Seniors Site

Vegetarianism is becoming a popular health diet to seniors for some time now. Apparently, more seniors are shifting to vegan diets each day due to its many health benefits. Actually, if you examine the vegan diet closely and how it actually cleanses the body, you will realize that somehow the diet seem to be made especially for seniors rather than young adults.

Vegetarianism has many types but as a golden rule, a vegan should not eat red meats such as pork, beef and lamb. You can be a vegan and still eat fish and poultry. Here is a list of vegan types:
·    Semi-vegetarians or Flexitarian:  Diets that are primarily vegan but eat meats occasionally. Some semi-vegans opt to eat white meat in a regular basis but avoid red meats.
·    Pesci-vegetarian:  Diets made of vegetables and fish but no poultry and red meats.
·    Ovo-lactovegetarian:  Diets compose of egg, dairy products and vegetables.
·    Lacto-vegetarian:  Strictly dairy products and vegetables.
·    Total Vegan:  All vegetables and nothing else.

As you can see, there are many types of vegans. I suppose this is because people are turning vegetarian due to different reasons. Some of them do it for health reasons; others are doing it for weight reduction and better weight management; while some do it for a cause.

For seniors, it is almost always, their health concerns which made them switch to a vegan diet. As we grow old, our bodies undergo through major internal changes which usually slow up our metabolism and affect our energy levels. Eating red meats can cause lifestyle diseases or if you already have one, it can cause further damage and aggravate your current health status. Limited or no red meat consumption is highly encouraged for seniors suffering bouts of hypertension, heart diseases and diabetes.

High-fiber diet is best for seniors since their digestive system tends to slow down overtime. A vegan’s diet is primarily composed of vegetables and fruits that is why it fits a senior’s diet perfectly. Vegetables and fruits are easier to digest as well so you will have no stomach trouble after eating as compared to non-vegan diet.

A senior having trouble moving around, much less cooking will find vegan diet convenient than preparing a non-vegan meal. Whole-grain cereals and veggie sticks are easier to prepare and fulfilling as well. Vegan diet can be tasty; there are many delicious vegan recipes that you can find over the internet.

The only problem with a vegan diet is that it usually lacks some important nutrients which your body needs badly. Eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits can help but it is best to consult your doctor for additional multivitamins and supplements you can take to augment your vegan diet. This way you are sure that your nutritional intake is not overlooked even if you engage in a total vegan diet. Another thing, keep watch of your calcium intake because your bones have the tendency to become brittle as you age.

Other things that a senior should be avoiding are sweet and salty foods, alcohol, diuretics and greasy foods.

May has come and summer is just around the corner. While we attempt to put the human swine flu aside for a while, there is another seasonal affair that affects and interferes with seniors’ way of life and that is the seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Hay fever hits once a year and about 20% of the American population is a sufferer of the said allergy. With a very unmanageable weather we are currently experiencing, there is no way we can predict how dry this summer would be. Apparently, it could be worse than last year’s if it becomes so dry with allergens permeating the air every time you step out of your houses.

Usually, allergens are tiny particles which irritate the respiratory tract leading to uncontrollable sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. These particles can be pollens, molds, dust mites and regular house dust which can cause allergic rhinitis once inhaled. Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Only its symptoms can be alleviated by taking anti-histamines which are, more often than not, cannot be prescribed to seniors due to its dangerous side effects. For senior citizen suffering seasonal allergic rhinitis and quite dreading the coming dry months, the only thing you can do is to prevent them from happening.

Like any other seasonal respiratory conditions, it is highly recommended for susceptible people to stay indoors as much as possible. This will help you stay away from pollen-infested air. If you must go out and you know you will be attacked at once, wear face mask and go back in soon after you accomplish your tasks outside.

We know how important exercise is for seniors and according to surveys conducted for older people, it was found out that walking is the number one choice for exercising and socializing at the same time. You can also achieve this without having to sacrifice your health by joining indoor health clubs.

Try to keep a dust-free house for your sake and close windows and doors at all times to prevent outside allergens from coming inside your house; the same goes for your car windows while traveling. Plants encourage molds so don’t keep plants inside your house; instead build a small garden outside and plant them there.

