5 Things Our Aging People Need From Us

Our parents and grandparents who were once our main source of support are aging. They’re moving more slowly and gray hairs are popping up more and more each time we see them.

 

Now, it’s our turn to step up and be there for them during this crucial stage of their lives. You’ll notice that sometimes those who’ve passed a certain age feel like they’re now free to do what they want.

 

Then, at other times, they feel lonely and isolated. So, what can we do to help them stay healthy and happy?

 

We know how important it is to make the elderly in our lives comfortable and content. So, we created this post to shed light on exactly what our aging people need from us. Let’s get started.

 

5 Things Our Aging People Need From Us

 

As our loved ones grow older, they need certain requirements in their lives. Here are some of the ways we can help them feel their best and live their life to the fullest.

 

Meaningful Relationships

 

As people get older, they become more aware of what’s important in life. 9 times out of 10 seniors will tell you nothing is more important than family.

 

So, it’s important to take the time to sit and listen to what they have to say. Or just hi and ask about their day.

 

It may seem like their problems are different from ours. Yet, the truth is, they worry about the same things we do: money, health, and relationships. They may just not have anyone to share their worries with.

 

A Role in the Community

 

Seniors also need to build relationships outside the home and be part of their community. Feeling that you belong and are needed is crucial.

 

Studies show that the sense of belonging has the power to reduce stress, ward off illnesses. When they feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves, it adds meaning to their life. It also buffers feelings of loneliness and isolation.

 

Plus, it stimulates the release of feel-good hormones and improves our overall well-being. How can anyone say ‘no’ to that!

 

Being part of the community can come in the form of volunteer work. They can do simple tasks, like help out once a week at a homeless shelter or local soup kitchen.

 

There are also senior centers that offer a wide variety of programs. These programs are designed to bring seniors together to join in activities, such as:

 

• Gardening
• Crafts
• Cooking
• Book clubs
• Exercise programs

 

Daily Routine

 

Some seniors find that living by the moment is more exciting. Although, the majority enjoy having a daily routine more than spontaneity.

 

They actually view routine as a source of comfort and reliability. Part of their regular routine could be waking up at around the same time each day. Then, they head to the bathroom and change their clothes.

 

After that, they have a nutritious, well-balanced breakfast along with their morning cup of coffee. If they take any morning medications, now would be a good time. Finally, they would start getting ready for any planned activities or visits.

 

It’s important to have a weekly schedule already drawn out ahead of time. It gives seniors a sense of stability knowing what’s on their agenda.

 

In addition, it’s easier knowing what they have to prepare for beforehand. It also puts less stress on their memories when they can predict what will happen during the entire week.

 

Physical Activity

 

Physical activity is important at any age. Yet, it’s more important as we get older to help maintain muscle mass and support joints. Not only that, but exercise has been proven to make us feel happy and reduce mental health problems.

 

For seniors, exercising can become a difficult and boring chore if not done right. The key to encouraging seniors to exercise is to offer simple, low-impact workouts they can do on their own.

 

Staying physically active reduces the risk of falls as it improves balance. It also increases both bone density and muscle strength.

 

A Sense of Independence

 

No matter what anyone says, we all love being cared for, even seniors. Besides the pampering, you’ll notice that there are also quite a few things they need help with.

 

But there comes a time when you have to know when to take a step back and give the senior in your life some space. They still value their independence and self-reliance a great deal.

 

Being able to do things for themselves boosts their self-esteem. It’s also beneficial for their cognitive functions and keeps the brain in tiptop shape.

 

A Final Note

 

Now that we’re aware of what our aging people need from us, we can offer the right type of care and support. This can range from helping out with daily tasks or lending a sympathetic ear.

 

The important thing is to be there for our seniors. They need to know that they’re a respected and honored part of the community and our lives.

5 Key Reasons To Eat Kale Everyday

 

Kale is one of the most nutritious and healthy plants in existence. Fully loaded with a wide variety of beneficial compounds, kale is a super healthy green that even has some medicinal properties.

 

In this article, we’re going to cover the five key reasons you should start integrating more kale into your diet every day.

 

1.    Kale has healing benefits that can help counteract aging and diseases

 

Kale is loaded with strong and powerful antioxidants which help to counteract oxidative damage. 

What is oxidative damage?

 

To put it simply, oxidative damage is the leading cause of aging and several diseases, even cancer. 

