DECEMBER ARTICLE: Healthier Eating During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us. Spending time with family and friends, celebrating traditions, and sharing memories make the holidays truly special.
Something else that makes holidays special are delicious meals and sweet treats! It can be challenging to avoid overindulging during the holidays, especially if there are festive gatherings or events that involve a lot of food.
Wondering how to enjoy treats in a healthier way so you can begin the New Year looking and feeling your best? Here are a few helpful tips:
-Calories count, so try to use them wisely. If the wonderful holiday meal includes a side dish that you eat regularly during the year, pass on it. Choose a different side dish or save those extra calories for dessert.
-Sweet beverages and holiday cocktails can be high in calories too. If you’re going to drink soda, eggnog, wine or a cocktail, try to limit your consumption to one. Consider low calorie beverages such as seltzer water or unsweetened iced tea.
-Don’t fill up on appetizers. Consider limiting yourself to one or two hors d'oeuvres. Feel free to indulge in crudités (raw vegetables), but go light on the dipping sauce.
-Be sure to leave room for dessert. By avoiding second helpings and not filling up on rolls, crackers, cheese or too many hors d'oeuvres, you likely won’t feel too full to really enjoy your dessert.
-It’s ok to indulge in the foods you enjoy during the holidays, but there’s a balanced way to do so. Moderation is key. Keep in mind that one helping is enough. Practice portion control, eat slowly, and savor your food.
Nutrition & Your Health
Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet is one of the keys to good health. As we get older, nutrition plays an even larger role in overall health and well-being. By developing a nutrition strategy and planning meals in advance, older adults are more likely to eat meals with the vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and other nutrients that are so important.
Did you know that there are programs available to assist older adults who are uncertain about how to plan nutritious meals? Nutrition education and individual Medical Nutrition Therapy through the Nutrition Department at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) can help.
To learn more about OCES’ Nutrition Services, visit ocesma.org/programs-services/nutrition or call 508-584-1561.
Happy Holidays from OCES!
Recent News
MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), which leads the nation’s observance of this special month, has announced this year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging”, will focus on “transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging”.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that by 2030, all Baby Boomers will reach age 65 or older; by 2040, this demographic is expected to make up 22 percent of the American population.
Full Article MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Full Article APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
In April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and honor the countless individuals who generously donate their time, skills, and energy to make a lasting impact in their communities. At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), we proudly acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers who work tirelessly to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others across the 23 communities we serve.
We discussed our Volunteer programs with:
- Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES
- Mike Pauley, OCES Volunteer
Full Article Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
During March, we celebrate Social Work Month and the many contributions of social workers.
Social workers are dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Social workers also help people of all ages cope with life’s challenges. A major part of a social worker’s job is advocacy. Social workers stand up for equal rights of all people and work to ensure that services are provided to all who need them.
Full Article MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital Programs
OCES a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services.
Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards
OCES the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored staff members with annual milestone awards. On November 20, 2024, a special luncheon was held at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth Harbor, where thirty-three staff members from OCES' Brockton and Plymouth offices received longevity awards.
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards
FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Taking Care of Your Heart
Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to heart disease and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk for this serious disease.
JANUARY ARTICLE: Serving Others and Your Community as a Volunteer. Join the Movement on Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service
On January 20th, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and activist. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a special holiday designated as an official National Day of Service that encourages volunteerism.
Old Colony Elder Services Names New Senior Care Options & One Care Plans Quality Manager
Crystal Carvalho, LSW, a Berkley, MA resident, has been promoted to Senior Care Options & One Care Plan Quality Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton, MA.
OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families this Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s Keeper
Staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton and Plymouth are helping support those in need of assistance by providing gifts, grocery gift cards, and essential items this holiday season.
