Last updated 3 days ago
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of blindness in seniors. This condition typically affects people over the age of 50. Your risk of developing AMD increases if you smoke or have a family history of the condition.
AMD occurs when the macula—the central part of the retina that is responsible for making images look sharp—deteriorates. Gradually, images will become blurrier until central vision is lost. Dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration are two types of AMD; wet macular degeneration, the less common type, develops when blood vessels at the back of the eye leak blood or fluid. People with AMD maintain their peripheral vision but struggle to drive, read, recognize faces, and perform tasks like sewing.
If you’re living with AMD, you don’t have to give up your independence. Come home to assisted living at San Clemente Villas by the Sea. Our team is always here to help when you need it, so you can feel confident about staying active. Learn more about our community of active seniors by calling us at (949) 485-4028.
Last updated 8 days ago
As you get older, it’s normal for your sleep schedule to change. After retirement in particular, you may notice a big shift in the way you sleep. Since you don’t have to get up for work, you may stay up a little later and sleep in a little longer. These changes can lead to problems like insomnia.
Watch this video to find out how seniors can tackle sleep issues. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day can help you keep your sleep habits regular and healthy. If you find that you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, discuss options for medication with your doctor.
Healthy lifestyles, including healthy sleep schedules, are what we provide for our residents at San Clemente Villas by the Sea. With activity-filled days and peaceful nights, we’re a great community for active seniors to call home. Find out more by calling (949) 485-4028.
Last updated 11 days ago
Falling is a major health risk for older adults, even among active independent seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three people over 65 fall annually. These falls can result in fractures, head injuries, and even death. If you’re a senior committed to a healthy lifestyle, or if you’re a caregiver for a senior, you need to know this information about fall dangers and prevention:
If you’re over age 65, your risk of falling increases. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury death in people over 65. In 2010 alone, 2.3 million seniors visited emergency rooms for treatment of fall-related injuries. Over 600,000 of those patients required hospital admission.
Why are falls so serious for seniors? Up to 30 percent of elderly people who fall experience moderate to severe injuries, including fractures, cuts, and brain injuries. Women are more likely to fracture a bone during a fall, while men are more likely to die from fall-related injuries. The injuries sustained during a fall can significantly limit mobility and can lead indirectly to other health problems. For instance, an inability to exercise can lead to weight gain, which in turn can trigger type 2 diabetes or heart problems.
It’s not always possible to prevent all falls, but there are many things you can do to mitigate the risk. If you experience bouts of dizziness, talk to your doctor about your medications. Exercise regularly to maintain leg strength and balance. Keeping your home free of trip hazards will also help.
One of the biggest dangers of falls for seniors is becoming injured when no one is around to help. At San Clemente Villas by the Sea, help is always at hand when you need it. Our assisted living center for active seniors offers the best of independent living with the support of medical help if you need it. Set up a time to tour our facility by calling (949) 485-4028.
Last updated 13 days ago
Calcium is essential for people of all ages, especially seniors. With age, the body’s calcium becomes depleted, which can leave you with weakened bones and teeth. A diet that incorporates calcium-rich foods—including dairy products, soy, salmon, almonds, and leafy vegetables—can help the elderly meet their calcium needs.
When the calcium levels in the bones become too low, a condition called osteoporosis develops. This degenerative bone disease affects women most often, but men can also be diagnosed with the condition. People with osteoporosis are more prone to dangerous bone fractures, loss of height, and reduced muscle strength. Getting an adequate amount of calcium will keep this condition at bay.
Residents of San Clemente Villas by the Sea have access to healthy meals every day to give them the nutrients they need. Learn about the other amenities we offer at our senior living center in Orange County by calling (949) 485-4028.
Last updated 17 days ago
As a senior, you may be older in years, but that doesn’t mean you have to be any less active. A regular regimen of exercise will keep your body healthy and strong, but what about your mind? The good news is that there are ways you can work out your brain and stay as mentally sharp and focused as ever. Put these brain-boosting tips into action so you can fully engage in an active senior community:
Games offer a great way to stay socially connected to friends and family, but playtime has other benefits as well. Taking part in a few rounds of cards or a favorite board game makes you analyze, predict, and problem solve, which helps keep your brain agile. When you’re on your own, reach for crossword puzzles to keep the brain challenges coming.
Daily writing offers tons of benefits for seniors. The act of writing itself is one more way to keep your brain on its toes by practicing fine motor skills. It also helps you keep your memory strong, encouraging you to keep track of your activities to journal them each day. Try writing future plans and goals as well as past activities in your diary to help you stay positive about the future. When you jot in your diary daily, it will also turn into a keepsake you can use to relive special memories.
Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining brain function. Aerobic exercise like walking delivers vital oxygen to the brain, and it helps the rest of your body stay in top condition as well. 30 minutes of walking or another aerobic activity most days will keep your body and brain in good shape.
At San Clemente Villas by the Sea, finding activities to engage in is always easy. The residents in our retirement community enjoy a calendar full of events designed to stimulate the mind and keep them moving. Find out what it’s like to live in a community of active, independent seniors. Set up a tour of our assisted living center by calling (949) 485-4028.