 

That’s not all antioxidants can do; certain antioxidants, like flavonoids kaempferol and quercetin, have the power to have heart-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood pressure-lowering, anti-viral, and anti-depressant effects.

 

2.    It’s incredibly healthy

 

To start with, kale only has 33 calories, three grams of protein, and six grams of carbs (two of those six are fiber) in one serving (one cup). Let’s breakdown what else is in that small cup of kale:

 

●      9% of your daily value of calcium

 

●      10% of your daily value of copper

 

●      9% of your daily value of potassium

 

●      6% of your daily value of magnesium

 

●      206% of your daily value of vitamin A

 

●      9% of your daily value of vitamin B6

 

●      134% of your daily value of vitamin C

 

●      684% of your daily value of vitamin K

 

●      It also contains 3% or more of your daily value of vitamins B1, B2, and B3 as well as iron and phosphorous

 

There’s also very little fat in kale. A large portion of the fat that is in it is alpha linolenic-acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. 

 

All of this makes kale one of the most nutrient-dense foods around. The more kale you eat, the more nutrients will be in your diet.

 

3.    Kale is known to help lower cholesterol

 

Kale contains bile acid sequestrants, which are known to lower cholesterol. Due to the reduction of cholesterol levels, this could lead to a lower risk of heart disease over time. 

 

According to Healthline, “One study found that drinking kale juice every day for 12 weeks increased HDL (the ‘good’) cholesterol by 27% and lowered LDL levels by 10%, while also improving antioxidant status.” 

 

4.    Kale could help you ward off cancer

 

Kale is full of compounds that are thought to ward off cancer. Sulforaphane, for example, has been proven to fight the formation of cancer at the molecular level. Indole-3-carbinol is another compound found in kale that is also known to help prevent cancer.

 

Several studies have shown that cruciferous vegetables, like kale, can significantly lower your risk of multiple cancers. However, it’s important to note that the evidence with humans is mixed.

 

5.    Kale can provide you with much-needed minerals

 

Kale is high in some of the most common minerals of which people are deficient. Kale is rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium and low in oxalate. 

 

These help with bone health, protect you against type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and can help reduce blood pressure and have a lower risk of heart disease. The lower oxalate level helps with nutrient absorption, as oxalate can work to prevent this.

 

Kale is a nutrient-rich plant that should be a healthy part of everyone’s diet. This dark green is rich in many minerals, vitamins, and nutrients we humans need to be healthy. It’s a very diverse plant and can be cooked a number of ways and can work to prevent many diseases, even cancer.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Head on down to your local farmers’ market or grocery store and snag you some kale today to start down a path to a healthier you.

Can Love Heal All?

 

The old saying “love heals all” has been used as a motivational mantra during hard times. This elusive idea that love, one of the most powerful emotions of them all, can bring about a sense of peace is overwhelming; in the best way possible.

 

Unfortunately, it takes a deep understanding of yourself and the world around you to grasp the concept that love really can heal a majority of the things we go through. Let’s consider how.

 

Love Is Supportive

 

It seems that during our darkest moments, the outpouring of love can come in various forms. Whether it’s a friendly text from a loving family member or a nice greeting from an unknowing stranger, love is expressive. This seemingly small display of affection can be the light an individual needs during an overwhelming time. 

 

Love Is Patient

 

When a person truly loves someone, they exercise patience. This means they’re open to overlooking simple flaws with the hopes that one day they’ll continue working on themselves. This is an essential quality to have when you’re in a romantic relationship. Sure, nobody is perfect. However, the more you continue to exercise patience, the more you’ll appreciate their growth. 

 

Love is Unconditional

 

Much like a mother who loves her child, true love is unconditional. This means it’s able to overlook physical and emotional imperfections. This is especially healing for individuals who are going through transformative stages. They may be on a weight loss journey or even pursuing a new career. Those in their circle who love them are able  to overlook this momentary lapse of “perfection” and exercise unconditional love. 

 

When people are going through certain things, they need this unconditional love to help them endure. By having this unconditional support from the ones around them, they’re able to continue their journey with strength. 

 

Love is Understanding

 

When a person feels misunderstood, they’re missing a strong aspect of love from others. They may feel like those around them aren’t trying hard enough to see their point of view. This could easily come off as unloving. 

 

However, individuals who love one another will go above and beyond to understand their counterparts. This means taking the time to listen and truly grasp the perspective of those around them. This is an essential characteristic for those in romantic relationships. 