Of course, all these activities will not guarantee us of an allergy-free season; if and when allergens somehow find you, you should consult your health care provider at once. Do not, in any way, try to self-prescribe anything as it can be detrimental to your health. For milder attacks, these things come and go without too much of a fuss but for some, you may require some medical attention to ease the symptoms.

Now that the H1N1 or the human swine flu has reached global alert levels, it was said that an actual global outbreak is very imminent and people all over the world are preparing for it.

In Mexico alone, where it was believed to have started and therefore declared as ground zero, the infection rate and death toll have been steadily rising as the infection continues to spread around the globe, even in Asia.

H1N1 is formerly known as the swine flu; the new name was given by CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid confusion with the true swine flu which affects hogs alone but never human to human infection—apparently, this is exactly what H1N1 is doing now. H1N1 is a combination of the regular human flu, avian flu and the swine flu making it able to penetrate a human’s system. It appears that the virus has 1-4 or 1-7 days of incubation period and soon after that, flu-like symptoms begin to show; the antiviral medication for H1N1 should be administered immediately or up to 3 days prior to infection however a patient should be absolutely certain that he or she is having the human swine flu and not the regular human flu.

It was already established that the virus spreads from one human to another but the mode of infection is not yet known and still under further investigation likewise if there is a certain age bracket for this virus. However, CDC advises 65 years and above seniors, children of ages 5 and below, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions to practice preventive measures for flu.

As opposed to popular misconception, this virus does not infect a person eating infected pork, although it is not good to eat the pork in question; so as drinking tap water. Generally, influenza virus enters and infects the respiratory track; usually through coughing and sneezing. It can also be passed by touching an infected person and somehow the virus ending up either in your nose or mouth.

For senior citizen, it is highly recommended to stay away from crowded places like malls, market, and public transportation. Do wash your hands as often as needed or if you cannot do this at the moment, you can bring an alcohol-based disinfectant such as hand gels and wipes with you everywhere. Seniors are also advised to wear face masks if you need to make a quick trip to a public place.

It is very important to contact your health care provider as soon as you experience some telltale flu symptoms so you can receive proper medication and care at once. If by chance, you just came back from a country where H1N1 is suspected to be infecting the area, it is best for you to quarantine yourself for a week to 10 days at most.

Tooth loss or teeth loss is very common to seniors; as common as diminishing eye sight and hearing impairment upon reaching our senior age. No matter how painstakingly we watched over our dental care in the past years, we will still lose that tooth, one way or another.

The problem with tooth loss is that once the milk tooth gave way for the permanent ones, you can never grow another set over again. The permanent ones should stay with you for life or else, you need to get an artificial tooth to replace it. This is exactly why children are reprimanded again and again as to how important their dental hygiene should be; most of the time, children don’t heed hence premature tooth loss.

Tooth loss is embarrassing especially if you lose those frontal ones while losing your molars can affect your nutritional intake likewise your digestive system. According to data gathered by dental association in the US, the leading cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease or gum disease. It was even found out that there are actually 80% of American adults having periodontal problems which can lead to tooth loss later in life; the most common of which is gingivitis.

Normally, you lose your teeth within your senior years but you can delay it if you take care of it very well by regularly visiting your dentist and staying away from the things that will destroy your healthy teeth. Apparently, your overall lifestyle affects your teeth. Smoking, for one, can increase your risk for tooth loss; so does diabetes and hypertension.

Aside from poor dental hygiene, you can also lose a relatively healthy tooth if you are active in extreme and contact sports. Some examples of popular contact sports are boxing, hockey and judo while extreme sports are skateboarding, dirt biking and snowboarding.

Well, dentures are a thing of the past as seniors are now opting for the more costly dental implants. With dental implants, you don’t have to take it out and put it back; it fits your mouth snugly and you take care of it just the same as how you would take care of a real tooth. To date, dental implants are becoming the number one choice for dental replacement. But take note seniors, these implants are done surgically with titanium screws to support a particular tooth. Usually, a dental implant patient should undergo general anesthesia so if you are planning to have yours done; you should do it with trained and certified dentists and surgeons only.

Unfortunately, most seniors choose to stay toothless and will not seek dental help even if they need it badly due to high cost of dental repairs.

You have been living alone with your pet for quite some time now. By now, you must admit, your pet has been a great help in nursing you back to life and you owe him a lot for staying by your side through your darkest moment. Now that you are stepping out of the dark, are you leaving your friend behind?

