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Aging

5 Self-Care Activities for Seniors to Stay Active

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll always be stressed regardless of the activities you indulge in. Meditation won’t be effective if you aren’t getting enough sleep. In fact, you might doze off while trying to meditate because you aren’t taking care of the needs of your body. Also, hitting the gym once in a while won’t help you relieve stress if you are always consuming junk food. You need to take care of yourself to improve on different aspects of your life. In this post, we are going to focus on seniors and the activities that will help them stay active.

What is Self-care?

Self-care is defined as what individuals do to boost health to prevent illnesses. This view of self-care factors in hygiene, nutrition, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Here are five activities for seniors that support their physical and mental wellbeing. Let’s get started!

1. Connecting and socializing

Most senior Americans live alone. According to the Community Living Administration, an average of 28 percent of the elderly live alone. A financial investments firm did a study to distinguish between feeling lonely and being alone. The study showed that the majority of seniors are resilient and self-sufficient. And this makes them feel less lonely despite being isolated socially. This has been heightened by the forced quarantine and isolation during the pandemic. Here are some of the best ways for seniors to stay connected in the comfort of their home:

  • Call a loved one: Not every connection has to be high-tech. Use your phone to connect with family, grandkids, and friends you haven’t been in touch with for some time.
  • Chat with neighbors: You can make sure that the people who live close to you are doing well. While chatting, remember to keep your distance to avoid getting infected with the dangerous virus. Also, ask if they need assistance.
  • Exercise regularly: You need to exercise regularly but safely. You can go out with a friend while ensuring that you keep a safe distance. You can also join an online exercise program to stay in shape. Exercising doesn’t mean lifting heavy weights or sprinting. A short walk around the neighborhood is just as effective.
  • Join clubs and groups: Book clubs and discussion groups are now meeting online thanks to the rapid advancement of technology. You can also chat on Livestream that discusses subjects of interest. If you have to go out, always follow COVID-19 protocols.
  • Spend time out: As you relax outside, you can interact with delivery guys or your neighbors. Keep your distance and encourage others to share their exciting stories with you.
  • Use technology: Websites and apps can help in connecting people for various activities, conversations, movies, or even dinner. There are lots of sites and apps that will help you connect with family and friends.

2. Gratitude

Lots of studies have linked gratitude to a host of benefits. A research study conducted by Good Science Center found that these benefits include improved psychological and physical health, life satisfaction, greater happiness, less negativity, and high self-esteem. There are lots of simple tips that you can use to build your sense of gratitude. They include:

  • Starting by giving thanks each day: Being thankful for shelter, good health, family, and friends is important. You should take time to savor the gratitude feeling.
  • Give back: You can volunteer to chat with a community group or donate to charity. This will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment as you connect with others.
  • Keep a journal: You can write down anything from resting in the afternoon to having the opportunity to meet your loved ones. The key is identifying the things that you are grateful for.
  • Practice mindfulness: Slowing down to appreciate all the small amazing things around you is key. It could be the voice of a loved one, the weather, or your favorite track. Mindfulness will bring comfort, clarity, and peace.
  • Thank everyone: Smiling at strangers, opening a door for someone, or simply saying “thank you” can build a sense of gratitude.
  • Sharing thankful messages: Writing letters or sending gifts to family and friends will enrich your life. Take a couple of minutes to express to them how you feel.

3. Practice relaxation and mindfulness

In recent years, most Americans are practicing mindfulness which has been traced back to the Buddhists. According to a study conducted by Mayo Clinic, mindfulness involves being aware of your senses, being in the moment, free from judgment and interpretation. This form of meditation involves breathing, guided imagery, and other methods to relax the body and mind thus relieving stress. Mindfulness and meditation have been linked to a wide range of benefits for seniors. Here are a few tips that will help you practice mindfulness every day:

