Archive for category: Healthy Aging

Soak up the Sun? Getting Vitamin D and Saving Your Skin

It’s June in Kansas, so that means temps in the mid-80s and sunny skies. It can be tempting to want to bask in the sun’s rays. After all, a little bit of sun is good for us, right? Well, that all depends.

Benefits of Vitamin D

Our bodies need Vitamin D, which we get from the sun, to help absorb calcium. The “sunshine vitamin” helps with bone health, boosts our immune systems and can have other benefits as well.

Low vitamin D levels have been connected with osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cancer and rickets, according to medical experts.

We know that Vitamin D comes from the sun and that we need it for our bones to stay strong. The CDC even recommends spending time outside to improve health and wellbeing and reduce stress. However, they point out that too much exposure to the sun could put you at risk for skin cancer.

 

Dangers of Too Much Sun

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. And according to the American Cancer Society, about 5.4 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year.

“The number of these cancers has been increasing for many years. This is probably from a combination of better skin cancer detection, people getting more sun exposure, and people living longer,” said the American Cancer Society website.

Too much sun can also age skin faster and cause eye damage to the retina, sunburns and heat stroke.

 

Sun Safety

Most skin cancers come from ultraviolent or UV light. Those UV rays come from the sun year round. So even on cloudy days, it’s important to protect your skin.

Look for broad spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 30 or higher. When looking at SPF, the higher the number, the higher the protection. The CDC reminds you to reapply after two hours, as sunscreen wears off. And don’t forget all areas of exposed skin like hands, backs, ears and feet.

Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays help reduce your risk of cataracts and protect the skin around your eyes.

Remember that from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UV rays are the strongest. Keep an eye on the UV index to see how strong the exposure is for the day.

Lastly, seek shade. Avoid direct sun by lounging under an umbrella or large tree.

 

Finding a Happy Balance

So how do we safely get vitamin D if we need to avoid the sun?

“Just being outdoors you get a fair amount of sun exposure and some sun-related generation of vitamin D,” said Dr. Karl Insogna, Endocrinologist at the Yale School of Medicine. “It’s best to use sunblock when outdoors in strong sunlight for any prolonged length of time. Because this may limit the amount of vitamin D you get from sun exposure, make sure your diet includes sources of vitamin D from foods or supplements.”

Foods that provide Vitamin D include fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, fortified milk, yogurt, orange juice and tofu, and egg yolks.

Supplements are another option. “These are generally recommended for people with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, as well as for people with darker skin tones or with certain medical conditions that prevent them from going outdoors,” according to the Yale School of Medicine.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we encourage residents to get outside and get fresh air. However, we want residents to be safe. We’re mindful of all extreme temperatures and shaded areas for relief.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care throughout seven locations in Kansas. Two of our locations offer assisted living as well.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

 

Powerful Thinking: Why a Positive Mindset Could Affect Cognition

You’ve probably heard it before from self-help gurus: there’s power in positive thinking. That optimistic mindset may help you embrace new opportunities, conquer a challenge, or deal with some bad news.

The Mayo Clinic says, “having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.” Other theories imply that optimistic people often live healthier lifestyles.

Researchers have studied the effects of positivity as a response to major health issues, such as a cancer diagnosis or recovery from a heart attack. Now a new study out of the Yale School of Public Health looks at positive thinking and cognitive impairment.

 

Positive Thoughts About Aging

Research suggests individuals with mild cognitive impairment who think positively about aging may be able to recover memory.

“It is widely assumed that individuals who develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will not recover. Yet nearly half of older persons with MCI regain normal cognition,” according to the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study looked at nearly 2000 participants of men and women with an average age of 78 years old.

The results of the study confirmed the researchers’ hypothesis. The group who had a positive mindset on aging had a 30% greater likelihood of recovering their memory, than those in the negative belief group.

 

Aging Forward

The study did not provide any recommendations as to how to apply this new insight. However, it did propose that “age-belief interventions at the individual and societal levels could increase the number of people who experience cognitive recovery.”

