Wellness
Top nutrition tips for older adults
As we age, our bodies change and older adults have different nutritional needs than when they were children or middle-aged adults. Gone are the days of fast metabolism, indulging in junk food and endless bouts of energy. Age-related changes can affect how your body processes food and your dietary needs, but there is no need…
Read MoreThe importance of socialization in seniors
The holidays are over, and what was supposed to be the most joyous time of the year may have actually been a time that represents sadness for many older adults. Memories of family members that have passed away, struggles from an illness or lack of social interaction may start to cause loneliness and isolation. The…
Read MoreSadie Harmon Joins ECA as Dementia-Inclusive Communities Director
In August, Sadie Harmon joined Elder Care Alliance as Dementia-Inclusive Communities Director. This initiative, supported by a generous grant from The San Francisco Foundation, aims to combat ageism and stigma against people living with dementia through access to arts and culture. Making Connections Between Art and Aging Over the next year, Harmon will organize six…
Read MoreMovie Moments Event Helps Erase Stigma of Memory Loss
Individuals with dementia have unique life experiences, and they can continue to contribute by sharing their wisdom, humor and insight. At the latest “Movie Moments” event on Aug. 14, that message of inclusion — and erasing the stigma surrounding memory challenges — came through loud and clear. “Movie Moments at the Vogue” is a popular…
Read MoreChuckles, Chortles & Giggles: The Benefits of Laughter
For most people, sharing a laugh with friends can quickly improve your day. But did you know laughing can do much more than boost your mood? Research has found that when people come together through laughter, positive emotional and physical changes can result. Reduced pain levels, protection from the harmful effects of stress, and a…
Read MoreLet’s Socialize! Tips to Boost Your Social Wellness
Whether we’re sipping wine on a Friday evening, visiting a new art exhibit or enjoying a beautiful picnic with friends, social wellness and nurturing ourselves and our relationships with other people plays an integral role in overall health and life at AlmaVia of San Rafael. July is Social Wellness Month, a time to recognize the…
Read MoreProtecting Older Adults During National Safety Month
June is National Safety Month, an awareness effort that focuses on lowering the top causes of injuries and deaths on the roads and in workplaces, homes and communities. Nearly a million people age 65 and older go to emergency rooms each year for injuries they suffer in their homes. Older adults die at three times…
Read MoreSelf-Care for the Caregiver; Guarding Against Caregiver Burnout
Care partners are accustomed to selflessly attending to the needs of others. But what happens when a care partner becomes physically and emotionally exhausted? In many cases, care partners who experience burnout feel anxious, depressed and fatigued, and they may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Some care partners also feel guilty if they…
Read MoreImproving Brain Function Through Nutrition
A growing body of evidence supports a strong relationship between cardiovascular problems and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. People with subclinical cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, research has found. As with cardiovascular disease, diet and nutrition also may play a role in diseases of the brain. Research…
Read MoreApril is Minority Health Month
According to the latest U.S. Census, minority individuals constitute about 36 percent of the population. Overall health and life expectancy have improved for most older adults in recent years, but some minority elders continue to face specific health concerns at a higher rate. April is National Minority Health Month, a campaign to educate the public…
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