  • Go for a walk: Seeing, smelling, and hearing new things outside can relieve stress and help you relax.
  • Listen to relaxing sounds and music: Calm piano music, gentle rain or a babbling water stream can greatly relieve you.
  • Meditate: Finding a comfy chair in a quiet place or doing yoga can help you feel calm
  • Practice controlled breathing: Deep breaths can slow your heart rate, enhance self-awareness, and lower blood pressure.
  • Look at your surroundings: Seeing things that you’ve never absorbed before and appreciating how remarkable you are will boost your self-esteem.
  • Turn off the TV and computer: Putting your electronic gadgets away will help you step away from stress-inducing circumstances and allow you to experience the timeless.
  • Use apps: There are a lot of phone and computer apps that will guide you as you meditate. Some of the most popular apps include Calm, Breath, The Mindfulness App, and Headspace.

4. Prayer

Prayer and meditation are similar to each other in some way. However, there are a few key differences. Meditation focuses on clearing an individual’s mind through a solitary journey while prayer involves using your thoughts and circumstances while building a relationship with high powers. Several articles and studies have reinforced the benefits of prayer and religious faith:

According to a study conducted by Gallup, most of the people who experienced positive mental changes were those who attended services at their places of worship.

An article written by CNN reported that prayer can reduce feelings of anxiety, fear, isolation, and stress. The article noted that prayer is linked to feelings of encouragement, peace, and social support. There are lots of ways that you can pray since different faiths require different methods such as using schedules and specific texts. Some common ways to pray include:

  • Pray at a particular time: A morning prayer sets the tone of the day and allows you to look forward to the upcoming challenges. An evening prayer helps in giving gratitude for the day.
  • Journal praying: This involves summing up your daily thoughts and turning them into prayer.
  • Praying informally: This can be at a quiet time during the day or while taking a short walk. You should express your thoughts and emotions without using religious language.
  • Silent prayer: Prayer is not just about communicating with the Almighty but about hearing too. Use this time to listen attentively.
  • Pray with friends: Teaming up with friends will help you become accountable and encourage you to ask for your teammates’ prayers. You’ll also be blessed for praying for other people.
  • Your heart: What is troubling you? What are you fighting against? What are you thinking about? This is a great place to start when you pray.

5. Read a book

Reading has been linked to decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, and a reduction in stress by the University of Sussex. You only need to read for six minutes to reduce stress by close to 68 percent. Reading can help you learn new things or escape to a different world. If you don’t know where to start, here are a few sites that offer the most interesting books according to your tastes and preferences:

  • Bookish: This site has articles with lists of books that you should read together with recommendations
  • Goodreads: You can list the books that you’ve read, what you want to read, and connect to other people to find out what they are reading. You’ll also receive recommendations according to your tastes and preferences.
  • LibraryThing: This is another popular list builder that will help you stay on track of your owned books and those on your wish list. Upon sign up, you should fill in your preferences to get a list of recommendations.
  • Which book: The site can search for the books you want depending on your location, mood, or characters in the book. If you want to save money, there are lots of free sites such as Open Culture, Free E-books, Project Gutenberg, Book Bub, and Open Library. If you love listening to audiobooks, you can find some at LibriVox, Audible, and Open Culture.

Conclusion

This is the best time for seniors to schedule a time to focus on their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Even when you have lots of things to do, squeezing some time for self-care will pay off in spades.

Author Bio:

Nick van Migrot is a professional content writer and a member of several writing clubs in Los Angeles, California. He also provides at essay help and assignment help as a part of his hobby. Nick is interested in topics such as business, hospitality, finance, and marketing. He is the father of a lovely toddler and a passionate long-distance runner. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter.

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Mid section of disabled senior woman walking with walker in garden on a sunny day
Aging

10 Enjoyable Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The majority of seniors lose mobility due to conditions like serious joint pain, stroke, or injuries from falls. At the point when this occurs, leisure activities and exercises that they used to appreciate may become troublesome. Loss of mobility for seniors doesn’t always equate to the completion of fun occasions. There are several great ways to have fun without having to move around. In this article, we have compiled ten enjoyable activities for seniors with limited mobility. You’ll probably discover something that suits you after reading this article. Let’s get started!

