Aging is part of life and eventually life gets more challenging as we grow older. Aging not only affects the individual but the care giving family as well. Due to the rise in technology, we are seeing people live longer and at the same time experiencing a higher prevalence of chronic illness. Statistics Canada states that 8 million Canadians aged 15 and above have provided care for a family member or friend with a chronic health illness linked with aging (Statistics Canada, 2015). This connection releases hormones that improve mood, diminish stress, supports physical and emotional wellbeing for the aging (Smith et al., 2021). This early care giving relationship allows those cared for to feel part of the family and can be the least invasive situation for the care giving family allowing both to continue to thrive. At some point in time the individuals will need more assistance beyond the family’s capabilities and then the topic of burden of care may arise. This describes the physical, emotional, social and financial issues caregivers cope with everyday (O’Neill & Ross., 1991). Prolonged care giving periods can create consequences for the caregivers such as anxiety and depression which can lead to being more prone to illness due to a weakened immune system, obesity and other chronic illnesses (Womenshealth, 2015). Ask yourself what’s best for them? After all that’s the goal, right? This brings us to another stage in our lives, palliative. Palliative care improves wellbeing and aides in resilience of seriously ill patients as well as their families. This type of care brings in professionals from multiple disciplines such as physicians, personal support workers and chaplains for example (Shmerling, 2019). This type of care is personalized to the individual’s needs. This area improves quality of life in patients and their families, physical distress, discomfort and can help them live longer. Another area of palliative care is how to approach nutrition. The nutritional goal for palliative individuals is different than someone in the general population. These individuals experience higher amounts of fatigue and a sporadic appetite. They are battling a chronic illness which greatly diminishes their energy stores. Food options that are high in protein and calories will benefit the palliative care individual. Depending on the severity of the disease they could require the same amount of protein an endurance athlete consumes or more. Allow the individual to pick their favorite foods, desserts, or comfort foods, anything to get them to eat. In saying that, it’s important to still eat a variety of food to avoid deficiencies which could affect nerves and muscle and cause future complications (Government of South Australia, 2012). The goal is to ensure their last few weeks, months or even years are filled with happiness and social support. You may not feel like a superhero but that’s exactly how your loved one views you. Remember, take care of them and yourself. References: Government of South Australia. (2012). Diet and Nutrition in Palliative Care. Adelaide Hills Community Health Service. Retrieved from https://www.caresearch.com.au/Portals/20/Documents/Diet-And-Nutrition-Palliative-Care_AdlHillsCommHlthServ.pdf. O'Neill, G., & Ross, M. M. (1991). Burden of care: an important concept for nurses. Health care for women international, 12(1), 111–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/07399339109515931 Shmerling, R. (2019, November 12). What is palliative care, and who can benefit from it? Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-palliative-care-and-who-can-benefit-from-it-2019111118186. Smith, M., Segal, J., & Robinson, L. (2021, July 20). Family caregiving. HelpGuide.org. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/family-caregiving.htm#. Statistics Canada. (2015, November 27). Family caregiving: What are the consequences? Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2013001/article/11858-eng.htm. Womens Health. (2015). Caregiver stress . Office on Women's Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/caregiver-stress.
