Modern physical activity is often limited to mowing the grass, pulling weeds, or walking down the grocery store aisle. In order to remain active, older adults have to search out activities that interest them and then figure out how to fit those activities into their schedule. Then comes the hardest part: mustering up the motivation to actually do it. 

 

Muscle strength declines by 15 percent per decade after age 50 and 30 percent per decade after age 70. The more muscle you have as you enter your golden years, the more likely it is you will remain healthy as you age. A Framingham Disability Study demonstrated that 45 percent of women older than 65 years, and 65 percent of women older than 75 years cannot lift ten pounds. This makes it very difficult to manage household tasks, such as carrying a bag of groceries, cleaning your house thoroughly, or organizing your belongings. 

 

Even if you have never exercised regularly, there are huge benefits to beginning exercise. Non-exercisers who start doing small amounts of exercise receive the greatest health benefits. As activity becomes easier, it is important to gradually increase duration and intensity. Up to one-third of age-related decline in aerobic capacity can be reversed with prolonged (six months or more) aerobic training.

 

For more information on how to safely remain active as you age, please call our Information and Assistance Team at (408)350-3200, option 1.

 

For seniors age 60 and above who are unable to leave their homes, the Council on Aging Silicon Valley offers Meals on Wheels. Once a week, Meals on Wheels delivers 14 frozen meals, as well as juice, bread, milk and dessert items to your home. Microwave ovens may be available if needed, and some additional eligibility guidelines do apply.

 

For seniors looking to share a meal with friends, many local senior centers offer congregate meals. Congregate meals are nutritiously balanced meals served in a family style setting. Different senior centers have meals that cater to specific diets and cuisines. 

 

Other home-delivered meals and nutrition options for those with mobility and other health issues are available.

 

To locate a congregate meal site near you and to obtain more information about home-delivered meals, or for any other nutritional services available in Santa Clara County, please call Information and Assistance at (408) 350-3200, option 1. We are here to help you age well at home.

 

Being bilingual from a young age, Irene often assisted as an interpreter for her parents and family friends at appointments. She was born in Hollister where her family worked in agriculture. Her family followed the seasonal produce circuit, working year-round in San Benito, Monterey and Santa Clara Counties.

 

After raising three children, Irene entered the workforce. She followed her family’s footsteps and worked in the agriculture industry, preparing, packing and testing the quality of dried fruit in San Jose. Irene later acquired and developed her computer skills. Prior to beginning her career here at COASV, Irene worked for five years as a receptionist at Catholic Charities in San Jose.

 

Having been in this area for many years Irene has met many people. “Everywhere I go,” Irene says, “I see people who need help, and I tell them about Council on Aging Silicon Valley.”

 

If you need help or have questions on available services, please call our Information and Assistance Team at (408)350-3200, option 1.

 

Many grandparents even provide day care for grandchildren while the parents are at work. This evolving dynamic allows grandparent, parent and child to pool financial resources, which can be very helpful in difficult economic times.

 

The 2010 Census estimates a 30 percent increase in multi-generational homes in the United States since 2000. Santa Clara County is no exception with the largest concentration of multi-generational families in Milpitas (10.6 percent), San Martin (10.8 percent) and the Alum Rock neighborhood of San Jose (15.8 percent). Overall 6.7 percent of homes in California consist of multi-generational families, which is the second highest rate in the country. Both economic and cultural factors play a role in shifting demographics.

 

With the large numbers of multi-generational homes in the county, there are many caregivers sharing homes with care recipients. Tending to the needs of both parents and children can be difficult. While living with extended family can provide wonderful benefits, it is essential to remember to care for yourself too. Those caring for children and their aging parents, known as the sandwich generation, is an ever growing population as America’s baby boomers enter their golden years.

 

Resources are available to assist you. If you are in need of support or other resources for caregivers, call the Council on Aging Silicon Valley. We are here to help. For resources on in-home and away-from-home respite care, adult day care, support groups, and more call (408)350-3200, option 1. Our Information and Assistance specialists are here to help you find the answers you need.