Articles and Information from GA Foods

(This post was originally published on February 15, 2018 and updated on July 10, 2019).

We all know that eating healthy can help to reduce your risk of heart disease-- and your waistline! But did you know that heart-healthy foods can be delicious? ! And it's easier than you may think! 

With nearly 1 in 6 seniors facing the threat of hunger and malnourishment, food insecurity is now a nationwide epidemic that is getting more expansive by the day. And with a yearly healthcare bill of $130 billion due to medical issues stemming from senior hunger, it’s also getting more expensive.

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

Like all forms of activity, socialization becomes increasingly more important as we age. From stress levels and self-esteem to fitness and overall health, an active social life directly affects an older adults’ mental, physical, and emotional state, making it key to a longer life. But what’s more, are the cognitive benefits. Consistent social interactions and positive relationships don’t just keep seniors stimulated, they keep them mentally sharp and intellectually engaged, helping to prevent declines in memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia.

Most caregivers and healthcare professionals know how dangerous, and frequent falls are for older adults.  As we age, our bodies react differently, and a  fall can be life-threatening. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. Falls can lead to severe injuries and a rapid decline in health. As aging increases, the chances of falling also increases. One out of three people over 65 years old and one out of two people over 85 years old, experience a fall every year.  Falls are caused by many factors such as mobility problems, poor vision or hearing, conditions in the home, and malnutrition. 

As people age, the ability to remain independent in their homes and make decisions regarding their care may diminish. The causes may be due to physical reasons such as medical conditions or cognitive dysfunction. Social determinants of health, like safety in the home, community support, or economic status, also impact an older person’s autonomy and quality of life.

September is National Senior Center Month and this year's theme is "Building Momentum." Before we get into the importance of senior centers and giving them recognition, it is probably best to start out with some history.

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.

February is American Heart Month! It is an excellent time to take charge of your health. Regular visits to your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol are simple ways to know your risk factors for heart disease. In fact, 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be preventable through education and action.

Medicare open enrollment is happening right now, so it's time to enroll in a Medicare plan by going to the Medicare.gov website. Open enrollment closes on December 7, and new Medicare coverage begins on January 1, 2018.