Bone Healthy Foods for Seniors from A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab As we age, it’s increasingly important we take care of our bodies and maintain strong, healthy bones. One of the easier ways to maintain optimal bone health is by …
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As we age, it’s increasingly important we take care of our bodies and maintain strong, healthy bones. One of the easier ways to maintain optimal bone health is by eating more foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals – most notably, calcium, vitamins D, C, K and A, magnesium and potassium. Fortifying your diet with nutrient-rich foods can reduce the risk of bone thinning commonly experienced by seniors, and subsequently prevent fractures stemming from falls.
Salmon and tuna are excellent sources of calcium-absorbing vitamin D. The Mayo Clinic recommends 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D for people under 70 and 800 for people over 70. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIHODS), three ounces of canned tuna contains more than 150 IUs per serving, while three ounces of cooked salmon has nearly 450 IUs. Sardines are also high in calcium – a three-ounce serving provides 30 percent of the daily value.
Dairy products are known for being rich in bone-supporting calcium and vitamin D. Yogurt, milk and cheese have some of the highest quantities of bone-healthy vitamins and minerals – an eight-ounce serving of any of the aforementioned products contains at least 30 percent of the daily value of calcium. Eight ounces of plain, low fat yogurt contains 42 percent of the daily value of calcium and more than 400 IUs of vitamin D, according to the NIHODS.
Leafy greens like spinach, arugula and collard greens, and vegetables like broccoli, kale and Chinese cabbage are lesser-known calcium suppliers, but they do carry modest amounts. One cup of cooked spinach, for example, has 240 mg of calcium and one cup of raw arugula has 125 mg, according to the University of California San Francisco. For context, the NIHODS recommends 1,000 mg for men and 1,200 mg for women over 50 each day.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests a well-balanced meal featuring essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K and magnesium – all found in grapefruits, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes and pineapples – can be nearly as beneficial for maintaining strong bones as high amounts of calcium and vitamin D. If you’re a fan of orange juice, drink up – one cup has 34 percent of the suggested daily value of vitamin D, according to the NIHODS.
Starting your day with a bowl of “fortified” cereal – which is a cereal with added vitamins and minerals – and milk is one of the best ways to provide yourself with ample amounts of vitamin D and calcium. Fortified cereals like Cheerios, Wheaties, Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran and Special K are excellent sources of vitamin D, folic acid, iron and calcium.
Eating more of these tasty foods is a superb way to build healthier, stronger bones. Sometimes, though, healthy eating isn’t enough. When you need a higher level of health care, A.G. Rhodes is here to help. Our staff have been providing the Atlanta area with attentive and trustworthy senior care for more than 100 years. In addition, we also offer short-term recovery care for people who are recovering from surgery or a broken bone. Call 877-918-6413 or visit our website for more information.
Most of us expect that older individuals will stumble and fall every now and again. Unsteadiness seems to come with the territory of growing older, and 30 percent of adults over 65 report feelings of dizziness and vertigo.1 But are …
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Most of us expect that older individuals will stumble and fall every now and again. Unsteadiness seems to come with the territory of growing older, and 30 percent of adults over 65 report feelings of dizziness and vertigo.1 But are we all destined to feel off-kilter in our golden years?
While balance problems are much more common in seniors than in children or younger adults, it is not necessarily “normal” to lose balance and fall later in life. Dizziness and vertigo may indicate an underlying health condition.
The human body balances itself using a complex system. If just one part of the system is impaired, you may feel okay, but as more and more parts break down, your body becomes disoriented by its own cues. To feel steady and grounded, you must have function in your:
The vestibular system, or inner ear, constantly monitors how the head and body are positioned. Three tubes called the semicircular canals contain fluid to help you balance. When your head tilts or your body moves, the fluid shifts, moving hair follicles that send signals to your brain through the connected nerves. If the vestibular system is functioning as it should, you feel steady, but if it’s activated while you’re sitting or standing still, dizziness and vertigo can ensue.
The most common vestibular disorder in older adults is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). It is caused by the formation of small calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia, or “ear rocks.” These rocks can displace the inner ear fluid or stimulate nerves when you make simple motions, such as looking up or getting out of bed, causing the room to feel like it’s spinning. Fortunately, BPPV can often be corrected with a physical maneuver that coaxes the crystals back into an inner ear chamber where they won’t cause vertigo.
It is no secret that vision deteriorates with age. In some cases, all that’s required is a simple change in the strength of a prescription. However, vision issues can also be caused by more serious problems, such as:
Without the appropriate visual stimuli, your body cannot understand your movements correctly. This is especially true if you sense movement with your feet and inner ear that does not match up with what you see.
Have you ever tripped because your foot or leg went numb after sitting on it wrong? Chances are, you couldn’t sense the ground underfoot and didn’t know how much pressure to put down.