 

Understanding is one of the foundations of love. In fact, many people end relationships because they felt their partner simply didn’t understand them. Since it’s so important, it’s vital for those to seek understanding as a means to showing love. 

 

Love is Expressive

 

When individuals are going through hard times, it’s good for those around them to express their love and support. This little boost of motivational confident is like medicine to a sick child. It just makes the pain tolerable and easy to endure. 

 

When an individual expresses not only their support, but also how they feel about a person, they’re letting them know that their live is real. This is especially important for individuals going through self-esteem issues. 

 

How Can You Show Love

 

Using love as a healing tool is an essential part of developing healthy relationships. One of the foremost ways you can implement this into your daily relationships is to let those around you know how you feel about them. 

 

Seek to practice understanding and patience as you deal with those going through hard times. In addition, never be afraid to express your love and support for them. Your kind words and consistency may be just what they need to endure. 

 

As you continue to practice love as a healing tool, understand that karma is real. What you put out will surely come back. Therefore, continue to place love at the forefront as it truly heals all. 

Follow Your Passions And You Will Be Happier!

 

Imagine having to clock into a job daily that you hate. The work is mundane, the commute is long, and your supervisors are careless. Would you enjoy waking up every morning?

 

While we all have to make money to survive, we all deserve to feel fulfilled after completing a hard day’s work. Sure, we may receive a paycheck at the end of the week, but does that really make up for all the unhappy moments? Surely, the answer to that question is a resounding no.

 

Many blogs, books and articles are dedicated towards helping people find their passion. In fact, the self-help community is worth billions of dollars. This statistic alone proves that people all over the globe are searching for a life of purpose. Individuals who are unhappy in their jobs are especially susceptible to soaking in as much information as they can on how to improve their life. 

 

In order to really live a life of fulfillment and walk in your truth, you must follow your passion. Although this sounds like a far-far-fetched idea, it’s actually quite attainable. All you need is a willing attitude, a bit of determination and a positive spirit. Those, along with consistent hard work will help you live a life of passion. Let’s consider how.

 

Determine Your Passion

 

Do you know what your passion is? If you want to start living a more fulfilled life, you must identify what drives you. Ask yourself, is there an activity that gives you excitement? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a particular field of interest? What motivates you to get up in the morning? 

 

The underlying answers to these questions will help you determine what your passion truly is. Once you uncover that, you’ll be able to make the necessary steps towards achieving it. 

 

Learn Your Passion

 

Maybe your passion is to become a chef. Before you blindly pick up the pots and pans, learn your craft. Study from the greats and imitate their actions. Read and soak up as much information as you can on your particular interest. 

 

This will help you improve your skills and train you to the be the best. Then, you’re more likely to find employment or start a business revolving around your passion. Remember, you can have a dream all you want, but it takes practice and hard work to turn it into a reality. 

 

Take Steps

 

After you’ve determined your passion and gathered enough information about the topic, now it’s time to put your work to the test. Take the necessary steps towards changing your current position and landing that dream job. 

 

Take up an internship or shadowing job. Perhaps change your resume to reflect your new venture. Then, begin applying for the jobs that’ll get you one step closer to your passion. When you put in the necessary work, it’s imperative that you get out of your comfort zone and really try to find your place. This will help you to lay the foundation for your future career.  

 

Following your passions will make you a happier and more fulfilled person. Although we’ve focused primarily on employment, developing your passion doesn’t have to be within a job. If your passion is to be a better artist, person or writer, then follow those dreams even if they’re just for your own personal development. 

 

One of the best pieces of advice one could hear is to do everything with passion. From the smallest gesture to the biggest action, acting with passion will make you stand out in the crowd. in turn, you’ll live a happier, more fulfilled life. 

Losing Weight With a High-Protein Diet

 

Eating more protein can help you in your weight loss efforts. Understanding how protein helps you lose weight, as well as how much protein you need, and high-quality sources of protein can all help you shed unwanted pounds and lose weight fast. Athletes already know the health benefits of a high-protein diet, and you can experience those same health benefits when you modify your diet to focus on protein.

 

Proteins Health and Weight Loss Benefits

 

How exactly does eating more protein help you lose weight? Here are the top three reasons you can enhance your weight loss efforts by eating a high-protein diet.

 

#1. Protein keeps you feeling fuller longer.

