Last updated 4 months ago
As you enter your senior years, eating gets a bit trickier. For example, you may find that you’re less hungry than you used to be. If fact, most people need fewer calories as they age. Even if you find that your appetite hasn’t changed, you need to consider restricting your calories and making healthier choices to prevent weight gain. Here are some dietary tweaks you can make to stay healthy and maintain your active senior lifestyle:
A balanced diet that sticks closely to the USDA’s MyPlate diagram is a good place to start for most seniors. If you have health conditions that impact your diet, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, talk to your doctor about making changes that better accommodate your needs. Tuft University’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging has devised a food pyramid for seniors over 70 to follow.
There are a number of nutritional supplements aimed at senior citizens—but unless there is some health reason that prevents you from eating normally, try to get the bulk of your nutrition from whole food sources. You should watch out for popular protein supplements marketed toward seniors; these are more fattening and expensive than natural protein sources and not as good for you. Also, using these to replace your meals can overtax your kidneys.
During your senior years, as your calorie needs changes, you need to be more diligent about your caloric intake. Since you need fewer calories to maintain your weight, you can’t get the nutrition you need if you use up this decreased calorie limit on sweets and fried foods. Replace your less nutritious foods with ones that give you plenty of health benefits and fewer calories. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains all fall into this category. Talk to your doctor about good food choices.
The active lifestyle of the seniors at San Clemente Villas by the Sea helps them beat weight gain. Our kitchen also cooks up gourmet, healthy meals to ensure our senior residents get the right balance of nutrition. Learn more about our assisted living community by calling (949) 485-4028.
Last updated 4 months ago
The best staff, food and activities out of all the other local communities. Just visit and talk to the seniors who live there. Many have lived in other places and they all told me that the Villas has the most personality. They attribute it to the private ownership and the fact that the owners are in their community daily. Sara A.
More
Last updated 4 months ago
Are you pulling on your sweater at the same time others are heading outside in their shorts? Feeling cold all the time may seem like just one of your quirks, but in fact, it can be a signal of a health problem.
This video discusses some of the reasons why you may experience cold intolerance. Hypothyroidism is one possible culprit. Thyroid hormones are responsible for cellular metabolism, so when your hormone levels are low and that metabolism slows, you’ll feel colder. The slowed circulation that comes with aging can also make you more prone to feeling cold.
One way to beat the cold is to join our active senior community at San Clemente Villas by the Sea. Our year-round warm temperatures are just one of the elements that make our community great. Learn more by calling (949) 485-4028.
Last updated 4 months ago
Changes in your body’s rhythms are another part of aging. You may find you need less to eat and get tired more easily during physical activity. It’s also natural for seniors to experience changes in their sleep patterns. The trick is to make simple lifestyle changes to accommodate these natural shifts, and to talk to your doctor about these changes. Here is a guide to getting all the shuteye you need in your senior years:
-
Why Your Sleep Cycle Changes - As you enter your senior years, you produce less growth hormone. Growth hormone is associated with deep sleep, so it’s common for seniors to become light sleepers. You may notice that you wake up more times during the night, thanks to shorter sleep cycles. You may find you need more hours in bed to get the same amount of sleep. As you age, your circadian rhythm, or “body clock,” also changes. If you become a morning person after a lifetime as a night owl, it is because of this body rhythm change.
-
How Much Sleep You Should Get - The amount of sleep one needs varies from person to person. On average, seniors do well with 7.5 hours per night. However, some people need more, and some people need less. Listen to your body; if you’re chronically tired during the day, you may need more rest.
-
When You Should Call Your Doctor - Changes to your sleep patterns are normal. Struggling to fall asleep nightly is not, and it is something you should discuss with your doctor. Also let your doctor know if you feel tired after sleeping, can’t stay awake during the day, and feel fatigued. These are signs of insomnia, which can a lead to depression, cardiovascular disease, and other ailments.
San Clemente Villas by the Sea is a senior assisted living center with staff available around the clock to help when your sleep problems need attention. With the full calendar of activities, we’ll also keep your days full so you’re ready for sleep at night. Learn more about our retirement resort by calling (949) 485-4028.
Last updated 4 months ago
Living well as a senior is all about taking care of your health and staying active. Browse these links for information about caring for yourself and preventing common senior woes.
-
If you experience any of these symptoms of Parkinson’s, as reported by the National Parkinson Foundation, call your doctor.
At San Clemente Villas by the Sea, we’re committed to helping you stay active and independent. You’ll love our stunning ocean side setting and constantly evolving social calendar. Schedule a tour of our complex today by calling (949) 485-4028.