1. Read

Reading is one of the best activities for seniors. It a great way to spend time while keeping the mind engaged. It can reduce stress, improve memory, delay cognitive decline and improve the quality of sleep. Whether you like reading magazines, non-fictional books, e-books, or listening to audiobooks, immersing yourself in a story or learning about an interesting topic is a great way to spend your time. You can also consider organizing a book club among your acquaintances to socialize while reading.

2. Explore other hobbies

Hobbies are good for seniors with limited mobility. Hobbies that don’t require lots of movement include baking, cooking, crotchet, indoor gardening, knitting, playing a musical instrument, birdwatching, and becoming an essay writer to name a few. Limited mobility will allow you to learn something new and try out things you’ve never done before. Learning is one of the best ways to keep your mind active and avoid boredom.

3. Exercise

Even if you cannot move much, there are several exercises that you can do to keep your body moving. Whether it’s standing, or sitting, you can still enjoy the health benefits linked to exercising. Yoga routines and chair exercises can boost your health and wellbeing.

4. Sharpen your creativity

Getting in touch with your creative side is another great way for seniors with limited mobility to spend their time. Coloring, drawing, sculpture, and painting are some of the best ways to be creative. Fun projects include organizing photo albums, creating scrapbooks, and making a family recipe book. Being creative promotes your health. Research studies have found that creative activities play an integral role in people suffering from chronic illnesses, negative emotions, and stress.

5. Spend time outside

Getting out from time to time during the day will help you relax and boost your mood. Even if your mobility is limited, you can consider sitting next to a window or porch on your veranda to get some fresh air while viewing the beautiful scenery.

6. Invite people

Asking friends and family members with pets and children to stop by for a visit is one of the best ways to keep yourself engaged. Most people lighten up in the presence of a young child. Playing with pets is another great way to reduce stress and bring cheer.

7. Brain games

Another great way to spend your time is by playing exciting brain games. You can play by yourself, with a friend or a family member. Try out a crossword, brain teaser, or Sudoku. Spending a few hours every day on such games will help you keep your brain sharp. When you are not mobile, it’s easy to sit around and watch TV for hours. And this might not give your mind the kind of stimulation that it requires. Playing brain games will improve your mental health.

8. Watch TV shows and listen to music

Watching TV all day long is not one of the best ways to spend your time. However, watching a few TV shows will allow you to enjoy your day. Watching TV can go hand in hand with a hobby. For instance, you can watch a documentary on a topic that you are passionate about. Travel and Food channels can also inspire you to travel and try out new recipes.

9. Listen to music

Listening to music is a great way to spend your time. Scientific studies have shown that music has the power to reduce, anxiety, stress, and pain. It also improves sleep and immune function while boosting memory.

10. Volunteer

Even if you are an immobile senior, there are several great ways to give back to the community. It a great way to stay engaged and feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. You should consider contacting local hospitals, charity organizations, and religious institutions to find out if there are projects that you can contribute to. This could mean crocheting hats, knitting, creating blankets, or assembling packages.

Conclusion

As we get older, our mobility starts to suffer. You may start noticing pains, aches, and fatigue affecting you in different ways. Recovery time can get longer. However, getting old doesn’t mean that you have to confine yourself to your home. As you have seen, there are lots of exciting activities that you can indulge in to improve your physical and mental health.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Holland is a professional writer at Assignment Masters, essay writing service and best essay writers with 3 years of experience who has been writing about education, student life and career development for several years. She helps students get their dream job by offering them her excellent writing skills and knowledge.

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Aging

Attitudes to Enhance Aging

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

What is your mindset about growing older? Do you want to avoid thinking about it for as long as possible? Is it a negative passage to be endured? To set an ideal mid-life into motion, you need a positive outlook.