 

Proteins increase your sense of satiety, and when you include high-protein foods in your meals, you won’t get hungry as quickly after eating. When you feel fuller, you are less likely to overeat or snack later on. Also, feeling full means you won’t reach for other foods that may be higher in calories but lack the steady release of energy your body needs. Proteins are also broken down more slowly than carbohydrates, which means your blood sugar will not fluctuate as much, and you won’t get cravings for sweets and other high-calorie foods.

 

#2. Protein helps you build muscle, which can enhance your metabolism.

 

Your muscles need the amino acids in protein to build and become strong. When you have more muscle mass, you burn more calories, as well. Eating protein before and after working out can help your muscles repair faster, decreasing your recovery time and helping you feel strong and healthy. Having more lean muscle is a fitness goal that will definitely boost your weight loss efforts.

 

#3. Digesting protein burns more calories.

 

Proteins are harder for your body to process than carbohydrates or even fats. So, when you eat protein, you actually burn more calories digesting the food in your system. This process is known as thermogenesis. If you are trying to lose weight, this is good news, as your body must work harder to digest the more complex proteins than the simpler compounds found in carbohydrates.

 

When you add more protein to your diet, you can enjoy other benefits, including a healthier heart, brain, and bones. The amino acids in proteins are necessary for all metabolic functions in your body, so eating plenty of this important macro-nutrient is essential for good health.

 

How Much Protein Should I Eat?

 

Determining how much protein you need varies by your gender, age, body size, activity level, and health goals. The USDA recommends a minimum of 46 grams of protein per day for women and 56 grams of protein per day for men, but these are the recommended bare minimums your body needs to avoid deficiencies. These daily minimums are meant for a person of moderate activity level and average weight who is trying to maintain their status. 

If you are trying to lose weight, and especially if you are exercising regularly as a part of that weight loss strategy, then you will want to eat more protein than these minimum levels. To determine how much protein you need, start with your current body weight. Divide that by two. 

If you are very active and trying to build lean muscle while also losing weight, your answer is equal to the grams of protein you should be aiming to eat each day. If you are moderately active but trying to lose weight, multiply that number by 0.75 to determine your daily protein intake in grams. 

Therefore, someone who weighs 200 pounds would aim to eat a maximum of 100 grams of protein per day if they are very active, workout a lot, or are in training. That same person should only consume about 75 grams of protein per day if their activity level is more moderate. 

If you are not the kind of person who counts grams of anything, you may want to consider a different approach. For each meal or more substantial snack you eat, a good rule of thumb for high-protein weight loss is eat no more than 30 percent of your calories from protein, less than 25 percent from healthy fats, and the remainder of your calories should come from carbohydrates.

 

High-Protein Diets

 

Creating a whole-foods diet that is focused on higher levels of protein for weight loss can not only help you lose the extra weight but also benefit your health in many ways. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats is the foundation of a healthy body, no matter your fitness or weight loss goals.

4 Actions That Target Your Personal Growth

We all have areas where we want to improve; health, work, family, you name it. But reality sets in along with a busy schedule that doesn’t leave any space for quite time, let alone individual development. We also rarely have the willpower we need to see it through. Or maybe we just don’t know where or how to start.

 

Not being able to define your own long-term goals will end up in a life that’s devoid of meaning or direction. You start losing that spark and the motivation to get up each morning wanes.

 

Experts define personal growth plan as “the process of creating an action plan based on awareness, values, reflection, goal-setting and planning for personal development within the context of a career, education, relationship or for self-improvement.”

 

An individualized growth plan can help you achieve the vision you have of yourself. It’s something we need to consciously think about and strive toward. If you don’t plan your own development and growth, no one else will.

 

Here are 4 steps you can take for a well-developed, easy-to-implement, personalized plan.

 

1.     Know Thyself

 

In order to plan for the future, you have to reflect on your past experiences, your weaknesses and strengths; they’ve made you who you are today. You also have to clarify your own unique values, such as integrity, respect for others, leadership, honesty. Your values define your stance whether it’s at the workplace, with family and friends, and in your romantic relationships. Moreover, there are several important questions you have to ask yourself:

 

• What do I want to become in life?
• What are my achievements up until now?
• What are my personal goals?
• What are my career ambitions?
• What steps have I taken to pursue these goals and ambitions?

 

2.     Develop your vision

 

Once you’ve asked and answered these questions, you’ll have a clear vision of who you are and what you want out of life. This takes us to the second step; developing your vision. A smart tip is to provide yourself with several options to reach your next goal. 

