Cantissimo Senior Living Blog

Cantissimo Senior Living blog - an educational resource for older adults in lifestyle, wellness, and more.

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How To Prevent and Treat Easy Bruising in Older Adults

How To Prevent and Treat Easy Bruising in Older Adults

One of the most common symptoms of aging is experiencing easy bruising. Unlike younger individuals, older adults may find that their skin bruises with even minor bumps or knocks, causing unsightly marks and potential discomfort.

Easy bruising can occur due to a variety of reasons, including medication side effects, underlying medical conditions, and vitamin deficiencies. While easy bruising may not always be a cause for concern, it is essential to take preventative measures to avoid unnecessary injury and potential complications. Moreover, prompt treatment of bruises can prevent the development of more severe complications, such as infections or blood clots.

In this article, we will delve into the causes of easy bruising in older adults and explore effective strategies to prevent and treat bruises. Continue reading to help ensure that your skin remains healthy and resilient, allowing you to live an active and comfortable life, free from the discomfort and unsightly marks of frequent bruising.

7 Ways to Combat Unintentional Weight Loss

7 Ways to Combat Unintentional Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss is a concerning issue that can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including underlying medical conditions, medications, changes in appetite, or simply not consuming enough calories to maintain a healthy weight. While unintentional weight loss may seem like a desirable outcome for those looking to shed some pounds, it can have severe health consequences, particularly among vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.

Unintentional weight loss can lead to a range of adverse effects, such as decreased muscle mass, weakened immune systems, and increased risk of falls, among other issues. Furthermore, it can cause mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

Given the significant impact of unintentional weight loss, it is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent it. By making appropriate dietary and lifestyle modifications, one can help prevent unintentional weight loss and promote a healthy lifestyle.

In this article, we will delve into effective strategies to combat unintentional weight loss. By following these recommendations, you can maintain a healthy weight, improve physical and mental health, and enhance overall quality of life.

Why You Always Feel Cold (And What to Do about It)

Why You Always Feel Cold (And What to Do about It)

Feeling cold is a common complaint among many people, particularly as we get older. If you find yourself constantly reaching for an extra layer or turning up the thermostat, you are not alone.

There are several reasons why we may feel cold more frequently, and understanding these causes can help us find ways to stay warm and comfortable. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at generating heat, and our circulation may also slow down, reducing blood flow to our extremities. This can leave us feeling cold, even in mild temperatures. Other factors can also play a role, such as low body fat, which provides insulation and helps to regulate body temperature. Medical conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, and Raynaud's disease can also make us feel cold more often.

Whatever the reason for our cold sensitivity, it can be uncomfortable and even affect our quality of life. If you find yourself feeling cold all the time, it's essential to understand the underlying cause and take steps to stay warm. In this article, we will explore the reasons you might always feel cold and provide practical tips to improve comfort and wellbeing.

16 Tips to Preserve and Improve Mobility as You Age

16 Tips to Preserve and Improve Mobility as You Age

Our bodies go through a natural process of change as we age. These changes can impact our mobility and make it more difficult to perform daily tasks, participate in activities we enjoy, and maintain our independence. As a result, maintaining mobility is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. In addition to helping us perform daily tasks, mobility also plays a key role in our physical and mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve cardiovascular health, maintain muscle mass and strength, and even improve mood and cognitive function. However, injuries, chronic illness, and lifestyle factors such as inactivity can also contribute to decreased mobility.

Fortunately, there are steps we can take to preserve and even improve our mobility as we age. In this article, we'll explore 16 tips to help you maintain and improve your mobility as you age. These tips can be incorporated into your daily routine to help ensure that you stay mobile, active, and healthy as you age. By taking proactive steps to maintain your mobility, you can help ensure that you maintain your independence and quality of life well into your later years. 

Calcium and Aging: How to Ensure You Are Getting Enough

Calcium and Aging: How to Ensure You Are Getting Enough

Calcium is a crucial mineral that plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. It is particularly important as we age, as calcium deficiency can lead to a range of health issues, including osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and cardiovascular disease. As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing and utilizing calcium, making it even more critical to ensure we are getting enough through our diet or supplements.