A study of 660 adults aged 50 and older in Ohio, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that people who had positive attitudes about aging lived more than seven years longer than those with negative attitudes.

While the results remain unproven by other researchers, the study does link positive outlook and good health. For example, depression is linked to poorer recovery from heart attacks and stroke. And having a positive outlook in general in your early 20s predicts survival well into your 80s and 90s.

Studies like these don’t have to convince many people that life is a heck of lot easier with a positive attitude. For me, over the years, the following mindset has helped me approach older age with gratitude.

  • Accept yourself – low self-esteem and confidence are common but beauty is not defined by physical traits but by qualities. The act of accepting oneself as they are seems hard but you can do it! Do not allow the flaws to govern your heart and future.
  • Surround yourself with positive people – hang out with people who feed your soul, the ones who you appreciate and look up to. Make sure they feel the same way about you. Positive types give us a sense of well-being.
  • Do the things and activities you love and make time for self-care. Find a hobby like cooking, gardening, painting or reading. This helps you feel connected and less stressed.
  • Express feelings – talk about your feelings with someone you like and trust. Never bottle them up. Communicating helps us process our emotions and to move on with a clearer and happier mind. If you prefer, keep a journal and write your feelings down.
  • Appreciate little things – if you give too much energy to the “big” problems you’ll stress and ignore the little things that make living so pleasurable. Make every experience a learning experience, even failures.

Questions to ask:

  • Who am I on this journey for?
    What will it take to love myself?
    What sacrifices am I taking for good health?

 

Live each day knowing there’s plenty to go around. Believe in and trust yourself. Focus on what you can do now and be your best self instead of correcting the past.

Take away:

Trust yourself – BE OPEN – Acknowledge fear and do it anyway!

Attend my free Live events on Facebook @Carebuzz. Every Tuesday, 3:00 PM CST, we discuss proactive living in mid-life. (https://www.facebook.com/Carebuzz/)

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Aging

How to comfortably live to 90 and beyond

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Want to know the aging secrets of folks who’ve hit 90 years old and over? Well, in 2003 The 90+ Study set out to discover the answers.

Researchers at the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) followed 1,600 people who reached this ripe old age. Every six months, researchers visited these 90-year-old participants to perform mental and physical tests.

Of course, the participants also documented their diets, activity, medications, and more. And after all these years of study, we now have answers to how these folks manage to live as long as they do.

But before we reveal some of the surprising aging secrets, did you know the “oldest old” are the fastest-growing segment of the American population? In fact, by 2050, it’s estimated that there will be over 10 million Americans who are old enough to say they were alive when JFK was elected.

Now, here are a few of the factors contributing to their longevity, especially the healthiest among them:

  • Hobbies. Those who practiced hobbies around two hours a day were 21% less likely to die than those who didn’t.
  • Exercise. The more exercise the better! Physical activity up to 45 minutes a day earned a 10–25% reduction in mortality; anything longer kept the benefit steady (a 21-25% reduction).
  • Weight. People who were obese or underweight both were at greater risk of passing away.

 

These may not be surprising factors in longevity. But the next three factors have all had their share of controversy in the past. (Of course, talk to your doctor when it comes to your particular situation):

  • Another cup please! Moderate amounts of coffee (two cups a day) actually increased longevity.
  • Alcohol… good? Just like coffee, the data revealed those who drank two or more glasses of alcohol a day reduced mortality risk by 15%. (And the study wasn’t limited to wine.)
  • Overhyped vitamins? Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E didn’t contribute to longevity at all. NOTE: I don’t recommend ignoring these important vitamins for overall health and bone density. The study simply didn’t find these three correlated with the oldest people in the research.

 

So, what do you think? Have these seniors discovered the secret to longevity? If these findings don’t describe your life, maybe it’s time we all take a page from The 90+ Study.

Now, it’s not all sunshine and roses for some of these long-lived seniors. According to the researchers, over 40% of those 90 and older suffer with dementia. Nearly 80% are in wheelchairs or can’t move independently. And women are more likely to suffer with these issues.

