Senior Lifestyle

SENIOR

August 2021

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Hospice Ensures Quality of Life at the End of Life

Many people shy away from the words hospice or “end of life care” and do not broach the topic. This subject is often only considered at the last minute when a decision is much needed, within a day, or at times, within a few hours. We at Absolute Compassion believe there is a better way.

Knowledge and education can give us peace of mind in moments when medical decisions have to be made for loved ones, friends and neighbors. Being familiar with what hospice and palliative services are, as well as understanding ones’ rights and options, can be of tremendous comfort to all involved in these stressful moments of decision making.

Patients with incurable medical conditions and less than six months of life expectancy can benefit from hospice services provided by a compassionate team of health care professionals who support all areas of wellbeing: the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s care. Hospice care services focus on quality of life during that moment, managing pain and symptom relief rather than curative treatments.

We encourage you to attend one of our community trainings/classes and meet with our team of dedicated professionals, so you can have peace of mind while making or helping someone else make quality of life decisions. Please call or email us for questions or concerns regarding hospice services.

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Senior Lifestyle • August 2021 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

How to build friendships in your golden years Making friends as a child or even as a parent to school-aged children is relatively easy. Classrooms and school functions facilitate the building of friendships. Even as one gets older and enters the workforce, it’s not uncommon for people to become friends with their coworkers.

As people near retirement age, their situations may have changed considerably. Children have moved out, careers are coming to an end and friendships may be hard to maintain due to people relocating or traveling. Older adults may aspire to make new friends, but they may not know how.

According to Irene S Levine, Ph.D., The Friendship Doctor and contributor to Psychology Today, it is not unique for seniors to want to make new friends. Age can be a barrier because there are stereotypes that pigeonhole people of certain ages. But Levine notes that state of mind and physical ability is not directly tied to chronological age. Making friends is possible at any age.

These guidelines can help along the way.

Explore online connections. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Gerontology found se-

niors (even those in their 80s) who stay connected with friends and family using social media report feeling less lonely and better overall. Connected seniors also demonstrated higher executive reasoning skills. There are plenty of ways to meet new people online by joining social media groups that cater to your interests. In person meetings in particular cities or regions of the country also can make for great ways to make new friends. Exercise caution when meeting people in person after contacting them online. Bring another person along, whether it’s a spouse or an adult child, to ensure that you are safe.

Volunteer your time. One way to meet new people is to get involved with causes or activities you love. This serves the double benefit of getting you outside and active and puts you in touch with people who share your passions and interests.

Attend alumni events. If you have an interest getting in touch with someone from your past and reconnecting, make the time to attend school reunions and other alumni activities.

It can be fun to reconnect with friends from high school or college.

Join a gym. The local gym isn’t just a great place to get physically fit. Group exercise classes also can be ideal places to meet other people who enjoy working out. Strike up a conversation with another class participant you see on a regular ba-

sis. Once you develop a rapport, schedule lunch dates so your friendship grows outside of the gym.

Making friends is not just for the young. Men and women over 50 also can find ways to build new friendships.

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Senior Lifestyle • August 2021 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

The benefits of skilled nursing facilities

A drink to soothe your stomach Smoothies are often associated with breakfast, but they actually can be enjoyed all day long.

Smoothies have been around since the 1920s, when the first blender was invented

by Stephen Poplawski. In 1939, the Waring blender company designed a pamphlet that came with the appliance that included fruitbased drinks.

Smoothies can include a variety of ingredients and serve various purposes. This recipe for a Ginger Papaya Smoothie from Super Smoothies (Crestline) by Ellen Brown employs ginger, which can help overcome nausea and other stomach issues.

Ginger Papaya Smoothie Yields 4 1-cup servings 1 cup chilled papaya nectar 1 container (8 ounces) peach low-fat yogurt

Many aging adults reach a point in their lives when they can no longer care for themselves without some help. Some may just need a little help around the house, while others with more extensive needs may choose to relocate to skilled nursing facilities.

Some aging adults may be able to choose living facilities on their own, and many may even dictate their choices as part of their estate planning. In other instances, such as when seniors suddenly become ill and are incapable of caring for themselves, the decision may need to be made by relatives. Families have a variety of options when looking for living facilities for aging men and women, and there are a host of benefits to skilled nursing facilities.

