Kaiser-Permanente Senior Advantage is sponsoring our CAREGIVERS Relax! on August 14th at the Porter Sandford Performing Arts and Community Center from 11AM - 2PM. Many transitions take place in life, and if you’re lucky enough to experience life as a senior, you will experience numerous ones, not only physical but also mental changes begin to occur.
The Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage program offers seniors a one-stop place for all of their concerns. Dr Marcus Griffith from Kaiser-Permanente joins us today to speak about their offerings in support of senior health and managing the stress that often comes with CAREGIVING.
Griffith offers four things that CAREGIVERS should do to monitor their own health and well-being -
- Get enough sleep - Seven hours of sleep nightly is optimum, but try and make sure you get between 6-8 hours of sleep every night for better health results. He also advised us to get checked for Sleep Apnea if you feel you are not getting enough sleep.
- Improve Your Nutrition By meal prepping you are in control of the foods you eat even if that means bringing your food with you. Cut back on alcohol consumption.
- Practice Mindfulness to take control of your emotions. Meditation, Breathing, Yoga, and Tai Chi are often practiced. It may take a minute to find the option that works for you.
- Partner with a Workout Buddy - Having an accountability partner to keep your workout routine steady.
Griffith speaks about some signs of stress, including sleeping too much or too little, over- or under-eating, and irritability. He describes irritability as Road Rage when you’re not driving.
He cautions caregivers to get support from their sphere, which may include those who are not family members. Griffith advises caregivers to reach out to their county’s Office on Aging to take advantage of resources being offered in their community. Paid or volunteer helpers may be necessary for various periods of time. Griffith cautions us to recognize caregiving as a marathon that may span a number of years.