What are the advantages of Not-For-Profit Retirement Communities?Many of the differences between not-for-profit retirement communities and for-profit senior communities are subtle. As a resident/member of a not-for-profit community, you may simply feel better knowing that the leadership is motivated by a mission, rather than by financially satisfying owners and investors. Youll also know that your wellbeing will always come before profit.Here are a few more ways that not-for-profit senior living communities, like Jacaranda Trace, in Venice, FL, benefit members. Greater Sources of FundingThe IRS grants tax-exempt status to not-for-profit organizations because they further a cause or benefit the publicallowing them to accept donations from a wide range of sources. This funding makes it possible for a not-for-profit senior living community to keep its fees lower than it could otherwise, and even extend financial support to residents/members with hardship situations. This means that long-time members who suffer an unforeseen financial change dont have to worry about having to leave their community.The Governance of a Board of TrusteesA not-for-profit is run by a board of trustees or board of directors. Those individuals have pledged to uphold sound, ethical, and legal governanceputting the organizations mission and members wellbeing first. The board members interact with community leadership and residents/members and listen to their input. The board also works to form fruitful relationships with the local governments, businesses and other organizations. These relationships help to solidly connect their community with the community at large. Reinvestment into the Community  Emphasis on CommunityA not-for-profit senior living community can flourish into a genuine community with the boards leadership and focus on a mission. Members, staff and board members come together through their shared values. Additionally, not-for-profit organizations rarely change ownership. This is not always the case among for-profits. For-profits are often forced into exit strategies or recapitalizations to satisfy shareholders interests.Why Choose the Jacaranda Trace Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?We are a not-for-profit community because we want to fully serve our members and our community. At Jacaranda Trace, our aim is to be the senior living community of choice for seniors who want to spend their lives in an intellectually, physically, and spiritually rich environment. To learn more about life at Jacaranda Trace, or to schedule a personal visit, call 941-841-0946 or Click Here.

Is there really a best time to move into a senior independent living community? More and more of the over-65 set say the answer is yes, and the sooner the better. Whats drawing these savvy seniors? The list is long, but it includes prime locations, beautiful homes, high-end lifestyles, and seemingly endless services and amenities. That being the case, the best time is whenever youre ready for an even more fulfilling and engaging lifestyle.Here are a few more reasons seniors are moving to active independent living communities like Jacaranda Trace in Venice, Florida. They may just entice you to decide that its time to explore and make the move.At an independent living community, you can:Say Farewell to Home Maintenance One of the biggest draws of an independent living community is the completely maintenance-free lifestyle. People quickly find that their days are more enjoyable without the burdens of maintaining their home. The community takes care of it all, from mowing the lawn and landscaping, to home maintenance and housecleaning. This means you can focus on the things that bring you joy and not worry about housekeeping and repairs. A move to an independent living community opens up a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities. Letting go of home maintenance is just the beginning.Safeguard Your AssetsYou might think that an independent living community is too expensive for you. The truth is, when compared to the constantly rising cost of living and healthcare, the opposite is true. Senior living communities can be a fiscally sound investment. As a younger senior, moving to a community that has levels of care helps to ensure more predictable monthly costs. It also ensures that you receive care at a significantly lower cost than on the open market. This is one way to safeguard your assets so you can leave a legacy for your loved ones. Theres another benefit that is particularly important to many. Once you move into your community, you can receive the care you need without making another move.Promote Your Health and WellnessRetirement communities, like Jacaranda Trace, promote health and wellness. Studies prove the long-term benefits associated with healthy living, which become more important as we age. Thats why health and wellness programs are so central to the senior living community lifestyle. These initiatives are robust and include fitness programs, healthy meal plans, social activities, and volunteer opportunities. Also on the calendar are lifelong learning courses and wellness workshops. Its a lifestyle full of opportunity.Boost Your Social LifeActive senior living communities foster friendships and a robust social life. Being involved in activities, classes and events helps stave off isolation and loneliness. It also improves emotional, intellectual, and physical wellness. Jacaranda Traces independent living community surrounds members/residents with like-minded people who share their interests. Consequently, they share the passion to accomplish more and truly enjoy every stage of life. Most communities have a full social calendar filled with hobbyist groups, educational venues, live entertainment, happy hours, and holiday parties. Theres no disputing that socialization and fun are key factors in successful aging.Keep Your IndependenceOf all the many benefits of living in a senior living community with many services, amenities, and higher levels of healthcare, there is one that is most valuable. It is the ability to live independently for as long as possible. The fact is that making the move to an independent living community helps seniors maintain, and often grow, their level of independence. It also helps them to continue to enjoy the level of activity and the lifestyle they want for a longer time. Those seniors remaining in their homes dont experience the same support and opportunities.When is the best time to move to an independent living community? Its the moment youre ready to let someone else take care of all your have-tos. This way you can focus on all your want-toswith a lot less worrying about the what-ifs. At Jacaranda Trace, we encourage every member/resident to live life to the fullest, on their own terms. This way they can fully enjoy the golden years. Visit us and youll see for yourself how wonderful independent living can be. To learn more about Jacaranda Trace, or to schedule a personal visit, call us at 941-841-0946 or Click Here to schedule a personal appointment.