If the sensation in your feet, legs, torso and spine is permanently weakened, you can develop more serious, long-lasting balance issues. Some conditions that limit your body’s ability to sense your position include:
Treating the issue directly may help you regain balance. You may also want to wear well-fitted shoes that won’t catch easily on uneven surfaces.
Muscles atrophy and joints wear down as you get older. This makes it harder to support your own weight without experiencing pain or having your muscles “give out.” In many cases, strengthening exercises and physical therapy can help restore the function of your joints and muscles so you feel more confident when performing physical activities.
Neurological disorders – Seniors have an increased risk of neurological conditions that can affect all types of motor function, including balance. Examples include Parkinson’s disease, cervical spondylosis, brain stem stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Medication – Many common medications come with side effects of dizziness and nausea. Discuss switching to a different medication with your doctor if balance is a concern.
Cardiovascular problems – Heart disease or abnormally low or high blood pressure can cause dizziness.
Blood sugar – Low or high blood sugar, drastic changes in blood sugar and diabetes can all contribute to balance issues.
Feeling off-balance can be frightening if you live alone. Falls at any age can be serious, but they are especially dangerous for seniors. At A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab, our care teams work with you to redevelop the strength you need to move about life more confidently. We have short-term and long-term care options, depending on your concerns, and both groups have access to our therapy and rehabilitation programs.
Between all our locations, we offer specialized gyms for tracking and improving your balance, an anti-gravity treadmill for recuperation from injuries and a therapy pool for rebuilding muscle through low-impact exercises. Contact us today at 877-918-6413 to learn more or schedule your tour.
1 http://nationaldizzyandbalancecenter.com/resources/what-causes-dizziness-vertigo/
Employee spotlights feature exceptional A.G. Rhodes staff members who are doing great work throughout the organization. June’s spotlight features Kim Greene, a CNA who has worked at A.G. Rhodes’ Atlanta location for more than seven years. Kim was Atlanta’s recent …
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Employee spotlights feature exceptional A.G. Rhodes staff members who are doing great work throughout the organization. June’s spotlight features Kim Greene, a CNA who has worked at A.G. Rhodes’ Atlanta location for more than seven years. Kim was Atlanta’s recent recipient of the Rhodes Perdue CNA of the Year Award.
When asked why Kim was chosen for this month’s employee spotlight, Administrator Kristie Davis said, “Kim is a social butterfly and she’s loved by everyone. She’s always willing to help out and she’s got a way of putting a smile on elders’ and employees’ faces.”
Kim Greene, CNA
From: Atlanta, Georgia
What does your job entail?
While there are many physical tasks, the most important part of my job is to be patient and understanding. You have to listen and take things slow with the residents.
How long have you been working at A.G. Rhodes/working in the long-term care industry?
I’ve been at A.G. Rhodes at least seven years, and in long-term care since 1994 or 1995.
What made you get into this field?
My great-grandmother who raised me—and is 100 years old now—encouraged me to go to job corps in Brunswick, Georgia to learn a trade. I eventually took the nursing assistant course. I ended up connecting with the residents, and it’s just in me. I’m thankful for this career.
What’s the best part about your job?
I get to serve different areas of the building and I get to know everyone. So many people don’t have a job that they can say they like, but I like coming to work. I also like that I get to eat here, I get entertainment, and I get to chill with these people.
What do you want others to know about your job?
To do this job, you have to come with love and with patience. Some people need extra attention and they want to be able to talk to someone and tell them what’s going on.
A few years ago there was a resident who asked me for my help, and I was in a rush to do something else, but I slowed down and helped him. He was so grateful. He passed away the next day and I’m so glad I took the time to help him.
What keeps you going?
What keeps me going is the Lord. I pray about the job, I pray about the people. I’m also thankful to work with the people I work with.
It’s the best thing when people say thank you, and when others appreciate what I do.
What does it take to work in this field?
Be compassionate and understanding. Put yourself in their shoes. Understand what they want, and meet them where they are. Listen to them—you’ll learn a lot.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I’m going to school for nursing at Georgia Piedmont. I’m also an entrepreneur and I sell movies, music and purses.
Do you have advice for someone wanting to get into this field?
My great-grandmother told me, “You get more with sugar than salt,” and “Treat people how you want to be treated.” It’s especially important in this job—care about what you’re doing.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
I’m just thankful to the Lord.
June 2018
During National Nursing Home Week May 13-19, the A.G. Rhodes homes celebrated exceptional staff who go above and beyond to care for elders who stay at A.G. Rhodes. Congratulations to our Atlanta award winners (left to right): Jacqueline Moody, LPN …
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During National Nursing Home Week May 13-19, the A.G. Rhodes homes celebrated exceptional staff who go above and beyond to care for elders who stay at A.G. Rhodes.