And while there is no known “cure” for many age-related ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, we can try our best to prevent them from happening in the first place.

What are some good ways to maintain quality of life over time? Well, you can always turn to Senior News for the latest science and tips on how to live happier and healthier. And who knows… you could be the next 90-year-old living life on your terms and feeling great doing it.

(I hope to see you there one day!)

By Dean Neuls

Dean Neuls is the Co-Founder and CEO of AlgaeCal. He is a natural health author and student of bone health science who is passionate about helping people & bettering lives.

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Aging

Attitudes to Enhance Aging

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

What is your mindset about growing older? Do you want to avoid thinking about it for as long as possible? Is it a negative passage to be endured? To set an ideal mid-life into motion, you need a positive outlook.

A study of 660 adults aged 50 and older in Ohio, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that people who had positive attitudes about aging lived more than seven years longer than those with negative attitudes.

While the results remain unproven by other researchers, the study does link positive outlook and good health. For example, depression is linked to poorer recovery from heart attacks and stroke. And having a positive outlook in general in your early 20s predicts survival well into your 80s and 90s.

Studies like these don’t have to convince many people that life is a heck of lot easier with a positive attitude. For me, over the years, the following mindset has helped me approach older age with gratitude.

  • Accept yourself – low self-esteem and confidence are common but beauty is not defined by physical traits but by qualities. The act of accepting oneself as they are seems hard but you can do it! Do not allow the flaws to govern your heart and future.
  • Surround yourself with positive people – hang out with people who feed your soul, the ones who you appreciate and look up to. Make sure they feel the same way about you. Positive types give us a sense of well-being.
  • Do the things and activities you love and make time for self-care. Find a hobby like cooking, gardening, painting or reading. This helps you feel connected and less stressed.
  • Express feelings – talk about your feelings with someone you like and trust. Never bottle them up. Communicating helps us process our emotions and to move on with a clearer and happier mind. If you prefer, keep a journal and write your feelings down.
  • Appreciate little things – if you give too much energy to the “big” problems you’ll stress and ignore the little things that make living so pleasurable. Make every experience a learning experience, even failures.

Questions to ask:

Who am I on this journey for? What will it take to love myself? What sacrifices am I taking for good health?

Live each day knowing there’s plenty to go around. Believe in and trust yourself. Focus on what you can do now and be your best self instead of correcting the past.

Take away:

Trust yourself – BE OPEN – Acknowledge fear and do it anyway!

Attend my free Live events on Facebook @Carebuzz. Every Tuesday, 3:00 PM CST, we discuss proactive living in mid-life. (https://www.facebook.com/Carebuzz/)

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What are Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medigap
AgingHome & Family