 

That way, if something goes wrong or you face an obstacle, you can switch to another path. Be flexible in your planning because usually people tend to underestimate how long a certain project will take.

 

Another point people tend to not pay attention to is what they don’t want to do. If you’re at work, you can make a list of what-not-to-do, for example:

 

• Check emails as soon as they come in
• Keep too many tabs open at once
• Keep cell phone on your desk
• Check social media while you’re working

 

3.     Assess your present-day situation

 

Implementing your plan can be difficult at first. But with dedication and an eye on the prize, you’ll soon find that it becomes a daily habit. It was Jim Ryun who said, “Motivation is what get you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

 

Putting your strengths to good use will harness your energy levels so that it’s utilized efficiently. You can set up milestones along the way because smaller goals give you the motivation and drive you need to get to the big ones. And each time you reach a milestone or achieve one of the small goals, reward yourself for your hard work.

 

4.     Review your progress

 

Each project needs to be reviewed and assess, and your exclusive growth plan is no different. You can do it on a monthly basis, or every couple of months, whatever feels comfortable for you. But it’s crucial that you take a step back and look at all the hard work you’ve accomplished. 

 

Check to see if you’ve left anything out or missed any deadlines. Or maybe the mini-goals you set up last time don’t fit your criteria any longer, they need tweaking or readjusting. Reflect on your experience and consider everything you’ve learned. This will ensure that you keep moving forward according with your long-term plan and the vision you’ve set up for yourself.

 

On a final note, you can draw up the perfect plan but if you don’t follow through, you won’t get anywhere. Everyone needs practice to develop and grow, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Having something to strive toward can renew your self-confidence and passion for life.

The Importance Of Your Mindset In Anything You Do In Life

Generally speaking, there are two very different approaches to one’s mentality and the results yielded from either one are usually going to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.  

 

One way of approaching things is known as a “fixed mindset”, and the other is referred to as a “growth mindset”, and overwhelmingly, those with a growth mindset are often more successful in whatever venture in which they choose to participate.  

 

Those with the “fixed mindset” frame of mind tend to feel that their skills, potential and abilities are pre-determined and are not able to be improved upon, whereas those with the latter mentality are open to the idea that there is always room for improvement if they are willing to work enough at it.  

 

Those in the “fixed” category tend to feel powerless over any ability to manipulate their pre-ordained, possibly genetic skills and talents while those in the growth category are far more optimistic about who is calling the shots concerning their own aptitude and competence. 

 

There are a few other significant differences in relation to these two attitudes toward the concept of mindset and how much control any given person has over their own lives.

 

The primary one being how a person views mistakes or obstacles and the attitude that they foster when the inevitable hindrances arise…. 

 

For example, those with a fixed mindset are apt to become easily discouraged by impediments and are far more likely to “throw in the towel” so to speak at the first setback, whereas those with a growth mindset are far more optimistic in their outlook and adopt more of an opportunistic approach to problems, meaning that they “make the best of it” and try to turn negativity into a chance to learn and hopefully grow from whatever hindrance they might encounter.

 

Given what is already understood about the two opposite approaches to mindset, clearly the fixed mindset does not leave much room for growth, learning or personal prosperity, while the growth mindset is the healthier, more positive option that is most likely to maximize an individual’s success and subsequent overall happiness in life. 

 

It is also important when discussing this particular topic to consider the ways in which our mindset can affect us other than in our ability to grow and prosper and be successful. 

 

For one, there is the knowledge that our mindset can have a major impact on our health and physical well-being, in that a person who tends to consistently be discouraged or depressed is far more likely to have that morose mentality suppress their immune system, which in turn means that those with a fixed mindset are more prone to illnesses and tend to take longer to recover from whatever ailment to which their defeated attitude has subjected them.  

 

People with a growth mindset tend to become sick less often and most certainly tend to be happier and healthier.

 

It is generally agreed upon among psychology and other professional experts on the subject that any person ultimately does have control over which mentality they choose to foster, meaning that simply because someone has been operating with the fixed mindset for any part or all of their lives, this in no way means that they can’t choose to make the transition to far more positive growth mindset, no matter what phase of their life they are in. 

 

That means that there is hopeful news for those who find themselves stuck in the pessimistic fixed mindset in that their fatalistic attitude toward their accomplishments and success need not be permanent and can always be improved upon.