 

About Advena Living

For many people, moving to a long-term care or assisted living community can be daunting. It can be difficult to think positively about that transition. However, facilities across the country are embracing new methods of person-centered care and models that feel less like an institution, and more like a home.

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives. Part of our guiding philosophy is that we honor choice. We believe that residents should always have a say in how they live their lives. We will work hard to accommodate what you want your schedule to be every day.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

The Lonely Side of Retirement: The One Thing Most People Don’t Consider

Most people in the workforce have probably thought about retirement at some point, even if they’re decades away from it. The idea of no longer working and getting to do whatever you want—travel, sleep in, try new hobbies—sounds lovely.

Some people are so excited about retirement, they’re doing it early. The average retirement age in the US is 62 years old, according to recent research. And if you were to ask people between the ages of 25-40 when the ideal time to retire is, they’d say around 59.

Of course there are factors to consider, like whether you can financially afford to retire early. But a new report shows there may be one reason to keep working as long as you can.

 

Retirement Woes

As part of a larger study from Harvard on happiness, researchers found that retirees don’t miss working. Instead, they miss the people they worked with.

Anecdotal evidence from the study participants showed they missed the connections and friendships with coworkers. Others found it hard to stay in touch after retirement.

 

Work Place Friendships

It’s natural to crave human contact. Being around your coworkers on a regular basis provides an easy way to connect with others. It’s not just the intentional acts of going out to lunch that fills that void. Even the simple day-to-day interactions, conversations and overall bonding can make you feel engaged.

For individuals whose social life revolved around their careers, it can feel especially lonely after retirement.

Loneliness in Older Adults

A study out of the University of California, San Francisco found 43% of people surveyed who were 60 and older reported feeling lonely.

Loneliness is a growing problem amongst older adults. And loneliness and social isolation can lead to other health problems.

 

Be More Socially Engaged

The solution to loneliness is to put yourself out there, even if it’s a little scary at first.

Here are some tips to stay socially engaged after you’ve retired:

  • Volunteer—this can help build sense of purpose and community
  • Join a club or organization—find people with similar interests
  • Take classes—if you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint, now is the perfect time
  • Call, write or visit with a friend every day—be intentional about staying in touch
  • Find low-key part-time work—it might be wrapping presents at the mall during the holidays or working at the library for a few hours a week.

 

About Advena Living

A long-term care or assisted living community offers a natural environment to foster relationships. But sometimes residents need a little encouragement.

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives and connect with their neighbors. Whether you prefer to be outside, you like to watch game shows or play cards, we’ll tailor our activities at all of our communities to your interests.

Part of our guiding philosophy is that we honor choice. We believe that residents should always have a say in how they live their lives. We will work hard to accommodate what you want your schedule to be every day.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

 

Bad Sleep, Bad Heart: Irregular Sleep Affects Your Ticker

We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. On the surface level, not snoozing enough can make us feel groggy and cranky all day. Much deeper, your body is working to repair itself while you’re catching some much needed zzz’s.

Medical experts say sleep can help your brain, overall health and mood. Not getting enough good sleep can lead to a whole slew of issues. Most recently, a study from the Journal of the American Heart Association found that poor quality sleep can increase your risk for heart disease.

 

Sleep Study

The study looks at irregular sleep and the link between atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in the arteries. The AHA says atherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

For the study, irregular sleep refers to variations in the duration of sleep and the timing of when you fall asleep.

The study analyzed sleep patterns in more than 2,000 older adults across all races and ethnicities. Participants kept track of their sleep in a diary and wore a tracker that monitored when they were sleeping and awake. They also completed an at-home sleep study.

Researchers assessed the participants heart health. They found those whose sleep durations varied by 90 minutes to two hours within a week were more likely to have risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

“These results suggest that maintaining regular or habitual sleep durations, or sleeping close to the same total amount of time each night, may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease,” said lead study author Kelsie Full, an assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

 

Counting Sheep

The AHA recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Part of a healthy routine includes going to bed and waking up around the same times every day.

For more resources on how to unplug before bed and improve the quality of your rest, click here.