How Seniors Problem Solve

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Even though many senior citizens are no longer employed, there are still problems to be solved. Perhaps not as many challenges as we experienced while in the work force, but problems nonetheless. How Seniors Problem Solve
A CEREBRAL WARM-UP
Before we turn to specific problems that may be befuddling you, let’s take a general look at the process of problem-solving. It requires some critical thinking. And, such thinking, according to learning theorist Jerome Bruner, involves the ability to “go beyond what is given.” (In a similar vein, the top competence identified by the federal government for those aspiring to executive service is “external awareness.” And, GE’s former CEO, Jack Welch, notes, “When the rate of change outside the organization is greater than the rate of change in side the organization, then we are looking at the beginning of the end.”)
To get your cerebral juices flowing, warm-up your brain by making a prediction, noting a trend, based on the events of the present. Go beyond what you deal with on a daily basis in your personal life, and state an awareness of events that are external to your life. Then discuss with someone whose intellect you admire some possible problems that may be associated with these future events. Of course, the next step is to discuss possible solutions.
TIP #1: VARY YOUR APPROACH
Before we move from the macrococsmic to the microcosmic, heed this caution: It’s been said that if you view every problem as a nail, you will always hit it with a hammer. Vary your methods of solving problems. After all, the problems you face are varied enough to require different approaches. For example, can you think of three ways to solve this problem?
There are eight senior citizens waiting for lunch in the senior center. Each one shakes hands just once with each of the others. What is the total number of handshakes?
Keep in mind what H. L. Mencken said: “For every complex problem, there is one solution that is simple, neat, elegant…..and wrong!” You probably jumped to a quick answer that you got by simply multiplying eight (the number of people) by seven (the number of other people with whom you would shake hands. If you said “56,” you have the wrong answer. Try solving the problem by:
A. Get seven friends and start the handshaking process. Tally the handshakes. You won’t get 56 as the total.
B. Draw eight circles to represent the eight people. Then start drawing lines to show the handshakes. Again, you will not have 56 as the total number.
C. The third approach requires some logical thinking, whereas the first two depended more on an actual physical solution and then a visual one. If you take eight people and multiply them by the seven handshakes, it’s true that you will get 56. But…. you then have to divide that number in half, to get the correct answer of 28. Person 1 shakes with seven others. Person 2, though, when it’s his turn, will already have shake with Person 1. So, he only has six shakes to do, as he won’t be shaking hands with himself. Person 3, having already shaken with 1 and 2, will only have to shake five other times. And so on.
TIP #2: PERSEVERE, DON’T PERSEVERATE
Good problem-solvers persevere–they don’t perseverate. In other words, they don’t keep heading their head against the same wall. They look for another wall!
Here’s what we mean. The following combination of letters, representing a sentence from which one particular vowel has been removed, illustrates what we mean. Figure out what letter is missing, insert it in nine different places, and you’ll be able to figure out what the sentence is saying.
VRYFINXMPLARXCDSWHATWXPCT
Most people will jump on the letter “e,” which is indeed the missing letter. But, they will start the sentence with “Very” and will continue to create a sentence that is not the correct one: “Very fine exemplar exceeds what we expect.” Can you figure out the answer?
TIP #3: TRY ON A DIFFFERENT HAT
Asked how he came upon the polio vaccine, Jonas Salk replied, “I learned to think like Mother Nature.” Looking at problems from different perspectives often affords insights we might not have had otherwise. State a problem you or a larger entity such as our government is facing and then consider that problem from the eyes of a politician, an environmentalist, a priest, a police officer, an entrepreneur, a student, a politician, a scientist, a musician, et cetera. Put your usual way of thinking aside, forget about your own person for a while, and try to come up with solutions that might occur to someone very different from youo.
LISTEN TO ALBERT
“No problem can be solved,” Einstein assured us, “from the same level of consciousness that created it.” Interpret his wises words in any way you wish. Basically, though, we have to bring something new to our consciousness of the problem if we want to come up with a solution that works.
By Dr. Marlene Caroselli
Dr. Marlene Caroselli is an author and former keynoter/corporate trainer whose clients include Lockheed Martin, Allied Signal, Department of the Interior, and Navy SEALS. She writes extensively about education, business, self-improvement, and careers and has adjuncted at UCLA and National University. Her first book,The Language of Leadership, was named a main selection by the Executive Book Club. Principled Persuasion, a more recent title, was designated a Director’s Choice by the Doubleday Book Club. Applying Mr. Albert: 365+ Einstein-Inspired Brain Boosts, her 62nd book, will be released by HRD Press in 2018.

How Seniors Problem Solve

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Loss of Balance with Age
Conditions & Treatments

Loss of Balance with Age

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

The physical and cognitive changes that occur with aging are often exacerbated by inactivity. This can lead to muscle weakness, joint problems, and loss of balance. Many seniors may also find themselves dealing with dizziness as a result of vertigo or other types of balance disorders. The result: unsteadiness when walking, falls that cause bruises and broken bones, and in many elders, fear of straying far from home. If you or a loved one is dealing with a loss of balance due to aging, there are a few things you should know that can help. Loss of Balance with Age

Improving Balance with Exercise

Doing balance exercises regularly can help older adults avoid falls and walk with more confidence. In 2013, French researchers found that balance training for seniors could reduce falls by 37%. Many balance exercises, such as briefly standing on one leg, can be done during normal daily activities. Others, such as tai chi and yoga, also will help build flexibility. Be sure your loved one gets proper training to do balance exercises correctly. Of course, check with a physician before beginning any exercise program.

