Spring Into Comfort
We at Aging Well wanted to share some important insights on a topic that often gets overlooked but plays a significant role in our comfort and safety as we age: the size and fit of our chairs.
As we get older, maintaining our comfort and safety in our daily environments becomes increasingly important. One key element in healthy aging is something we interact with constantly – our chairs.
The fit of a chair goes beyond mere comfort; it's essential for maintaining our safety, mobility, and independence. A chair that isn't the right height, depth, or firmness can make sitting down and standing up challenging. Many of us have experienced the struggle of getting out of a very low or soft chair or having our feet dangle from a seat that's too high. As our muscles and joints naturally weaken with age, ill-fitting chairs can turn simple actions into potentially risky situations.
Choosing the right chair offers several key benefits:
Improved Safety: A properly sized chair reduces the risk of falls. The correct seat height allows your feet to be flat on the floor with your knees level with your hips, providing the necessary leverage for standing.
Better Functionality: Chairs equipped with sturdy armrests and a firm seat make transferring in and out much easier, which is crucial for maintaining independence in daily activities.
Enhanced Movement: When a chair provides good postural support, it encourages us to stay more active. Slouching in a deep or sagging chair can discourage movement and put unnecessary strain on the spine.
Lasting Comfort: The right fit helps to reduce pressure points, support healthy circulation, and promote better posture, making it more comfortable to sit for extended periods without experiencing stiffness or pain.
When evaluating seating for yourself or a loved one, especially if you've noticed any discomfort, difficulty standing, or hesitation before sitting, here are some key features to consider:
The seat height should allow your feet to rest flat on the floor.
Arm rests should be sturdy and at a natural height.
The seat should offer firm support without being excessively hard.
The seat depth should support your thighs without pressing into the back of your knees.
Selecting a well-sized chair is a simple adjustment that can have a profound positive impact. It not only enhances comfort but also bolsters confidence and independence. Whether you are aging in place or supporting an older adult, paying attention to seating arrangements can significantly contribute to a safer and more comfortable living environment.
Want to learn more or need help finding the right solutions?
If you or a loved one are experiencing challenges with mobility, comfort, or safety at home, we’re here to help. You may email shari@wellbybarnes.com to learn how Aging Well can support you with personalized recommendations and functional aging strategies.
Trauma can happen to anyone at any age and any time. Currently, what research indicates through various studies are that cellular aging and changes in your brain structure occur during and after a traumatic event. You may be wondering; how does this happen?
Several areas of our brain are important to understanding how the brain and body function during trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic event, adrenaline rushes through the body and a memory is imprinted into the amygdala, which is part of the limbic system. The amygdala holds the emotional significance to the event including the intensity of emotion. It stores it with visual images of trauma as “sensory fragments” (vision, smell, sounds, tastes or touch) and not an actual story.
Because trauma is not processed in the prefrontal cortex of our brain, which is the rational part, where processing and reasoning occurs, when a traumatic memory gets activated, this part gets shut down. Then the brain becomes overwhelmed, disorganized and the body goes into survival mode which can result in a metabolic shutdown and has a profound impact on the stress response within our bodies. This also causes an increase in blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar. In addition to our physical health, trauma can also cause anxiety, depression, substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder; all of these conditions have an impact on our mental wellness and emotional state.
It is important to know there is help and support when you have experienced trauma and its effects. It’s never too late, no matter what age you are, to start working on healing from trauma. There are many paths to wholeness and health with evidenced based therapies that can help you feel calm, grounded and hopeful in the process. Please reach out if you would like to get started on your journey today.
You don’t have to navigate trauma alone.
Healing is possible at any age, and support is available. If you’re ready to take the first step or simply want to learn more about how we can help, please reach out to jinny.agingwell@gmail.com. At Aging Well, we’re here to walk alongside you with tools, resources, and care designed to support your healing and overall well-being.
Enjoy this Healthy Spring Pasta Salad that's quick, fresh, and has less than 10 ingredients! It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your spring meals or summer picnics.
Why This Pasta Salad Is a Spring & Summer Favorite:
Healthy and Fresh – Packed with crisp veggies and heart-healthy olive oil, it's light, nourishing, and satisfying.
Easy on the Budget – All the ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find at any grocery store.
Bright, Seasonal Flavor – Lemon juice and fresh herbs give it that fresh, zesty vibe that tastes just like spring (or summer!).
It’s super easy to throw together, full of feel-good flavor, and a great way to enjoy the season’s best produce. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or just keeping things light and fresh on warm days.
Healthy Spring Pasta Salad
Ingredients (9 ingredients):
8 oz whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (any short shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup cucumber (diced)
1 cup bell pepper (diced, any color)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
Prepare the Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the fresh parsley.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.
Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled, and enjoy!