Articles and Information from GA Foods

This is part two of a four part series on socialization for older adults and attracting baby boomers to senior centers.

Topics: Senior Health, Aging Well

 

Loneliness might mean something different to everyone, but one thing has become clear: it doesn’t just mean living alone. In fact, recent studies show loneliness is linked to social isolation and an experience of not fitting in or belonging. So while some people can live alone and feel completely fulfilled, others can live with or around many people and still feel isolated – and this is especially true for seniors.

Topics: Senior Health, Aging Well

More than 20 million Americans are now choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan instead of Original Medicare, and the numbers are predicted to continue to grow. In fact, Medicare Advantage enrollment has increased 50 percent of over the past five years. It’s estimated by 2028 that 42 percent of enrollees will select a Medicare Advantage plan.

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Medicare, Post Discharge, Aging Well, Senior Health Plans

Healthcare in America is booming. New innovative technology, medicine, and techniques are continually improving recovery, life expectancy, and quality of life.

Topics: Aging Well

Every May, our nation observes Older Americans Month. This comes from the Administration on Aging, a division in the Federal Government. This years theme of Older Americans Month is "Engage at Every Age" with an emphasis on "you are never too old." The Administration on Aging suggests "to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being." One of the most important parts of physical activity is a healthy diet.

For older Americans, this can be more challenging. As we age, our sense of taste and smell change. We face dental issues like missing teeth, sore gums, or poorly fitting dentures. Saliva production decreases, often making it harder to swallow, and ultimately reducing our appetites.

Topics: Aging Well, Senior Nutrition, Menu Planning

The Benefits of Volunteering: Senior Volunteers Enjoy a Better Quality of Life

Volunteering is altruistic– a gift we give to others. Research reveals it’s also something great we do for ourselves! The benefits of volunteering are varied and even more pronounced for senior volunteers.

Senior volunteers are already more motivated than many of their younger community members. Therefore, senior volunteer recruitment and senior quality of life is a perfect match.

Topics: Aging Well, Volunteers, Volunteerism, Baby Boomers

This is the fourth article in a 4-part series on the role that nutrition plays in the health of Baby Boomers. Click here to read more articles about Baby Boomers.

Often, the terms "health" and "wellness" are used interchangeably. Do these terms mean different things? As a matter of fact, they do. Whereas most of us have a pretty good grasp of what it means to be healthy or fit, wellness is a bit more elusive and hard to pin down. How do you know you've achieved it? 

Topics: Nutrition, Chronic Disease Management, Aging Well, Senior Nutrition, Baby Boomers

According to Kaiser Health News, 28 percent of patients (many being older adults) who are offered home health care services when they are discharged from the hospital, refuse the services available, which could lead to delayed recoveries, and reduced independence. Studies indicate that those who refuse post-discharge services may have higher rates of readmission to the hospital and a lower quality of life.

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Medicare, Nutrition Care, Malnutrition, Post Discharge, Aging Well

According to  The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC), more than 90 percent of older adults prefer to stay in their homes rather than move to a senior facility. One of the challenges you face as a case manager is helping seniors to age in place. People want to stay in their homes because they are most comfortable with what is familiar. 

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Nutrition Care, Care Managers, Aging Well, Senior Nutrition

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Healthy Meals for Seniors, Aging Well, Senior Nutrition, Baby Boomers, Menu Planning