Preventing Injuries

If you think that someone you care for could improve his or her quality of life by using a simple mobility aid, talk to a physician or other qualified health professional to get advice. Also keep your eye on certain conditions in the home to spot any potential problems. These include household hazards, mess and clutter, slippery or wet floors, loose rugs or scatter mats, poor lighting, thresholds that are obstacles, and unsafe bathrooms.

Utilizing Mobility Aids

At times we all need tools to facilitate our journey through life, and using mobility aids such as a walker, cane, or wheelchair in later years is no exception. Like any healthcare product, its purpose is to improve the well-being, comfort, and quality of life of the user. However, given human pride, social situations, and a fear of losing independence, many elders are reluctant to admit their mobility is decreasing. It’s often a struggle to obtain what the industry calls “compliance.” Many a well-meaning adult child finds that the brand-new walker he just bought his mother is sitting in the corner of the dining room—untouched. Give it time and ask a professional to help the elder understand the benefits of a mobility aid and how to use it.

How Can You Help?

As a caregiver, concerned relative, or friend, you can help in several ways. First, a caregiver can aid in fall prevention by reducing hazards in the home. Offer your support by encouraging your elder to increase activity to improve strength, balance, and stamina. Gentle exercise will also help to improve bones and muscles and help prevent fractures. Next, get out and have fun with your elder! You can also help by finding information and facilitating the purchase or rental of appropriate mobility aids for your elder. Take advantage of the full line of products offered by Senior.com to help prevent falls and keep seniors active.
Finally, it is important to report to the family physician any recurring incidents or risks pertaining to loss of balance. Remember, there is no reason for anyone to sacrifice mobility to aging. Loss of Balance with Age
 

Loss of Balance with Age

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Last Will and Testament Importance
Health Tips

Keeping Medical Records Promotes Healthy Aging

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Most people wander through life taking notes from observing others, yet they fail to take notes to save their health as they age. Medical records are kept by doctors for years, and these men and women do this to keep track of your health. If the doctor cares enough to take care of your health, why shouldn’t you? Keeping a record of your health promotes healthy aging. It also helps your family care for you when you memory fades or a crisis occurs. Keeping Medical Records Promotes Healthy Aging
 

How to keep records:

You will need a journal. In the journal, you want to record dates, times, places, etc of your hospital stay. If possible jot down the diagnostics and doctors who served you, write their names in the journal. Keeping Medical Records Promotes Healthy Aging
You want to record your family’s medical history. Jot down each person in your family tree and name the diagnosis. For instance, if your family has a history of diabetes, jot it down. On pen and paper, jot down any information that will help your doctor monitor your health and make accurate diagnosis in the event illness occurs. Do not rely on your memory. In time, you may not have memory, since your family may have a history of Alzheimer’s disease. When you use medical records, keeping them on paper, make copies. Put the copies in safe hands, someone you can rely on, as you grow older to give the copies to you in the event you lose your copies. Put all your copies in a safe area.
You want to keep records of vaccine shots, or immunizations. You want to keep records of lab visits, results, conditions, and treatments you obtained. The records should be updated annually. For instance, if in 2000, you were diagnosed with a disease that caused your liver to shrink, but the disease was curable, write it down. The next year if you notice any similar symptoms, record the new information in your journal. You want to give copies to your doctor as needed.
Once you write your medical journal you can move to research illnesses you might have had at one time. For instance, if in your history you had a repetitive visit of colds, learn more about the upper respiratory system. If you had other illnesses throughout your life, take time to study these illnesses. Understanding the illness moves to acceptance, which moves you to prevention. Keeping Medical Records Promotes Healthy Aging
Prevention is the keyword you want to focus on when it comes to your health. As you age, your body’s functions start to decline its actions, which puts you at high risk of disease. Using your records you want to study illnesses you may have had throughout your lifetime. In addition, use your records to study genetic disease. For instance, if you have a family history of diabetes, research the subject. Take notes on diagnostics, treatments, cures, and so on.
If you follow this friendly advice, as you start to age you will have advantages. For instance, in the future, if you are diagnosed with diabetes you would know. The first thing you will note is symptoms. You would know that the symptoms include prolonged hunger feelings, fatigue, dizziness, etc.
You would take notes on symptoms that emerge when you feel sick and immediately contact your family doctor. You are at the doctor’s office now taking lab tests and so forth to find out what is wrong with your body. Once you leave the doctor’s office with your results you will feel relaxed, since you know that catching diabetes at an early stage gives a doctor the opportunity to slow or cure the mother of all living diseases. This silent tormentor is a notorious killer that everyone should understand. To learn more about healthy aging, seek more information online, at your doctor, or visit your local library.

