Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  Spring is a time to refresh. Not just your home, but where you reside everyday – your body. Taking the first step to improve your health starts with what you fill your body with each day. The food you choose directly impacts your health so it’s important to choose smart alternatives. If you or a loved one is a big snacker, check out our simple and healthy red pepper, pomegranate and walnut dip recipe. This dip can be stored in an ait-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – perfect if you have enough self-control to avoid eating it all in one sitting!  Ingredients for Red Pepper, Pomegranate & Walnut Dip  3 roasted red peppers ½ cup pomegranate juice ½ cup toasted walnuts 4 pitted dates ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil  Pomegranate seeds  Coarse salt and black pepper  Toasted pita breads or chips for dipping How to Make Red Pepper, Pomegranate & Walnut Dip Soak the dates in hot water for about 10 minu...

  Some days it’s as simple as asking, and other days you have to literally jump through hoops and hire a string quartet to get your loved one to take their medications. Convincing seniors to stick to their medication regimen requires patience, understanding, and creative strategies. Hiring a string quartet definitely counts as a creative strategy, but is not realistic each day. Fortunately, there are more effective and practical ways to encourage your loved one to take their prescriptions accurately and on time. Our senior caregivers at Lester Senior Livin g are here to help on those days that aren’t so easy with these invaluable tips:  Understanding Their Concerns Before diving into convincing tactics, it’s crucial to understand why your senior parent might be hesitant to take their medications. Common concerns include fear of side effects, forgetfulness, or a general mistrust of medications. Being empathetic towards their concerns and addressing the root issue is the fir...

As the years unfold, maintaining good balance becomes a critical component of overall well-being for seniors. The adage “use it or lose it” holds particularly true when it comes to balance. Not only does balance contribute to an  active and independent senior lifestyle , but it also serves as a strong defense against the risk of potentially disastrous falls. Even if a walker is part of the equation, practicing balance exercises cannot be overlooked. Especially because balance is often taken for granted until it starts to waver. For seniors, a decline in balance can lead to a host of issues, from a loss of mobility and independence to an increased susceptibility to injuries. Fortunately, incorporating simple balance exercises into a daily routine can make a world of difference. Let’s take a closer look:  Key Balance Exercises for Seniors Heel-to-Toe Walk: Begin by placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the opposite foot with each step. T...

  While they’re not the main event, side dishes are a crucial part of Thanksgiving dinner. Some may even say they look forward to side dishes more than the turkey! Rich stuffing with creamy gravy and sweet cranberry sauce are definitely staples, but there are other options that are equally delicious and more health-conscious for seniors at your Thanksgiving table. If you want a healthy side dish that will wow your guests, look no further than our za’atar roasted carrots and green beans! This recipe provided by our senior dining services team in Whippany, NJ , is also great to serve during the holidays, like Rosh Hashanah or Hanukkah (which just so happens to be right around the corner).  Ingredients for Za’atar Carrots and Green Beans:  Carrots (approx. 1 pound) Green beans (approx. 1 pound) Olive oil (¼ cup) Za’atar (2 tablespoons) Kosher salt (1 teaspoon) Pepper (½ teaspoon) Chopped parsley (optional garnish) Directions for Za’atar Carrots and Green Beans: ...

  Who says sufganiyot (Hanukkah doughnuts) must be reserved strictly for Hanukkah? With apple picking in full swing and Thanksgiving just around the corner, sufganiyot can be the perfect fall dessert to serve at your next get together. Let’s take them for a spin now and incorporate a signature fall flavor: apple cider. Our culinary team at Lester Senior Living recommend trying this recipe on a lazy Sunday where you have more time to get it just right.  Ingredients for Dough:  Dry yeast (1 package) Water warmed to 100 degrees (¾ cup) All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups) Sugar (4 tablespoons) Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon) Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) Egg yolks (2) Unsalted butter, softened (¼ stick) Ingredients for Filling: Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and diced (2) Butter (1 tablespoon) Brown sugar (1/4 cup) Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon) Apple cider (1/2 teaspoon) All-purpose flour (1/2 tablespoon) Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)...