Dental Tips | Bonaventure Senior Living

Bonaventure Senior Living Oral Health Care Tips.  There are a lot of changes to our bodies as we get into our senior years and that includes our teeth.  Advancing age can put many senior citizens at risk for a number of oral health problems, but there are steps that can be taken to improve a senior’s dental outlook.  Old age alone does not cause poor dental health, but certain medical conditions, such as arthritis can set up situations that do lead to dental decay.  People with arthritis, for example, may find brushing and flossing difficult.  Other seniors may be taking medication that changes the healthy balance of the mouth, leading to a host of dental issues.

Daily brushing and flossing is the key to good dental health no  matter what your age is.  People who reside in senior communities and assisted living facilities may find that oral hygiene is somewhat neglected, leading to the buildup of plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.  Using fluoride toothpaste at least two times per day can help avoid these issues and can even eliminate them altogether. Brushing twice daily can be difficult for seniors who have arthritis, tremors or the after effects of a stroke. Help should be enlisted if necessary to maintain the oral health of the senior citizen.

Seniors are prone to some dental health issues like darkened teeth, dry mouth, gum disease, root decay and tooth loss. Stains and discolorations of the teeth may be caused by changed in the dentin as well as the effects of a lifetime of consuming foods and beverages that stain the teeth.  But most of the changes to the dental health of the elderly are simply normal changes associated with aging like a reduced sense of taste and a reduction in saliva production.  Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can trigger the condition known as thrush, which is an overgrowth of fungus in the mouth.

Basically, as we age, gum tissue recedes and decays, causing the roots of the teeth to be exposed to acids that cause tooth decay.  This, combined with other natural effect of aging, medical conditions and medications can speed up tooth decay and loss. Seniors should stick to the plan to visit their dentist at least twice per year for cleanings and checkups. This dental intervention can make all the difference in the world in preserving the beautiful smiles of our senior citizen long into their senior years.  Bonaventure Senior Living.

 

Tips To Help Improve Your Memory - Bonaventure Senior Living

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TIPS FOR IMPROVING MEMORY - Bonaventure Senior Living

The truth is that memory loss can affect anyone, but the elderly are more prone to memory loss and forms of dementia that any other age group.  There are steps you can take and activities you can participate in that will aid in improving your memory. Brain cells can be regenerated at any age, and there are some simple, fun and easy things you can do to make that happen.

1.       Games are good  - Schedule a weekly game night for mind stimulation combined with fun with your family and/or friends.  Get a few friends together once a week and you will find that by making this mental work out social, your spirits will improve alongside your memory.  Board games like Scrabble, Chess and Boggle require a great deal of mind activity – making them ideal for memory improvement!

2.       Learn a new language – Learning a new language has been proven to wake up areas of the brain that regenerate brain cells. Staying active mentally through learning new things also reduce the effects of aging on memory.  Also, performing an old skill in a new way such as trying to eat or brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand can wake up your brain and lead to new connections being made in your brain.

3.       Take your vitamins – Medical professionals cite the memory restorative properties of B vitamins.Bonaventure Senior Living

4.       8 hours of sleep – As we age, we sleep less and while 8 hours of sleep may no longer be possible, getting good, solid, deep sleep will help increase the attentiveness and alertness of your brain.

5.       Exercise – Regular physical exercise increases circulation to the brain, which is helpful for memory and alertness. Exercise is also good for your bones, joints and muscles and can ward off a host of age related maladies.

6.       Memorize –  Some short-term memory problems can be helped by taking immediate action.  If you find yourself becoming forgetful, consider using a voice recorder or leaving post-it note reminders for yourself.

7.       Dark Chocolate is good for your brain -  This isn’t just a chocoholic’s excuse to get more chocolate into their life! Recent scientific data backs up the fact that the flavonoids in dark chocolate are natural antioxidants that boost memory.

8.       Sing a Song – By memorizing the words to your favorite song you are challenging the brain to remember new material over a period of time, which aids in the brain developing the ability to learn new skills.

9.       Green Tea for Memory – Drinking green tea is soothing, relaxing and good for your memory.

10.    Play a card game – The simple task of matching and the repetition of counting and adding numbers in your head is a great memory enhancing exercise. Plus, it’s fun!

Try these fun and easy memory tips and see how much the help your brain become more alert and less forgetful!  Bonaventure Senior Living.

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Heart Health Tips | Bonaventure Senior Living

Bonaventure Senior Living Heart Health.  The human heart is a truly incredible mechanism designed to operate at an astounding efficiency for a lifetime. Immensely complex and still a mystery to many, the heart is a testament to the remarkable intricacy and power the human body possesses. It is the lifeline, the engine of human existence, an instrument so magnificent, its presence and health is often taken for granted and not attended to. In youth many live oblivious and carefree, without concern for this vital organ, as everything appears to be operating flawlessly. As one ages, attentive care and diligent maintenance is crucial, with heart disease and irregularity beginning to present greater risk. At Bonaventure Senior Living, caring, knowledgeable experts work to help residents build and maintain the healthiest heart possible. Through exercise, proper diet, and a variety of prudent precautions, seniors can live and thrive to their full potential, enjoying the years that lie ahead.
           
The heart is a muscle, and just like any other muscle it needs to be used and trained consistently to function properly. By exercising daily the heart is strengthened, made healthier by aerobic activities. At Bonaventure Senior Living, experienced specialists guide residents through possible activities, providing invaluable health benefits while also serving as a leisurely, pleasing experience. All too the often the elderly disregard physical activity, accelerating the deterioration of their body’s capabilities and health. Dedication to staying active is imperative and will go great lengths in preserving and enhancing the heart’s functionality and effectiveness.
           
Equally important in maintaining proper physical and cardiac conditioning is the diet one consumes. Excess weight places an unhealthy burden on the heart. Extra abdominal fat often results in a variety of ailments, from elevated blood pressure to inflamed arteries. Limiting portion sizes is crucial, but far from the only dietary restriction necessary. Increasing dietary fiber, eating healthy fats, and reducing sodium intake facilitates efficiency and strength, while helping prevent several nutritional related diseases.
           
In addition to consistent exercise and balanced dieting, seniors must abstain from certain habits detrimental to their health. Smoking depletes the system’s oxygen supply increasing the risk of heart disease. Along with smoking, excess or binge drinking can also prove dangerous, especially for seniors with a history of heart troubles. With age the heart has greater difficulty dealing with stress, leading the staff at Bonaventure Senior Living to establish a relaxing, stress free environment catered to resident’s desires. Also, personnel make sure correct, effective medications are supplied to meet individual necessities, while remaining careful not to over-prescribing.
           
Senior citizens of today are able to live life with vigor unmatched in history. Advances in medical, exercise, and nutritional sciences provide greater opportunities to a multitude of elderly. At Bonaventure Senior Living, experienced professionals understand the crucial role the healthy human heart plays in a passionate, productive, joyful life. Through proper dieting, consistent physical activity, and an avoidance of harmful habits, residents at Bonaventure strengthen and preserve their hearts, leading to a greater and fuller life than otherwise possible.