- Professional care: Many facilities offer skilled nursing care.

Skilled nursing care is administered by licensed nurses and therapists.

Skilled nursing facilities, or SNFs, are designed to tend to the needs of residents who require a level of medical care that goes beyond what assisted living facilities can provide.

- Peace of mind: Medical attention at SNFs is available around the clock. That often provides residents’ relatives substantial peace of

mind, as they know licensed professionals will be on hand to address their loved ones’needs at all hours of the day and night.

- Criteria: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will only certify facilities that meet strict criteria. When shopping for an SNF, individuals and families should inquire about certification.

CMS-certified facilities are subject to periodic inspections to make sure residents are receiving the highest quality care. That’s another factor that should give families some peace of mind.

- Proximity: According to Commonwealth Medicine, there are more than 15,000 SNFs in the United States. These facilities care for nearly 1.5 million people. With so many facilities across the country, families can surely find one for a family member in need that’s close to home. Routine visits from friends and family can help seniors make a smooth transition to an SNF and reassure relatives that they won’t have to travel far and wide each time they want to see their loved ones.

Skilled nursing facilities can help aging adults navigate daily life when they can no longer take care of themselves.

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cup silken tofu cup whey protein powder tablespoons crystallized ginger cups papaya cubes, frozen papaya spears for garnish (option-

Combine papaya nectar, yogurt, tofu, whey protein powder, and crystalized ginger in a blender or smoothie maker. Blend on high speed for 45 seconds or until mixture is pur’ed and smooth. Add papaya cubes and blend on high speed again until mixture is smooth. Serve immediately garnished with papaya spears, if desired.

Tip: Crystallized ginger is fresh ginger that has been cooked in sugar syrup to render it both sweet and tender. It is usually then coated with sugar to prevent the slices from sticking together. To find crystallized ginger, look in the baking section of your supermarket rather than the produce aisle.

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The Meadows at Country Place celebrates their 10 year anniversary The Meadows at Country Place was Come feel the love. Schedule a tour founded in 2011 by a loving husband and Rangi will be happy to show you and wife, John Fortunato Cimino Jr around. and Rangi Giner. They both wanted to create a community where excellent quality care will be available to the elderly of the Greenhaven area, Pocket, Land Park and it’s neighboring communities in Sacramento, California.

The Meadows at Country Place have served over a hundred residents with various levels of care needs over these ten years. Residents in the community age in place and enjoy the comforts of home provided by trained and highly qualified caring staff.

As they celebrate their 10 year anniversary this 2021, Rangi and her care team extend their sincere gratitude to families and friends who continue to support their community and provide the best testimonials to the care that they continue to provide.

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Senior Lifestyle • August 2021 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Exercise ideas for people with mobility issues Physical activity is vital to overall health.

The World Health Organization says limiting time spent being idle and taking advantage of opportunities to get moving, even if it’s just a little bit of exercise, can go a long way toward improving overall health.

In November 2020, the WHO released new exercise guidelines for people of all ages.

Adults should get between 150 and 300 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, and that includes older adults and those with chronic conditions or disabilities.

Individuals with limited mobility due to age or preexisting medical conditions may wonder how they can meet the guidelines for exercise. Those with chronic pain or illness sometimes find that exercising for more than a few minutes can be challenging. Even brief periods of exercise can pay dividends, and there are various approaches people can take to work around mobility and other issues.

Explore chair exercises Just because you are seated doesn’t mean you can’t get a workout in. Seated chair exercises can work various muscle groups. Seated arm rows, tummy twists, overhead arm raises, hand squeezes with a tennis ball, inner thigh squeezes, leg lifts and extensions, and many other exercises can be customized to be performed in a chair.

Work out in the water Exercising in the water can assist with movement and reduce strain on the body.

The Arthritis Foundation says the water’s buoyancy supports body weight, which minimizes stress on joints and can alleviate pain.

Water provides gentle resistance as well, up to 12 times the resistance of air. That means it’s possible to build strength and muscle even just walking or swimming around a pool.

Use resistance bands Resistance bands are like giant rubber bands that can be used to build up strength and flexibility. Resistance bands are effective, lowcost gear that can offer high-impact results for building muscle, staying fit and increasing mobility. Resistance bands can be used in lieu of hand weights for many exercises and be ideal for those who find barbells and dumbbells are challenging to maneuver.