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Life Lessons

Centenarians Reveal Their Secrets To A Long, Happy Life

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

One hundred years ago, the average American’s life expectancy was between 50 and 60 years, and so the estimated 53,000 centenarians in the United States today have lived much longer than most of their contemporaries. Perhaps that is why a new survey shows that these 100-year-olds feel “blessed” (36 percent), “happy” (31 percent) and “surprised” (12 percent) to have lived so long. Not one reports feeling sad or burdened; only 3 percent say they feel lonely. Perhaps we can learn more secrets to a long and happy life from these Centenarians. Centenarians Reveal Their Secrets To A Long, Happy Life
For the past nine years, UnitedHealthcare has conducted a survey of 100 100-year-olds to gain insight into their lives. For its most recent 100@100 survey, the company also polled 65-year-old baby boomers to examine how the attitudes and lifestyles of people entering their retirement years compare to those who hit that same age 35 years ago.
According to the study, one thing both groups agreed on is that they feel younger than their years. On average, the centenarians surveyed said they feel just 83 years old, while 65-year-old baby boomers said they feel 55 years old.
“It’s encouraging that older Americans feel more youthful than the number of candles on their birthday cake might suggest,” said Rhonda Randall, D.O., chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. UnitedHealthcare serves more than a quarter of America’s centenarians through its Medicare plans. “By looking at how they are living their daily lives, we can glean important insights about the keys to staying healthy and feeling vibrant as we age.”
The following are some of the secrets to healthy aging, as revealed by the 100@100 survey.

Secret 1: Keep up with exercise.

Despite their age, centenarians stay active: more than half walk or hike and nearly a third do strength-training exercises. Some even run outdoors or play team sports every week (4 percent). Exercise is an important part of boomers’ lifestyle as well. Nearly 3 in 4 walk or hike each week, 37 percent do strength-training exercises and 13 percent run outdoors or play team sports.

Secret 2: Get preventive care to stay healthy.

Older Americans are taking the saying “an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure” to heart by keeping up with preventive health care services to stay well. Nearly 9 in 10 get an annual exam (87 percent of centenarians and 89 percent of baby boomers) with their primary care physician, and the majority also report getting eye exams regularly (71 percent of centenarians and 76 percent of baby boomers).

Secret 3: Maintain a positive attitude.

Both centenarians and baby boomers say maintaining their physical health and a positive attitude are equally important to successful aging (66 percent and 81 percent, respectively). In fact, 82 percent of centenarians say laughing/having a sense of humor is important to healthy aging.
Perhaps the most important lesson revealed in the 100@100 survey findings is that living a long, healthy life is about more than just genetics. Daily habits and lifestyle choices can make a difference not only in how long people live but also in how they feel as they age.
Article Source Boston http://www.wbur.org

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