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Being social has become second nature to us and we can’t live without it. We are currently experiencing a massive social reconstruction due to COVID-19. It doesn’t matter what age; we are all affected in one way or another. The impact on the elderly has been quite significant. By 2026 the elderly population will represent 21.2% of the Canadian population (White et al., 2013). This trend is supported by improvements in modern technology, education, living and working conditions (Lorinc, 2008). As we age the demand for social support increases due to the limited frequency of interactions especially in those living alone. Having this lack of interaction poses strain on the elderly which can lead to emotional disfunction, loneliness and can worsen into depression (Rhodes, 2016). A study found that mental and physical health in the elderly were impacted. They reported an increase of anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality and physical inactivity during the lockdowns (Loyola et al., 2020). Elderly, being more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 were restricted with what they could do such as visiting family, grocery shopping and sometimes even walking around their neighbourhoods. Not taking part in their daily routines restricted them from living life well in retirement. What they thought their retirement might look like has been in a constant disarray since COVID-19 surfaced. Everyday there was new information in the media causing concern and confusion for this very vulnerable population. We saw the emergence of the app Zoom which saw a 300% increase globally (SmartBear Software, 2021). It was a learning curve, but it soon became part of our daily lives. According to Stats Canada 60% of seniors (80 plus) in 2016 didn’t have internet access (Schimmele & Davidson, 2019). One could extrapolate these findings and assume these numbers are lower in 2021. Video calling is a great alternative to in person interactions because it allows for each party to form that connection without the physical aspect therefore keeping everyone safe. Those 60% without internet had to be creative to see their loved ones, such as a porch visit and/or drive-bys. As vaccines were discovered and implemented, regulations for those vaccinated were somewhat eased. This gave us the privilege to hug our loved ones once again. Having this physical connection can help jump start the social connections that we made with our vulnerable grand and/or parents. Call your older loved ones as they need social interaction to thrive. References: Lorinc, J. (2008, Aug 09). The medicare myth that refuses to die. The Globe and Mail http://ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/newspapers/medicare-myth-that-refuses-die/docview/382699579/se-2?accountid=13631 Rhodes. (2016, November 18). Older Adults and the Importance of Social Interaction: A.G. Rhodes. A.G. Rhodes |. https://www.agrhodes.org/blog/notable-newsworthy/older-adults-and-the-importance-of-social-interaction/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20proven%20that%20regular,mental%20health%20for%20senior%20citizens.&text=By%20contrast%2C%20social%20isolation%20typically,other%20mental%20and%20physical%20issues. Schimmele, C., & Davidson, J. (2019, July 10). Evolving Internet Use Among Canadian Seniors. Statistics Canada. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2019015-eng.htm. Sepúlveda-Loyola, W., Rodríguez-Sánchez, I., Pérez-Rodríguez, P., Ganz, F., Torralba, R., Oliveira, D. V., & Rodríguez-Mañas, L. (2020). Impact of Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Health in Older People: Mental and Physical Effects and Recommendations. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 1–10. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-020-1469-2 SmartBear Software. (2021). App Usage & Popularity Statistics During Covid-19. Bugsnag. Retrieved from https://www.bugsnag.com/covid-19-app-usage-error-data-report. White, J., Martin, T. & S. Bartolic. (2013). Families Across the Life Course. Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada Inc. (pp.259-291).
One of my favourite things in life is helping people. Whether it’s helping my mom with projects around the house, cooking meals at home or working on construction projects with my Nonno. I am half Italian and half Greek; food is associated with every celebration. When I say every celebration I mean it, birthdays, weddings, soccer goals, even my very first loose tooth and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My career allows me to combine helping people and food. Presently, I am working on my Bachelor of Applied Science at Ryerson University. I graduated from the Food and Nutrition Management program at Humber College and went onto working at a long-term care (LTC) facility. This is where my passion for nutrition blossomed. My first day at the LTC was very memorable. I was getting a tour of the facility and on the Alzheimer’s floor all the residents were trying to pinch my cheeks. I felt like a boxer, dodging all their attempts. This was the only floor I didn’t’ want to be assigned because of the environment and the unpredictable nature of the disease and lo and behold this is where I was stationed. It was a very overwhelming experience for me and at first, I didn’t think I could do it. After learning my role as a dietary aide and climatizing myself to the environment and residents I decided to make a concentrated effort to build bonds with the residents and get to know them beyond the diet roster. Many of the residents came from different walks of life, countries and religions. This was a great opportunity to learn from the residents and offer them some social support. I spent my breaks sitting and listening to the residents. They were fascinating. I was surprised at how easily they shared their life stories. I heard stories about World War 1 and 2, what life was like in their native countries and one resident described what it was like to be a food manager 30 years ago. During this experience I promised myself I would not allow myself to become jaded and to find humor in what was going on around me. There was one resident that I will never forget, lets call her Lids due to confidentiality reasons. Lids would always follow me while I was working, try to hold my hand and hug me. At first, I didn’t understand why she was doing that, but soon realized that she thought I was her grandson. When I entered the room, her face lit up. It was a weird feeling because obviously I wasn’t related to her, but I embraced it. She spoke broken English and Turkish and was hard to understand at times. Google translate was invaluable as it helped me communicate with her in her own language. When I first started trying to say Turkish phrases, she would always laugh as my pronunciation was probably off. By putting this effort into Lids, I saw an improvement in her behaviour and her food consumption which bettered her health. She helped me enhance many life skills such as patience, communication and being more understanding towards others. I really enjoyed my time with her. Overall, Alzheimer’s residents have more to offer than people think. We just need to be able to put the effort in, so we can better understand them. Working at the LTC has given me purpose and confirmed that I want to help people nutritionally. My end goal is to become an LTC dietitian, so I can continue to help people in a more clinical role.