Mind-body exercises are an option Elder Gym, a fitness from home service for seniors, suggests exercises like Tai Chi and yoga for those with limited mobility. These exercises integrate awareness of body movement with the exercise through coordinated breathing. The exercises en-

Using resistance bands and doing chair exercises are ways for individuals with limited mobility to get fulfill their weekly physical activity requirements.

courage people to focus on slow, fluid movements and deep stretching.

Seniors and others with limited mobility are advised to first discuss fitness regimens with a physician to get a green light to proceed. Then exercise regimens can be

started gradually and altered to become more vigorous as the body acclimates to exercise. Increase duration and frequency as strength and endurance builds.

No-bake dessert is ideal for warm weather entertaining Backyard barbecues beckon and poolside entertaining reigns supreme every summer.

After guests have had their fill of fire-licked grilled burgers, hot dogs and chicken, a refreshing dessert that won’t have summertime hosts sweating preparation can make for the perfect culinary capper.

“Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars” marry tangy cream cheese with sweet and velvety banana pudding atop a cookie crust. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and easily sliced when the dessert bell beckons. Double up the recipe if you’re expecting a crowd or want to have a few leftovers, they’re that delicious.

Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of Lena Abraham, senior food editor and stylist at Delish.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Yields: 9 servings FOR CRUST 1 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies 5 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons sugar

Pinch sea salt

FOR FILLING 1 1/2 (8 ounces) blocks cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 cup whipped topping 1 3.4-ounce package instant banana pudding mix 1 3/4 cup whole milk FOR TOPPING

Whipped topping 1/2 banana, sliced 9 vanilla wafer cookies 1. Line an 8-inch by 8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Make crust: In a medium bowl, combine crushed wafer cookies with butter, sugar and salt. Press in an even layer into the prepared pan. Place in freezer while making filling.

3. Make cheesecake filling: In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer), beat cream cheese until fluffy and no clumps remain. Add sugar and beat until combined. Fold in whipped topping and set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk. Let pudding stand for 3 minutes in the refrigerator, until thickened. Fold into cheesecake mixture until well combined.

5. Pour filling into prepared crust and smooth into an even layer. Freeze until bars are firm, at least 6 hours and up to overnight.

6. When firm, remove from freezer and slice into nine bars. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped topping, a slice of banana and a vanilla cookie before serving.

Note: If banana isn’t your favorite flavor, replace banana pudding with lemon pudding and use a thin lemon slice in the whipped topping dollop as a garnish when serving.

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Senior Lifestyle • August 2021 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Tips for first-time RV drivers Whether it’s the welcoming weather or the chance to follow a favorite football team or, of course, the awe-inspiring foliage, fall compels many people to hit the open road.

A car or truck might suffice for a day trip or weekend getaway, but those who want to travel more extensively often do so in an RV. Recreational vehicles, or RVs, provide a taste of home away from home for millions of people every year. RVs allow people to visit even the most remote locations without having to worry about finding food or lodging. As welcoming as the interior of an RV can be, it’s also easy for first-time RV drivers to feel a little intimidated. RVs are the largest vehicles many people will ever operate, and even long-time drivers will likely need some time to adjust. That adjustment period can go smoothly if drivers take steps to grow more comfortable behind the wheel before embarking on their trips.

- Recognize that practice makes perfect. A cross country RV trip is a dream vacation for many people, but drivers must learn to crawl before they can walk. RVs are much bigger and heavier than cars and trucks, and practice runs can help drivers grow acclimated to that size. Don’t begin a practice run without first noting the class and height of the vehicle. The online camper re-

source Camper Report notes that Class C RVs average 10 feet in height, while Class A RVs are typically between 13 and 14 feet tall. Measure the height of your RV prior to your first practice run so you can be sure you can make it beneath all overpasses on your route.

- Take a companion along. Drivers behind the wheel of a car or truck may not give a second thought to driving in reverse or navigating their way around parking lots. But such situations require some forethought, and even a little help, when driving an RV for the first time. A traveling companion can direct drivers into and out of parking spots until they grow more acclimated to operating an RV. - Utilize leveling blocks. RV leveling blocks help RVs stay level when parked on sloped surfaces. The RV experts at TheRVGeeks. com note that RVs need to be level in order for equipment to work properly. That’s problematic if you park at a campsite with uneven ground. Even if equipment is functional when parked on marginally sloped surfaces, navigating your way through an RV parked on such ground is inconvenient if not annoying. Leveling blocks also can keep jacks from sinking into soft ground, making them an inexpensive yet useful accessory for any RV trip.

