{"id":3945,"date":"2020-11-30T08:00:33","date_gmt":"2020-11-30T15:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ralna.org\/?p=3945"},"modified":"2021-07-16T13:44:23","modified_gmt":"2021-07-16T20:44:23","slug":"senior-health-longevity-fighting-inflammation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ralna.org\/senior-health-longevity-fighting-inflammation\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Health & Longevity: Fighting Inflammation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
One of the most important aspects of senior health and longevity in residential assisted living is fighting unnecessary inflammation. Creating a diet and lifestyle that promotes health and wellness marks the path to preventing chronic inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inflammation poses many risks. Unfortunately, you can\u2019t touch it, feel it or see it \u2013 this is how inflammation slowly damages the body unknowingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In summary, inflammation is swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually swelling is the body’s natural way of healing itself from both infection and injury. Many seniors experience swelling for a completely different reason. It has nothing to do with disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As mom and dad age, the immune system can trigger a response without illness, injury or infection. As a result, cells that ordinarily protect the body start destroying healthy joints, organs and arteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 3 most common reasons for this inflammatory response are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caregivers must be mindful of this condition in assisted living in order to provide quality care. Chronic inflammation can have damaging consequences over the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the tricky part \u2013 symptoms and signs of chronic inflammation are often difficult to detect, especially during the initial stages. Some seniors feel tired or fatigued, while others feel completely normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Either way, inflammation raises a red flag, because it will begin to damage arteries, organs and joints \u2013 this is serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what happens when the body is silently suffering from inflammation. The Immune system cells build up fatty deposits in the lining of the arteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These plaques can eventually rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, it causes a clot to form that has the potential to block an artery. Unfortunately, when this blockage occurs, many seniors experience heart attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the good news that senior living businesses need to know about inflammation amongst seniors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inflammation can be controlled, reversed and sometimes even cured through simple diet and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It starts with talking to the residents\u2019 doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing inflammation can be a process. The following professional tips will help caregivers support seniors on their journey to prevent or reduce inflammation in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Prepare Proper Meals<\/strong> Other anti-inflammatory foods include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An anti-inflammatory diet also limits foods that promote inflammation, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let food become your anti-inflammation medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prepare whole foods in your residential assisted living home and minimize processed meals. Not only will eating anti-inflammatory food lower levels of inflammation, but it will also prevent diseases. Potassium-rich foods and low-sodium foods can also help regulate blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparing proper meals is one of the most important steps any senior living home can take toward providing quality care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Control Blood Sugar<\/strong> 3. Encourage Light Exercise<\/strong> 4. Lose Weight<\/strong> 5. Manage Stress<\/strong> When seniors in residential assisted living live longer, your home will stay occupied, which contributes to your bottom line. Providing quality care allows owners and operators to do good and do well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Residential Assisted Living National Association is a great resource for helping your business provide best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your food choices matter. They can protect against inflammation. Eat more fruits and vegetables and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
If you can create healthy disciplines with crafty culinary skills to encourage seniors to avoid unhealthy foods altogether, do it. Most importantly, limit simple carbohydrates, such as white flour, white rice, refined sugar and anything with high fructose corn syrup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regular exercise is an excellent way to prevent inflammation. Seniors who are able should walk or do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 4 to 5 times per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Losing weight is one of the easiest ways to decrease inflammation. When seniors are overweight, there is a higher risk of inflammation. This weight loss journey starts with proper diet and exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic stress is a major contribution to inflammation. Change how seniors respond to stressful situations by building better relationships and making your assisted living home feel safe, warm and caring.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLONGEVITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n