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Senior Assisted Living Care Home – Glendora, CA – Adora Hills

Senior Assisted Living Care Home - Glendora, CA - Adora Hills

Glendora Senior Care Home

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Archives for October 2020

Why Seniors Get Heartburn And How To Avoid It

October 19, 2020 by Andrew

Heartburn in seniors can be caused by spicy food.

One of life’s many pleasures is enjoying a delicious meal, then savoring feelings of contentment.  As a senior care home, senior nutrition is important to us, and we are fortunate to see our residents partaking in nutritious and flavorful meals. On a daily basis, 15 million Americans do not get to enjoy the contentment part of this equation.  Their pleasure is negated by heartburn, also known as acid indigestion and acid reflux. Why do seniors get heartburn? Let’s take a look.

Most common in older adults, heartburn often begins with a burning sensation in the lower chest, just below the sternum.  From there, the pain or discomfort can radiate upward to the neck.  Other symptoms may include hoarseness, sore throat, a chronic cough, the feeling of a lump in the throat, and/or the sensation of food coming back into the mouth along with a bitter taste.

Occasional heartburn is often a part of life.  However, if it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious complications, as well as hinder eating, daily activity and a good night’s sleep.

Chronic Heartburn Is Common

Heartburn occurs when the “door” to the stomach opens to let food in from the esophagus, but does not close quickly enough or completely.  The door is actually the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and, when working properly, it prevents food and stomach acids from flowing back (reflux) into the esophagus.

Some of the main reasons for why heartburn occurs for seniors is after overeating, when bending over, or when lying down.  When it occurs on a frequent basis, the esophagus lining can become inflamed (esophagitis).

In addition, if heartburn becomes chronic, it can be a symptom of another ailment.

  • Acid reflux disease.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When you have GERD (chronic acid reflux) your stomach acid persistently flows back up into your mouth through your esophagus. You may experience heartburn, acid indigestion, trouble swallowing, feeling of food caught in your throat and other problems.
  • An inflamed stomach lining (gastritis).
  • Hiatal hernia.
  • Peptic ulcer.

Culprits Behind Why Seniors Experience Heartburn Occasionally

Here are some of the reasons why seniors get heartburn and the foods to avoid in order to lessen the symptoms.

  • Coffee (even decaf) and caffeine drinks.
  • Alcohol.
  • Carbonated drinks.
  • Citrus fruits and juices.
  • Tomatoes and tomato products.
  • Garlic and onions.
  • Cigarette smoking.
  • Aspirin, ibuprofen and certain medications.
  • Chocolate.
  • Mints and peppermints.
  • Fatty and spicy foods.
  • Carrying excess weight and overeating.
  • Mustard and vinegar.

Understanding why seniors get heartburn is one of the many facets of nutrition that it becomes important to understand as we age. For all of us it takes some monitoring to understand how nutrition is affecting how we feel and what our body needs. If you know of a senior who experiences challenges with proper eating and nutrition, it may be worth considering a senior care home where eating is closely monitored and proper nutrition is encouraged.

(Sources: FamilyDoctor.org, HealthInAging.org, gi,org, gastro.org, Nat. Inst. Of Diabetes and Digestive & Kidney Diseases)

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: coffee, gastrointestinal, heartburn, nutrition

Superior Senior Mental Health Achievable By Staying Fit And Sharp

October 1, 2020 by Andrew

Senior working on a computer to improve mental health.

Many people including caregiver feel that the decline of senior mental health is a natural part of aging.  While it is true that seniors are at a greater risk for mental illnesses, that doesn’t mean it has to happen.  In fact, many of the diseases that are considered to be inevitable are actually preventable, or at least treatable.

Good senior mental health habits and early diagnosis are the keys.  Seniors should join their own mental “health club.”  It’s common in our society to focus on being physically fit.  We exercise, eat better, talk to our doctor, get more sleep, etc.  We should have the same type of regimen for mental fitness.  Exercise and stimulate the brain daily.  Do things you enjoy, reduce stress and focus on the positive.  Also, do what many seniors don’t do – talk to your doctor about cognitive and emotional issues.  Consider her/him your own personal (mental fitness) trainer.

Statistics and Findings About Senior Mental Health

  • It is estimated that 15% of those 60 years of age and older suffer from symptoms of mental illness.
  • Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults
  • 80% recovered from depression after receiving proper treatment.
  • Medicare, which tends to set the standard for insurance benefits, covers only 50% of the costs of mental health services.
  • It is estimated that up to 63% of older adults with a mental disorder do not receive the services they need.
  • Changes that come with aging can all impact a senior’s mental health.
  • Changes in body and chemistry.
  • Changes in family and friendships.
  • Changes in living situations.

Sharpen The Mind

Seniors can practice good mental health habits.  There are challenges and adaptations for mental health treatment for the elderly. Here are some simple guidelines that can even be adapted to the abilities of the frail and the cognitively impaired.

  • Make decisions.  The process of working through information and situations, then reaching a conclusion, sharpens the mind and adds to one’s independence.
  • Get going.  Movement and exercise help to keep the mind fit, as well as the body. 
  • Communicate and socialize.   Interact with other people – talk, sign or write.  Inquire, exchange ideas and express feelings.  If you are alone, join in the activities of local senior centers, community clubs or church groups to improve mental health.
  • Keep learning.  You’re never too old to try a new recipe, start a new hobby or listen to an interesting speaker.  Stimulating the mind increases self-esteem, decreases boredom, adds excitement and builds confidence.

Sometimes when the senior mental health challenges increase it may come time to evaluate options for senior care.

(Sources:  American Assn. of Geriatric Psychology, American Psychiatric Assn., CDC)

Filed Under: Mental Health, Relationships Tagged With: brain exercsises

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260 N. Lone Hill Ave., Glendora, CA 91741




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