 

Heart Disease Screenings

Meanwhile, it’s never too early to get screened for heart disease. The AHA recommends routine screenings starting at 20.

That includes checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, and discussing lifestyle factors with your doctor.

If you are at a high-risk for heart disease, additional tests can be done like an electrocardiogram (EKG) or stress test. High risk factors include a family history of cardiovascular disease, being overweight or a smoker, or having high blood pressure and cholesterol.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives. That might mean helping them quit smoking, eating a healthy diet or getting a better night’s rest.

We specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our rehab-to-home programs help individuals recover after an illness, accident or procedure and who need intensive therapies to get stronger and return to independence. Alternatively, we offer long-term care those who need assistance with routine activities on a daily basis.

Four Ways to Better Heart Health

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 32% of all deaths are related to heart disease. That includes heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, among other conditions.

While not always the case, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. The American Heart Association reports that 80% of cases can be avoided with the right diet and lifestyle.

Across the board, experts have stuck to the tried and true steps to better heart health.

 

Follow a healthy diet

The unanimous consensus is that eating better can reduce your risk of heart disease. The CDC recommends you eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Remember the Mediterranean Diet? All those healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocado are great for your heart.

While you’re at it, avoid the bad fats, or saturated fats. Those can raise your cholesterol and lead to plaque build-up in your arteries.

The CDC also recommends you reduce your intake of foods with added sugar and salt. Research from the National Institutes of Health found too much sodium causes you to retain water and that makes your heart work faster.

 

Get moving

The AHA recommends 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week, which is just over 20 minutes a day.  Moderate activity could include a brisk walk, dancing, gardening, tennis, casual biking or water aerobics.

Higher intensity activities would be running, aerobic dancing, hiking uphill, cycling or swimming laps.

The AHA also says to spend less time sitting.

 

Quit smoking

Smoking causes 25% of deaths from cardiovascular disease, according to the CDC. It does a lot of bad things to your body. Smoking can lower your good cholesterol, make your blood stick and likely to clot, damage cells, and cause blood vessels to thicken and narrow.

 

Reduce your stress

We’re beginning to learn that stress is the root of all evil. The AHA says stress may lead to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Other research looks at the ways that stress causes an increase in white blood cells and inflammation, which affect how your body functions.

Meanwhile, cardiologists have pointed out stress causes people to act in ways that could increase their risk of heart disease. That may mean turning to comfort foods or alcohol, curling up on your couch instead of exercising or smoking more.

Experts say it’s beneficial to your overall health to find time to relax each day. Find activities that are calming and enjoyable.

Also take a moment to acknowledge the great things in your life. According to the NIH, gratitude can improve your well-being and help you cope with stress.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we support our residents on their wellness journey, whether that means mental health support, smoking cessation, or an overall healthier routine.

Our rehab-to-home programs help individuals who need intensive physical, occupational and/or speech therapies get stronger and return to independence. Alternatively, long-term care is an option for those who need assistance with routine activities on a daily basis. Our team will work hard to make newcomers feel comfortable, happy and engaged.

We specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Senior Tech Trends: New Health Technology for 2023

We started to see an increase in seniors embracing technology during the height of Covid-19. Many people were shut off from the rest of the world and starving for connection. Whether in a senior living environment or isolating at home, many people turned to their tablets to video chat. Others relied on video calling hubs like Meta Portal, Amazon Echo and Google Nest.

“As more Baby Boomers age into senior and post-acute care services, they’re bringing with them smart devices such as phones, tablets and smart TVs,” according to Health Tech Magazine. “The new generation of older adults is more comfortable with technology than ever before.”

AARP conducted an in-depth study into the technology habits of older adults. Eighty percent of respondents in an online poll said technology has become a big part of their life and it’s used frequently to connect with loved ones.

Meeting the Demand

As the need for senior-focused technology expands, companies are looking into services to increase connectivity, independence, entertainment and more.

The Consumer Technology Association just wrapped up CES 2023, the self-dubbed “most influential tech event in the world.” The conference puts the spotlight on tech trends and innovation.

Some of those proposed ideas include more lifelike robots to foldable cellphones to fancy new cars. Others addressed common issues people face or focused on improving your health.

