Cantissimo Senior Living Blog

It is estimated that Alzheimer's disease affects more than 5 million Americans and as many as 44 million people worldwide. It can be a devastating diagnosis for both the individual and their family. But, the good news is that there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of it happening in your life or the lives of those close to you.

Habits such as getting enough sleep, exercising, learning new things, reducing stress, and socializing with friends and family members have all been shown to reduce the risk of developing this debilitating illness. We will discuss seven habits today that have been shown to be vital strategies in reducing Alzheimer's risk!

7 Habits to Help Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's!

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects 15%–20% of adults older than age 65 in the United States, according to a report by the CDC. Depression can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to typical signs of aging, such as fatigue and forgetfulness. In addition, depression often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed because depression may not cause any noticeable changes in mood or behavior. Yet depression has severe consequences for older adults, including increased risk for falls, social withdrawal, cognitive impairment, physical dysfunction, and suicide. Knowing the warning signs of depression can help an older adult receive appropriate treatment before depression leads to further complications.

In the summer, many older adults find it more challenging to stay active. Extreme heat and intense rays from the sun can make it uncomfortable and even dangerous to spend time outdoors. However, older adults can still keep their mind and body active with any appropriate activity, even during the summer. Summer is a time for memories, family gatherings, and outdoor fun. It is also a time for reflection on the past year of life that has passed by. So to stay healthy mentally and physically this summer, older people can take up new activities or return to old ones that they haven't done in a while. There are plenty of things that older people can do during the summer break.

Older adults with limited mobility or without children often feel lonely during the summer months when isolated at home. So we have gathered a list of eleven safe and fun activities older adults can enjoy during the summertime.

Top 11 Summer Activities for Older Adults!

Dementia is an age-related condition where one's cognitive functioning becomes so impaired that it interferes with activities of daily living. Emotional changes often accompany these changes in cognition, and people's personalities may change. These changes can be startling and difficult to deal with, both for the person with dementia and their loved ones.

That said, there are ways to identify dementia early. We know to look for stereotypical signs of dementia like memory loss, but what other signs of dementia should we watch for?

Common Signs of Dementia

At any age, it is normal to find it challenging to motivate yourself to get up and exercise. However, it is critical, especially for older adults, to consistently work out in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Despite the challenges of finding that motivation, there are many strategies you can apply to get yourself in the gym or wherever you like to exercise. So, if you are struggling with the motivation to exercise, we have you covered. We have gathered a list of tips that can help you finally find the inspiration to exercise!

Top 13 Ways to Find Exercise Motivation

Finally, it is summertime! The perfect opportunity to get outdoors and participate in some of our favorite activities under the sun. It is essential, however, to be prepared and take extra precautions when dealing with the summer heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2004-2018 in the United States, there were more than 10,000 heat-related deaths. This means during that time, an average of 702 heat-related deaths occurred annually in the U.S. For older adults especially, it is essential to practice summer heat safety. So, here are the top ten tips you should follow this summer to stay safe and protect your health.

Beat the Summer Heat with These 10 Hot Weather Safety Tips

As we age, many of us face a variety of common eye problems. It is a normal part of aging, but there are simple steps we can take to reduce these problems. Sunglasses don't just help you look fashionable and provide temporary relief from the sun. They can also protect your eyes from glare, sensitivity, cataracts, and much more, preventing long-term damage.

Therefore, it is important to be selective when shopping for your next set of shades. Here is an informative guide on what you need to look for when shopping for your sunglasses and the benefits of wearing them!

Benefits Of Wearing Sunglasses For Older Adults

Three are so many great reasons to wear sunglasses, regardless of your age. To get started, here are five reasons you should put your shades on next time you go outside!

There are so many ways for seniors to enjoy the convenience and security of voice devices. It’s important to stay on top of the latest features and changes to the setup to make the best use of these devices. Whether you’re a senior living independently at home or enjoying the comforts of a retirement community, just about everyone will find some helpful tips here for making the most of the Amazon Alexa service. If you’re a caretaker or family member supporting a parent or grandparent, you’ll find some of these features very useful in helping your family member stay safe.

Use Voice Technology to Improve Safety with These Tips

As we age, many daily tasks become more difficult. What used to be easy movements can cause injuries. The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms, so it is important to make the necessary changes to keep it a safe place for all. Several things can be done to make the kitchen safer, easier to use, and more efficient. This can help keep you or your loved ones safely at home while minimizing risks around the house.

How to Make Your Kitchen a Safe Space for Older Adults

Note: This post has been updated May 17, 2021.

Even though the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, the U.S. vaccination process is cause for decreased transmission rates nationwide. Nearly one-third of the U.S. population, above the age of sixteen, are fully vaccinated, with an average of two million tests administered daily. In the last two weeks, daily reported cases of infection are down 29.7%. There are currently three FDA unapproved vaccines under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), including the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

How mRNA Vaccines Work

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are both classified as mRNA vaccines. Unlike other vaccines, this type does not inject the virus into an individual. Instead, mRNA vaccines create a protein that triggers an immune response to produce antibodies. Obtaining antibodies for COVID-19 protects individuals from getting infected when they come in contact with the virus.