- Practice dumping your tanks. Drivers whose RVs have toilets will eventually need to dump their waste. Drivers should practice this in advance of their first trip so they are practiced when the time comes to do it on the road. Tutorials on YouTube can teach drivers how to dump their tanks. Drivers

also can invest in a highly rated, thick sewer hose to avoid being sprayed with waste while out on the road.

RV travel is a great way to experience the open road. First-time RV drivers can try various strategies to get used to what it’s like to be behind the wheel of these unique vehicles.

Fresh vegetables are the star of summertime meals When the mercury rises, savvy cooks know lighter fare is the name of the game.

Light recipes can be made even better by incorporating fresh produce thatÕs full of vitamins and minerals. ItÕs even possible to grow many of these foods right in your own backyard garden.

Baked Peppers With Rice Stuffing (Bajoques Farcides) is a delicate stuffed peppers recipe that originated in Alcoy, Spain.

Rich flavors from pork and chicken pair with sweet peppers, tomatoes and corn for a filling, yet not overly dense dish that’s perfect for warm a weather lunch or a light dinner. This recipe comes courtesy of M. Teresa Segura’s Spain: Authentic Regional Recipes (Fall River Press).

Baked Peppers With Rice Stuffing Serves 6 3 1 5

tablespoons olive oil large chicken breast, diced ounces lean pork, diced

4 ounces ham or smoked bacon, diced 7 ounces short-grain rice 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 3 tablespoons corn kernels 2 teaspoons paprika

Pinch powdered saffron

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 6 large red bell peppers Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the chicken, pork and ham or bacon until colored on all sides. Take the pan off the heat and reserve.

Meanwhile, cook the rice in plenty of boiling salted water until done- usually about 15 minutes, but follow the instructions on the package. Drain and reserve the rice.

Add the garlic, chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, corn kernels, paprika, saffron, salt and pepper, and parsley to the pan containing the meat. Let the sauce simmer and reduce the vol-

ume of liquid by about half. Stir the rice into the sauce.

Oil a deep ovenproof dish big enough to take all the peppers. Cut off lids at the stalk ends of the peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff them with the meat and rice mixture and replace the lids. Tuck the peppers into the dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325 F for 1 1/4 hours.

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Situated in the prestigious Pocket neighborhood of Sacramento, ACC Maple Tree Village continues the 50-year tradition of ACC Senior Service in providing a family-like atmosphere with superior care.

With an individualized approach to care, we encourage you to call today to learn more about how our community can fit your lifestyle and care needs.

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Senior Lifestyle • August 2021 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

The Mystery of Willmina Sloppye

By Ted Fong “She loved me, and she was so kind,” says 89-year-old Jeanne McGrath as she visited the old East Sacramento home of her late grandmother, Willmina Sloppye. Built in 1907, the home at 1400 37th Street brought back childhood memories to Jeanne who is now living with Alzheimer’s.

In 1932, Willmina Sloppye wrote and copyrighted a love song called, When I Dream My Sweet Dream of You. Says Jeanne’s daughter and caregiver Kathryn McGrath, “No one in the family had any idea that my great-grandmother was musical.

How did she write this song? Why did she write it?”

Indeed, this was an amazing feat for someone with no formal education as census records show. The melody, harmony, and lyrics of the song could have been right out of Jerome Kern’s Showboat in 1927. The song is musically legit.

In 1998, before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jeanne discovered Willmina’s manuscript after her mom passed, but she filed it away for another 23 years. In April 2021, Kathryn brought the song to the attention of Soojin Yoo, a social worker at ACC Senior Services, who was helping her plan for Jeanne’s care.

Kathryn wanted Jeanne to hear the song while she was still able to appreciate music.

ACC Senior Services collaborated with James Scott, the archivist at the Sacramento Public Library, to research Willmina Sloppye and the mystery song. On July 28, 2021, ACC and James Scott presented their findings to the McGraths at ACC Senior Services in Pocket-Greenhaven.

