Senior Living Guide, April 2020

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As You Age, Keep Nutrition Top of Mind

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etting proper nutrition can be challenging for everyone, but especially as we age for a variety of reasons, including changing tastes, physical or dental conditions, and lack of access to healthy foods.

“It’s critical that people of all ages get proper nutrition, but especially seniors, and particularly now with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States,” says Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer with Cigna’s Medicare Advantage business, which offers Medicare plans in 18 states and the District of Columbia. “Good nutrition helps older adults stay active and vital, and can help them stave off or better manage chronic conditions.”

Cigna provides the following nutrition tips: • Make healthy choices. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your plate for colorful, nutrient-rich, fiber-filled meals.

Add flavor with spices and herbs instead of salt. Stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Even light exercise can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles.

• Consult your doctor. If your appetite is changing or you’re losing weight, talk to your primary care physician. There could be an underlying reason for these changes.

For instance, your medication might be affecting your appetite. Or maybe you’re dealing with depression. Your doctor can

work with you to identify possible causes.

• Adapt to changing tastes. There are a number of ways to change your eating habits to improve your nutrition, from eating more frequent, smaller meals to trying new foods and cooking styles. For tips on preparing healthy meals, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.

• See a dentist. A dentist may be able to address any dental problems impacting your ability to enjoy food. If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may have access to dental benefits at no extra cost. Check your plan for details.

• Explore options. If mobility is an issue, look for local organizations offering transportation or meal delivery to older adults. If you have an MA plan, you may have access to home-delivered meals following a hospitalization. One-third of hospital patients are malnourished at admission and poor nutrition increases their risk of having to return to the hospital after being released. Good nutrition helps patients regain their strength and energy faster for better recoveries. Check your plan for details.

• Get help. Some older adults with limited resources may qualify for assistance with food purchases through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Many older adults qualify for this program and don’t

! m.4 a e T , u o Y k.5 n a Th During these uncertain times, there is one thing we can count on— our amazing team who is dedicated to taking care of our residents.

Thank you to our nurses, caregivers, cooks, servers, housekeepers, janitors, and maintenance and administrative staff for all you do.

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know it. One way to verify eligibility is to visit Cigna.BenefitsCheckup.org and enter your information under the “Food & Nutrition” section.

If you aren’t eligible for this type of assistance, you can still find ways to save on food bills, including asking for senior discounts, using coupons, having a store discount card and buying store brands.

These are just a few resources. Every individual has unique needs. Cigna encour-

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ages you to talk with your physician for additional information about your personal nutrition requirements. For videos about senior nutrition and some warning signs of malnutrition, visit wnpt.org/agingmatters/nutrition-aging.

Proper nutrition is essential to overall health. As you age, keep nutrition top of mind and explore new ways to eat well.

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4 Tips for Millennial Caregivers

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aregiving affects all generations, with more than 10 million unpaid caregivers in the United States between the ages of 18-39, according to research published by AARP. That's 1 in 4 people nationwide who care for an older relative or friend. These young caregivers often take on the task alone, without the support of professionals, while juggling school and job responsibilities.

Millennial caregivers are not alone.

The people they care for are sometimes eligible for a variety of social and health support services through private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Taking advantage of these services can help lessen the workload for caregivers by providing them with much needed assistance.

Consider these tips from Capital Caring Health, the mid-Atlantic's largest nonprofit provider of hospice and athome-care services, to help young caregivers cope: • Don't go at it alone. According to a poll by AARP, 80% of younger people are stressed about caregiving. There are organizations that offer services and resources to help handle the challenges that come with caregiving. Caregivers are encouraged to ask a friend or loved one for help to avoid burnout or feelings of resentment.

• Learn what services are covered by insurance. If unsure about anything related to a loved one's insurance plan, the staff and volunteers at organizations like

Capital Caring Health can explain free of charge what services are covered.

• Make a list of care preferences in advance. Ensure the wishes and values of the person receiving care are honored by sharing a list of preferences with all other family or medical team caregivers.

• Look after yourself. It's difficult to be a good caregiver without maintaining physical and mental strength. Eat well, exercise and take time every day for enjoyable activities, like watching a movie or television show, reading a book or going to a trivia night.

Find more information at CapitalCaring.org, or call the 24-hour care line at 1-800-869-2136.

— Family Features

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We care for our residents just as we would our own family.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health I

f you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it's understandable.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success.

To mark American Heart Month, NHLBI, one of the National Institutes of Health, is inviting people across the country to team up and join #OurHearts, a national heart health initiative that encourages people to improve heart health together.

"Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and more," said NHLBI's Dr. David Goff, director of cardiovascular sciences.

Consider these five tips that can help lower your risk of heart disease: Risk: Inactivity Solution: Move more throughout your day. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity. Build up to activity that gets your heart beating faster

and leaves you a little breathless. If you're busy, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute chunks.

Stay motivated: Make walking dates.

Join a pickup soccer or basketball game.

Join a fitness class with your neighbor.

Grab a loved one and dance in your kitchen.

Risk: An unhealthy diet Solution: Consider an option like NHLBI's Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which

is free and scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Stay motivated: Invite friends to cook up heart healthy recipes together. Start a lunch club at work and trade recipe ideas.

Risk: Smoking, even occasionally Solution: Quitting can be beneficial to your overall health, even if you've smoked for years. Set a quit date and let those close to you know. If you've tried quitting in the past, consider what helped and

what made it harder.

Stay motivated: Ask your family and friends for support or join a support group. Find resources and connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or smokefree.gov.

Risk: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep Solution: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night helps improve heart health. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight may also improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Resist that late afternoon nap. Turn off all screens at a set time nightly. Relax by listening to music, reading or taking a bath.

Risk: Uncontrolled stress Solution: To help manage stress, try relaxation therapy and increase physical activity. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone you trust. De-stressing may also help improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Join a friend or family member in a relaxing activity like walking, yoga or meditation every day.

Learn about heart health and heart healthy activities in your community at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends, colleagues or family members are being heart healthy together. — Family Features

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WE ARE STRONGER

Falcons Landing is home to some of the bravest men and women who have honorably served and shaped our country. They are leaders, thinkers and active community volunteers. They are our family, and in this time of adversity, we are here continuing strong with our mission to not only keep our residents safe, but to value, support and enhance their lives. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing the services our residents deserve at the highest level possible. We are doing everything in our power to protect their health and to support them during this COVID-19 public health emergency.

Call (703) 810-7307 or visit www.FalconsLanding.org to learn more about our community.

20522 Falcons Landing Circle, Potomac Falls, VA 20165

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