By: Getty Stewart, P.H.Ec. of www.gettystewart.com
For the original post, please click here The Annual Food Price Report predicts rising food prices for 2019. The annual predictions prepared by a joint group from Dalhousie University and the University of Guelph have just been released and given the political and economic uncertainty across our borders, climate change and general eating trends, most of the predictions don’t come as a surprise By: Lela Hopper, OHEA Student Member Individuals need the best of both worlds when purchasing local foods, here's why. During a previous summer, my family signed up for a community supported agriculture (CSA) box. The summer consisted of picking up a small box of food once a week at a local meeting spot. The contents of the box came from a 100 km radius from our house.
We didn’t know what we were getting each week, and it was interesting to talk to the farmer and learn how to cook and store these new foods. The box contained seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs that we could plant, and a variety of canned products like pickles and beets. By: Mary Carver, P.H.Ec. It's important to understand how you can plan your meals to help make the most of your budget. Here are some helpful tips from a Professional Home Economist (P.H.Ec.) to help feed your family without breaking the bank:
By: Mary Carver, P.H.Ec. Adapted from a previous OHEA media release for the Ask a Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) series. A familiar tune reminds us that “chestnuts are roasting on an open fire”, yet most don't experience such an event as we scramble to write cards, wrap gifts, host parties, prepare food, and create our own memories. Despite all the preparations we make for the “perfect” holiday season, many times the best part really does begin in the kitchen.
Foods served at this festive time can become family favourites, creating wonderful traditions and warm memories to pass along to other generations. If you don’t have seasonal food traditions at your house, it’s never too late to start some. And a gift from the kitchen comes from the heart and is always in good taste! Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) were asked to share some of their favourite family recipes. Here are a few that we think you will enjoy, year after year. Much of the fun is sharing “family time” in the kitchen, so grab a partner and cook up some culinary memories this holiday season. By: Donna-Marie Pye, P.H.Ec. Adapted from a previous OHEA media release for the Ask a Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) series. After many years of slow cooking, and two cookbooks later, I am even more convinced of the marvelous benefits of this appliance. Not only are slow cookers convenient and portable, but cooking foods at low heat produces flavorful, tender results.
Slow cooking tenderizes tougher cuts of meat by cooking them in their own juices and slowly breaking down the tough connective tissues. Stews and chilies don’t dry out our stick to the bottom of the pot and the even, low temperature ensures perfect results with more delicate dishes such as puddings and custards. Slow cooking is for everyone – families, couples, students and seniors. Whether you are on a tight budget or love leisurely cooking, slow cookers can provide good, healthy food without requiring you to spend hours over a hot stove. Did you know that Celery is a major allergen within Europe and the UK? It is actually listed as one of the top 14 allergens and must be included on food packaging whenever used, in any level in pre packaged foods.
It might come as a surprise but celery is also a known allergen that can cause anaphylactic shock comparable to peanuts and is as common an allergy in Eastern Europe and the UK as peanut allergies are in North America. |
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