In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between calcium and aging and discuss how to ensure you are getting enough of this vital nutrient. From the best dietary sources of calcium to supplements and lifestyle changes that can support calcium absorption and utilization, we'll cover the information you need to keep your bones strong, your muscles healthy, and your heart functioning properly as you age. Whether you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, understanding the importance of calcium and how to maintain optimal levels can help you stay active, mobile, and independent for years to come.

How to Increase Vitamin D Levels All Year

How to Increase Vitamin D Levels All Year

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in several bodily functions, including bone health, immune system support, and regulation of mood. While it's commonly known as the "sunshine vitamin" because our skin produces it when exposed to sunlight, not everyone is able to get enough sun exposure to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D. Additionally, during the winter months, when the days are shorter and sunlight is scarce, it can be especially challenging to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. According to a study published in 2018, approximately 40% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. It has even been described as a global health problem and "An Ignored Epidemic". Therefore, it's important to be proactive and implement strategies to increase your vitamin D levels all year round.

In this blog post, we'll explore several effective ways to increase your vitamin D levels, regardless of the season. We'll discuss the benefits of vitamin D, the risks of vitamin D deficiency, and offer practical tips for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels. Whether you're concerned about the health risks associated with low vitamin D levels or simply want to support your overall well-being, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to ensure you're getting enough of this crucial nutrient all year round.

Why You Feel Dizzy (And What to Do about It)

Why You Feel Dizzy (And What to Do about It)

Have you ever felt your head spinning, and suddenly the surroundings started to get blurry? Of course, you have. Dizziness is a common and unpleasant sensation that can leave you feeling off balance or lightheaded. There are many potential causes of dizziness, ranging from mild and easily treatable to more serious medical conditions that require prompt attention. Understanding why you might be feeling dizzy and what you can do about it is important for maintaining your overall health and well-being.

Dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including low blood pressure, dehydration, inner ear problems, or medication side effects. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, or neurological disorders. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common causes of dizziness, along with tips for managing and preventing episodes of dizziness. Whether you experience dizziness occasionally or frequently, understanding the underlying causes and taking steps to address them can help you feel more in control and better able to manage your symptoms.

11 Natural Remedies to Relieve Your Headache

11 Natural Remedies to Relieve Your Headache

Headaches are one of the most common ailments that people experience on a daily basis. They can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, and tension in the neck and shoulders. While over-the-counter pain relievers are often used to alleviate headaches, many people are turning to natural remedies as a safe and effective alternative.

In this article, we will explore 11 natural remedies that you can use to relieve your headache. By incorporating these remedies into your daily routine, you may be able to reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches, as well as improve your overall health and well-being. So, if you're looking for a natural way to manage your headaches, read on to discover the remedies that could work for you.

What Are the Stages of Dementia?

What Are the Stages of Dementia?

Dementia refers to a group of diseases that cause memory loss and affect other mental functions. It commonly occurs as people reach around 60 years of age and beyond. But the problem here is that, at this age phase, age-related memory loss also prevails. As a result, forgetting crucial things or daily routine tasks becomes a part of daily living. So, how can you differentiate dementia from age-related memory issues?

The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances are of treating this disease. For early diagnosis, knowledge of early signs and the stages of dementia is essential. In this post, you'll find all you need to know about the stages of dementia and how to reduce the risk of this condition.

Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia: 10 Tips

Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia: 10 Tips

Dementia is an umbrella term commonly used to describe memory loss and other cognitive impairments often associated with aging. Dementia is not a specific disease: it is a term used to describe symptoms from several different pathologies. Common kinds of dementia include Alzheimer's, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia caused by diseases such as Parkinson's. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 14% of people over the age of 71 will develop some form of dementia. This incidence climbs as people age: among those who live to 90, more than 37.4% show signs of dementia.

Signs of dementia can be subtle at first. One of the hallmark signs of this condition is short-term memory loss. You may find someone asking the same questions repeatedly or forgetting things that were just explained to or told to them. They may struggle to keep track of possessions like car keys, wallets, purses, and mobile devices. They might forget to go to appointments, fail to plan for meals, or begin roaming outside of their usual routine for no apparent reason.

Dementia also affects a person's ability to communicate. They might struggle with their vocabulary, finding it hard to describe things or repeatedly relying on the same set of words. Instead of using the proper name, they might describe something. For example, a person with dementia might call a coffee maker "the thing that makes that stuff, the good smelling brown one." They may also become withdrawn as the frustration of being unable to communicate well sets in. These problems may worsen as the disease progresses.