Home & Lifestyle Autumn 2020

Central Coast Retirement Lifest yle

Are you getting enough vitamin D? S unlight triggers your body to make Vitamin D. This vitamin stimulates calcium absorption, keeping your bones healthy. Lack of vitamin D has also been linked to some cancers and bone and joint pain so getting enough is important. To increase your vitamin D levels without putting your skin at risk enjoy a little sun. Spend a few minutes in the sun most days without sun block in Summer and 20 minutes in winter. Enjoy your sunbath between the hours of 10am and 3pm in winter or before 10am and after 3pm in Summer. Other sources of this important vitamin are in oily fish such as salmon and egg yolks may also increase your intake. If you think you are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency speak to your GP

Socialization also stimulates the mind

Keep Your Eyes Healthy: Wear sunglasses W e all know how important it is to wear protective sunglasses during summer, however, what most of us do not realise is how equally important it is, if not more so, to wear protective eyewear during the cooler seasons. During autumn, winter and spring, the sun is lower on the horizon, so we get more exposed to those damaging UV rays, as they directly enter the eyes. 90% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds, which makes wearing sunglasses all year round even more important – dull days can be just as damaging. Another interesting fact and unknown to many is that UV exposure to the eyes is maximised between 8am-10am and, 2pm-4pm when the sun is lower in the sky often making these the most important times to be wearing your sunnies to protect from UV and give comfort from glare. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, so you can keep your vision sharp and eyes healthy. Tips to protect your eyes all year long: • Make a habit of wearing UV protective sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats whenever you’re outside. • Don’t be fooled by clouds or the fact that you’re in the shade: a significant amount of damage to the eye can come from indirect light, whether it is from the side or reflected off surfaces such as the ground, sand or water. • Sunglasses are also available with tinted and polarised prescription lenses for those requiring glasses for clear vision. • Remember the kids and older family members. • When purchasing sunglasses, remember to check the sun protection factor on the swing tag, look for high category (Australian Standard) lenses and remember that a high retail price doesn’t always mean better protection. • Polarised lenses can be particularly helpful for reflected glare such as when at the beach or snow. • A close fitting, wraparound pair or classic style with thick arms can help prevent glare and damaging rays from coming in the sides of sunglasses.

N o matter what age a person is, socialization is important and gives a person a sense of belonging and acceptance. The elderly are no different; they need contact with other people just as much as a child, teenager, young adult, and adults of all ages. People need socialization to thrive and enjoy fulfilling lives. Socialization becomes more important as we get older, especially once we reach our senior years. A recent research study showed that elderly individuals who had active social lives, were happier, healthier and more likely to live longer, than elderly people who did not have an active social life. Loneliness can deter an elderly person’s life, socializing can enrich it. Try these social activities if you are an elderly resident: Attending church services, Playing Bingo, Any type of class the facility may offer (painting, ceramics etc…), Gardening (indoor or outdoor), Leaving the facility (if able) to go shopping, to a movie, a family members or friends home, or any place else they may want to go. Aside from adding a few years to your life, the benefits of the elderly socializing can help develop new friendships, reduce stress, keep anxiety and depression away, and help them to feel useful and needed.  It takes an active mind to carry on a conversation, play cards, or just about anything else the elderly resident wants to do.