Willmina Sloppye was born on August 12, 1882, in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, and passed in Sacramento on November 15, 1958.

She married Charles L. Sloppye, 13 years her senior, on November 14, 1900. Her mother Erie was a founding “pioneer” member of the Millport Lutheran Church. According to James, “It was common in those days for children to receive much of their primary education from church. The bible, hymnals, and musical education would have been part of this. One can only assume this is how she learned to read and write music.”

What could explain Willmina’s musical influences? James dug up the 1930 census showing that the Sloppye family owned a radio. They could have acquired it at Weinstocks or Bruener’s on K Street. And they would have listened to the Sacramento Bee’s KFBK 1310 to the likes of the Guy Lombardo Orchestra and songs from George Gershwin. Living on 37th Street, Willmina could have taken the streetcar to the Fox Senator and Hippodrome on K Street, and to so many other entertainment venues.

The Alhambra Theatre, built in 1927, was just a 10-minute walk away.

The presentation at ACC was hosted

by Mary Nakamura and livestreamed on YouTube. Christine Miyashiro performed Willmina’s original composition to the visibly moved McGraths.

“That was amazing. She was a smart lady,” reacted Jeanne. Kathryn said she had goose bumps and added “That was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for bringing it to life.”

This story is as much about Willmina’s music as it is about Alzheimer’s and the love between a daughter and her mother and their connection to their past. To hear the full program including Willmina’s song, When I Dream My Sweet Dream of You, visit accsv.org/willmina.

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Senior Lifestyle • August 2021 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Tips to find the right skilled nursing facility Humans’ desire to live independently begins in adolescence and continues into older adulthood. Though many seniors can handle the tasks of daily life on their own, others may need varying degrees of assistance.

Seniors have various options at their disposal in regard to finding help to get through daily life. Those who need roundthe-clock help typically look to skilled nursing facilities, or SNFs, which are staffed with licensed nurses and therapists who are capable of providing a more advanced level of medical care than home health aides or assisted living facilities can offer.

Seniors who want to plan ahead can shop around for SNFs and make their preferences known in their estate planning.

When looking for an SNF, seniors and their loved ones can utilize these tips to find the right facility.

- Speak with your health care team. Seniors’ health care teams, including their general practitioners as well as any doctors who may have treated them for specific diseases or conditions, can be great resources. For example, an oncology team may recommend a local SNF that has a

strong track record in working with cancer survivors. Many people who stay in SNFs do so as part of a rehabilitation program, and a health care team can provide valuable

insight into which facilities may match up well with individual patients’needs.

- Give location ample consideration.

When looking for an SNF, location should

not be overlooked. The quality of care a facility can provide should be the utmost priority, but the value of choosing a facility that’s close to loved ones cannot be understated, especially for seniors who will be moving in for a lengthy period of time. Routine visits from loved ones can lift the spirits of SNF residents. In addition, AARP¨ notes that regular visitors can scrutinize care and serve as residents’ advocates if they feel their concerns are not being satisfactorily addressed by staff members.

- Visit facilities in person. Online ratings can provide some insight into a facility, but nothing can replace the value of an in-person visit. The American Health Care Association urges families to observe a facility in person so they can gauge its overall environment and whether or not it seems like a peaceful or chaotic place. Pay close attention to residents and try to determine if they’re well-groomed. These are things that can only be noticed in person, which underscores the importance of in person visits.

Skilled nursing facilities are an option for seniors who require advanced medical care. Finding the right facility requires careful consideration of a host of factors.

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A peaceful morning at Revere Court with our

paint and nibble Are you caring for a loved one with dementia?

We would like to invite you to join us as Tiffany Ramirez with Artisan Mind leads us in a creative and uplifting time of rejuvenation.

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Revere Court Memory Care is a state-of-the-art community providing quality of life to persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and to their family who care for them.

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Senior Lifestyle • August 2021 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

What seniors should know about herbal medicines A lifelong commitment to healthy living can improve life expectancy and quality of life while reducing a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

Healthy lifestyle choices like eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly can greatly reduce a person’s risk for various ailments, but such choices don’t eliminate that risk entirely. As a result, even health-conscious men and women may need to rely on medication to stay healthy. That’s especially true for seniors since age is a risk factor for various conditions.