Congratulations to our Atlanta award winners (left to right): Jacqueline Moody, LPN of the Year; Jacqueline Thomas, CNA of the Year Runner Up; Kimberly Greene, Rhodes Perdue CNA of the Year; and Rica Johnson, Customer Service Award Winner.
Congratulations to our Cobb award winners (left to right): Chaka Simmons, LPN, Nurse of the Year; Joanna Moore, Rhodes Perdue CNA of the Year; and Tiffany Fry, CNA of the Year Runner-Up.
Congratulations to our Wesley Woods award winners (from left to right): Mary Spikes, CNA of the Year Runner Up; Joyce Thomas, LPN of the Year Runner Up; Thyoris Ball, LPN of the Year; Sheneka Wade, Above and Beyond Award Winner; and Jane Anwuboh, CNA of the Year (pictured under group shot).
How Seniors Can “Engage at Every Age” from A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab May is “Older Americans Month,” a nationwide celebration of what older Americans contribute to society. Use this year’s theme, “Engage at Every Age,” as an opportunity to …
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from A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab
Kids are sponges, absorbing everything that’s thrown their way. Give children a peek into your world by sharing personal stories with them. This could involve connecting with your grandchild, reading to local children at a library or allowing yourself to be interviewed for a student’s project. You will come away with a positivity boost, and they will gain an alternative perspective on the world.
People of all ages and abilities can volunteer. Revisit a cause from your younger years, or take on a new cause you have always been passionate about. Some ideas include writing letters or sending care packages to military personnel, knitting clothes for babies, picking up litter in the local area, planting a community garden, serving as a tour guide, tutoring underprivileged youth or helping at an animal shelter.
No matter how niche your interests are, someone else likely shares your passions. Center your club around a hobby like gardening, reading, cinema or theatre and invite everyone in your local community to join. Even better, you can make your club intergenerational! Schedule special events like harvests, author visits, movie screenings or trips to theatre shows for a nice break from routine.
Active seniors tend to be happier and healthier overall. Even if you have arthritis, a low-impact exercise like swimming, yoga or tai-chi can help you stretch and strengthen your muscles without putting stress on your joints. If you like to move at a faster pace, consider joining a walking or biking group in the community. Keep your eyes peeled for charity walks, races and marathons in your area.
Did you know that 34 percent of seniors 65 and older use social media, 42 percent own a smartphone and 67 percent go online? The internet can connect you with family, friends and even people thousands of miles away. Plus, older voices are desperately needed in the online sphere, which tends to be dominated by the young. If you’re nervous or easily frustrated when it comes to technology, try taking a class at the library or tech store.
You are never too old to learn. Many local community centers offer low-commitment classes at reduced prices if you are just looking to dip your toe into a new subject area. Or, if you want to mix things up, you can attend college or university and earn a degree. There are many scholarships out there for so-called “non-traditional students,” so take a look into those opportunities if you’re interested.
After retiring, many seniors find themselves yearning for the structure and socialization that work provides. If you miss your industry or want to try something new altogether, start searching for low-stress part-time, seasonal or temp jobs. Retail and customer service are always good options, but you can also try something else, like being a driver, working for a nonprofit, doing direct sales, bookkeeping or freelancing.
Life becomes much more fulfilling when you have companions to share it with. At A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab, our friendly care team provides long-term care, short-term recovery and inpatient and outpatient therapy and rehabilitation for seniors. We care deeply for our community and foster social connection with regularly scheduled events and activities. Call us at (877) 918-6413 for more information.
The Cathedral Antiques Show raised more than $230,000 for A.G. Rhodes, which was the show’s beneficiary this year. Funds will be used to provide person-centered care for many A.G. Rhodes residents who are living with dementia and who lack the …
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The Cathedral Antiques Show raised more than $230,000 for A.G. Rhodes. A check was presented at the Cathedral of St. Philip on May 6.
The Cathedral Antiques Show raised more than $230,000 for A.G. Rhodes, which was the show’s beneficiary this year. Funds will be used to provide person-centered care for many A.G. Rhodes residents who are living with dementia and who lack the resources to pay for their medical and living expenses.
A.G. Rhodes will implement a Living Well with Dementia program, which will include:
“Thanks to the generosity of those who supported the Cathedral Antiques Show, the Living Well with Dementia program will enable elders living with dementia to thrive in a homelike environment, connected to and supported by their families and friends,” said Deke Cateau, Chief Executive Officer at A.G. Rhodes.
The Cathedral Antiques Show raised more than $230,000 for A.G. Rhodes. A check was presented at the Cathedral of St. Philip on May 6.
About the Show:
The Cathedral Antiques Show is a festival of art, antiques, and floral and interior design held annually to benefit a designated charity. The Show is a major outreach project sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women, and has raised more than $5 million for Atlanta-area nonprofits since its inception in 1969. For more information, visit www.cathedralantiques.org.
May 11, 2018