One Stop Shop

One of the latest products pitched at CES 2023 is aimed to make your smart home smarter, easier and more reliable.

Matter is a universal smart home system that bundles everything together. Basically, you take all of your smart devices from any manufacturer and they work together in one hub. That means your Alexa, security system, heating system, and entertainment can all be connected by one platform.

AARP’s survey found, while older adults want to use more technology, they often find it difficult to learn or navigate. Sixty-eight percent do not believe technology is designed for them to use. That’s why something like Matter could be great for seniors, as it combines multiple devices and programs into one.

 

Monitoring Your Health

Two innovations to come out of CES 2023 this year involve monitoring your health with the help of your toilet.

U-Scan is a sensor that attaches to your toilet bowl and analyzes your urine. It tracks nutrition, metabolic information, hormones and more.

Meanwhile, the Heart Seat is a smart toilet seat that monitors heart rate, blood oxygen and blood pressure.

 

Life-Changing Technology

Other proposed technology at CES 2023 focuses on solving health problems or improving the quality of life:

  • Healables: smart clothing to treat chronic pain
  • Orbitor: a smart cushion for your wheelchair to reduce pressure injuries
  • Jabra Enhance Plus: wireless and advanced hearing aids
  • Touchpoints: a non-invasive way to reduce stress and improve focus
  • Xander Glasses: glasses that display real-time captions of in-person conversations to help people with hearing loss
  • Whissp: AI-powered speech technology

While many of these products are newly introduced and haven’t hit the market, they’re game changers in improving the quality of life for older adults.

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we encourage residents to bring a tablet, smartphone or whatever other technology that helps connect you to your loved ones, and another other devices that help their overall wellbeing.

We aim to be so much more than a traditional nursing home. Even in a heavily regulated environment, we strive to make the concept of “home” a real thing for everyone who lives in our communities. It is our goal to ensure that each resident gets to live how they want to, on their own schedule, and is able to maintain those special daily pleasures, rituals and traditions that make them who they are.

Advena Living specializes in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Mediterranean diet

Go Greek: Eating Your Way to a Healthier Life

Mediterranean diet

If eating better in 2023 is your New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to load up your plate with chickpeas. For the sixth year in a row, US News & World Report lists Mediterranean food as the best cuisine for healthy living. This type of eating style packs a punch when it comes to health benefits.

Researchers found that people in countries bordering the Mediterranean sea were exceptionally healthy and had a lower risk of chronic health conditions.

 

Mediterranean Cuisine

The basis of the Mediterranean diet includes plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts.

Extra-virgin olive oil is a staple and provides the good kind of fat that lowers cholesterol.

Don’t forget that piece of salmon. Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is also on the Mediterranean menu.

Meanwhile eggs, dairy and poultry are eaten in smaller portions and red meat is used sparingly.

Red wine consumption is allowed on the Mediterranean diet, in moderation. Red wine offers more antioxidants than other alcohol, along with less sugar. It’s also low in carbs and fat. There’s also plenty of research on the health benefits to drinking red wine— from reducing cognitive decline to lowering your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Trans fats, foods with added sugars, ultra-processed foods and refined grains are to be avoided.

For more information on foods to include and avoid, click here.

 

Get Moving

Part of any healthy lifestyle involves exercise and movement.

The National Institutes of Health say that combining the Mediterranean eating pattern with physical activity can protect against inflammation and chronic disease.

The emphasis here is on exercise that is also enjoyable, like a walk, hike, swimming or riding a bike.

 

Health Benefits

There are a myriad of health benefits from consuming Mediterranean foods. Experts at Johns Hopkins say it lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Other studies find the Mediterranean diet has helped with brain health.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we support whatever lifestyle you want to follow—whether that’s eating a plant-based diet, ending your day with a glass of red wine, or taking a stroll outside.

We believe in treating everyone with compassion, respect and dignity, while encouraging residents to live their best lives.