A 2014 analysis that appeared in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics examined nearly 1,300 published articles that focused on the use of herbal supplements by elderly patients. Though only 16 of those articles met the researchers’ criteria, the analysis concluded that herbal supplement usage is common among elderly patients, as was a lack of dialogue about such supplements between medical professionals and seniors. A concerted effort to initiate such dialogue on the part of both patients and health care providers can help shed light on herbal medicines so people taking them, including seniors, can learn more about what they’re putting into their bodies.

What are herbal medicines?

The National Health Service of the United Kingdom, a widely respected and publicly funded health care system, describes herbal medicines as those with active ingredients made from plant parts like leaves, roots or flowers. Because herbal medicines are made from plant parts, many

people assume they’re safe to take without consulting a physician. However, the NHS urges people to treat herbal medicines with the same care and respect as they would more conventional medicines. Herbal medicines can affect the body in various ways. A frank discussion with a physician can shed light on the potential side effects of herbal medicines and whether or not they’re safe.

Why should seniors be concerned about herbal medicines?

The NHS notes that seniors taking other medications may experience problems if they begin taking herbal medicines as well. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, notes that more well-designed studies are necessary to fully evaluate interactions between herbal medicines and prescription drugs. However, the NCCIH notes that some evidence points to some harmful effects of mixing the two. For example, the NCCIH reports that prolonged exposure to concentrated garlic extracts may reduce the efficacy of some drugs. The potential for these types of interactions should be enough to compel seniors to think twice before taking herbal medicines without first consulting their physicians. In addition, the NHS has developed a list of various types of people for whom herbal medicines may not be suitable, and that list includes the elderly.

Seniors considering herbal medicines should discuss the pros and cons of such products with their physicians prior to taking anything.

Effective exercises for seniors

Losing interest in an exercise regimen is a situation many fitness enthusiasts have confronted at one point or another. Overcoming a stale workout routine can be simple for young athletes, whose bodies can typically handle a wide range of physical activities. That flexibility allows younger athletes the chance to pursue any number of

physical activities when their existing fitness regimens grow stale. But what about seniors who have grown tired of their workouts?

Even seniors who have lived active lifestyles since they were youngsters are likely to encounter certain physical limitations associated with aging.

According to the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, the likelihood of dealing with one or more physical limitations increases with age. CDC data indicates that 8 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 59 have three or more physical limitations. That figure rises to 27 percent among adults age 80 and over.

Physical limitations may be a part of aging for many people, but such obstacles need not limit seniors looking to banish boredom from their workout routines. In fact, many seniors can successfully engage in a variety of exercises that benefit their bodies and are unlikely to grow stale.

- Water aerobics: Sometimes referred to as “aqua aerobics,” water aerobics may involve jogging in the water, leg lifts, arm curls, and other activities that can safely be performed in a pool.

The YMCA notes that water aerobics exercises are low impact, which can make them ideal for seniors with bone and joint issues like arthritis.

- Resistance band workouts: Resistance band workouts can be especially useful for seniors who spend a lot of time at home. Resistance bands are inexpensive and don’t take up a lot of space, making them ideal for people who like to exercise at home but don’t have much space. Resistance bands can be used to strengthen muscles in various parts of the body, including the legs, arms and back. Resistance bands can be pulled or pushed in

any direction, which allows for more versatility in a workout than weight machines and dumbbells.

That versatility allows seniors to spice up their workout regimens when things get a little stale.

- Pilates: Pilates is another low-impact exercise that can be ideal for seniors with bone and joint issues. According to SilverSneakers¨, a community fitness program for seniors that promotes living through physical and social engagement, Pilates can help seniors build overall strength, stability and coordination. SilverSneakers¨ even notes that seniors can experience improvements in strength and stability by committing to as little as 10 to 15 minutes of daily Pilates exercises.

- Strength training: Seniors on the lookout for something more challenging than a daily walk around the neighborhood should not overlook the benefits of strength training. The CDC notes that seniors who participate in strength training can stimulate the growth of muscle and bone, thereby reducing their risk for osteoporosis and frailty. In fact, the CDC notes that people with health concerns like arthritis or heart disease often benefit the most from exercise regimens that include lifting weights a few times each week.

Physical limitations are a part of aging. But seniors need not let such limitations relegate them to repetitive, boring workouts.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • August 2021 • Senior

Lifestyle

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