Of course not; anywhere you go, he does too. In fact, a survey conducted by a pet product company revealed that more than half, or should I say almost all, of seniors prefer traveling with their own pets in tow. Whatever reasons these older people may have, they surely are ready for some road trip action with their pets as soon as the weather permits them to do so.

Your pets are the best travel companion ever especially if he is well-trained and very comfortable with you. He provides the sense of security and the right amount of companionship; surely you will have lots of fun traveling with your pet. But before you engage in “the trip of your lifetime” with your beloved pet, you may want to check out some important details first such as health and permits.

You should also take note that most pets live with familiarity. This means your dog could react differently and unexpectedly especially if this is your pet’s first time to travel out of the house and to unfamiliar territories. You may want to secure your pet’s proof of health through your veterinarian since this serves as their pass to some hotels and other public places and areas. While you’re at it, it is best to consult your vet if your pet can or cannot travel with you and update vaccinations as well.

Take time to consider the type of trip you are embarking in; if it’s pet conducive. This should be safe and fun for your pets as well and not for you alone. Moreover, bear in mind that some countries do not allow pets and will put them in quarantine at once especially for international travels. Be sure to check these areas first to avoid inconveniences from happening; on the other hand, there are cities which encourage pet travels.

Regarding obedience and temperament, it is very important that your pet knows how to socialize with people and obeys basic commands from you. To test his reaction to people, bring him out for a walk then gradually introduce him to public places such as parks and market; if he behaves well within these parameters then most likely, he will be able to handle the trip very well.

Your pets can get lost during your trip so it is best to come prepared for it. A simple collar and pet ID tag can save you and your pet if he somehow ends up in a local shelter. Keep him on leash while walking so he won’t get distracted and dash away from you. Try to maintain him in this arrangement up until he properly adjusts with this new environment.

If your current situation does not permit you to carry your pet along during the trip, you may want to check out dog care facilities around your area. Usually, they have programs made for your dog while you’re away on a trip and they can make your dogs comfortable as can be.

Dogs are the best companion for seniors because they provide security likewise companionship to their owners. Dogs, as compared to cats, are more loyal and they can be trained to meet certain needs of their senior masters. It is very common to see dogs assisting blind people walking in streets and doing minor errands for them—that is because, most of the time, dogs will do whatever pleases his or her masters.

Dogs are great for watching over your house. They will know when to raise alarm and call for help. They effectively ward off offenders even before they come close to you. Dogs know exactly when to comfort you and lend companionship. This is exactly why dogs are very ideal for seniors especially for those living alone—like stated earlier, it’s the companionship and security combined.

But choosing the perfect dog depends on your lifestyle and needs. For seniors, it is highly recommended for you to get an older dog. Older dogs can be found in dog shelters, and rescue groups; moreover, if you adopt an older dog through organizations and shelters, you will be guided accordingly on how your chosen dog behaves and if this particular dog will be helpful to your lifestyle. They will help you choose the right dog for your needs.

Most of the time, an older dog doesn’t require further training since they are more or less, calmer and trained. But yes, you can teach your old dog new tricks, if it’s necessary and they can catch up fairly quick than training a puppy. This is because older dogs are not easily distracted and they can focus better on the task at hand.

If you have just brought him home from the shelter, you should introduce him first to where he should poop and pee. This way, you will know if he is already housetrained or not but usually, they are since they had been to other houses before. Wait for it if necessary, and praise him after. You should do this with him patiently every time the need arises up until he learns how to do it on his own. These are the times you should take note of: mornings, after meals, and before sleeping.

Some dog owners noticed that older dogs, just like puppies, tend to follow their masters during the first few days in their new home. Dogs by nature, hates to be alone and they seek security from human companionship but in due time, they will settle down and make themselves comfortable with their surroundings. In the mean time, apply crate training for your older dogs. This will help them recognize where to sleep and take a nap while you are away somewhere. Let him “be friends” with his crate so he could establish his place in the house.

Basically, all dogs need to learn obedience. Basic obedience training should include simple dog instructions and commands. This will help you establish bonding time and better communication to your dog. This training can be done personally—that is if you have enough patience for it. For those who don’t, enroll your dogs to obedience classes just to refresh his skills and learn a few more tricks.