Advena Living specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Catching Zzz’s: How Covid-19 Affected Our Sleep Habits

We’ve all seen the many studies about the aftermath of Covid-19 on everything from how it affected our health and wellbeing, to our consumer habits, and even how we work. A new study by Samsung released this week looked at how Covid-19 changed how we sleep.

The data was gathered from Samsung’s Health platform during the pandemic. What the company found was that people spent more time in their bed but the sleep quality had decreased.

“In other words, people have spent more time trying to sleep and less time getting their much-needed rest.”

The full analysis of the study can be found here.

Tips for Better Sleep

The CDC says it’s important to establish healthy habits throughout the day to help you sleep better at night.

Here are five tips to improve your sleep:

  • Consistency is key: go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning to establish a routine.
  • Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature.
  • Remove electronic devices from the bedroom.
  • Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
  • Get some exercise throughout the day.

For more tips, including what to do if you don’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we encourage residents to continue their sleep habits and routines, regardless of their environment. That’s why we don’t have scheduled wake up and bed times at any of our seven communities. Residents can wake up whenever they want to, and we will be ready to greet their day with a hot meal.

Advena Living specializes in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a caring environment where they may continue to live their best lives.

Creating Community: Why A Social Network is Important For Aging

The social distancing and lockdowns of Covid-19 shed light on the dangers of isolation and loneliness. That was especially true for seniors, who are already at risk of those things.

As we begin to see more studies and information disseminated on healthy aging, it’s more apparent than ever that social connections and community are an important piece.

An in-depth report on aging from the World Health Organization (WHO), found that having a sense of community or connectedness is the key to aging more successfully. Positive health benefits included lower rates of anxiety, stronger immune system, improved cognitive function.

Similar studies have found having a social network wards off depression and maintains or increases physical activity.

The big question is how do we create a sense of community if we don’t have one already? According to a Livestrong.com article there are eleven ways to get started.

The first step to creating community is taking inventory of your current group. Look at how often you’re interacting and the types of activities and decide what you need to be fulfilled. Examine your relationships and determine which ones need nurturing and who is part of your real support system.

If you’re looking for new people to join your circle, consider meeting them through shared hobbies and activities. “Getting back to these interests can increase autonomy and feelings of purposefulness, as well as give you a chance to explore social connections with new people.”

Volunteering also opens doors into new friendships and provides the added benefit of giving back.

For more tips on how to create a healthy aging community, click here.

About Advena Living

Moving to an assisted living or long-term community comes with a built-in social group. We try to facilitate connections between residents as we get to know their individual preferences, hobbies and interests. Our Activities Directors provide ample opportunities for social engagement through activities in and out of the building and other special events.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

“Life is Good”— A New Impression of Aging

Would you take a pill that granted you 10 extra years of life? That was one of the many proposed questions from an in-depth study regarding Americans’ perceptions of aging. (75% of people surveyed said yes, by the way.)

The collaboration between AARP and National Geographic, “The Second Half of Life Study,” focused on aging in relation to health, happiness, home, finances, dying and more. To get the best results, they surveyed more than 2,500 adults from 18 to their 90s across all different backgrounds, ethnicities and demographics.

The results were a lot to unpack. You can read the findings here. But the common theme was of hope and positivity when it comes to aging in America.

Research showed an increase in happiness as you get older. “The focus on happiness isn’t about wealth, beauty or any of the other standards typically associated with youth-driven pop culture. Instead, as people age, an optimism and contentment emerge in parallel with an alignment of expectations and realities.”

The study found happiness comes focusing on quality of life, relationships and independence.

Interestingly, we learned that stress and anxiety also diminish with aging. We have more concerns about our future when we are under 40 than in our 70s and 80s.

“The people in the study with the most real-life aging experience to draw on— those 85 and up—report that in almost every important category, life worked out just fine. Up to 90 percent say so about meaningful relationships, living arrangements, mental sharpness, finances and mobility.”

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, we welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.

Part of our guiding philosophy is that we honor choice. We believe that community members should always have a say in how they live their lives. That means deciding when you want to eat, wake up, go to sleep and participate in activities.

We want you to continue to enjoy the simple daily pleasures, rituals and activities that make you  who you are.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.