Seniors Site

Why constipation today? I just had a bout this morning just because I ran out of my fiber sachets and forgot to stock up right on time! I used to be a fan of natural laxatives such as senna in tea bag form but have moved on to fiber sachets just because they are milder on the digestive tract as compared to senna leaves and pods, or so my doctor said. I believe it’s only a matter of one’s preferences but certainly it won’t hurt to consult a doctor considering our age.
Chronic constipation is very common to seniors and elderly people. It’s because as we age, our digestive tract begins to slow down in activity as well. Notice how foods that our stomach received well in past cause trouble when introduced today? One good example is Chinese food, especially those greasy ones with glass noodles on it. No matter how good they are, you know that it will only be a matter of time before your stomach acts up, rendering you almost unconscious!
Generally, constipation is when you are having a hard time passing stool. It should be every single day, as a normal, average person would have it. A senior with constipation however, could have bloody stool, a direct effect of too much “pushing” or could have that bloated, uneasy feeling that you would like to “go” but apparently, it’s a “no-show”! Some of the known causes of constipation, aside from our own age are:
·    Diet that is low in fiber. We should be doubly aware of the food we eat as we near the golden age. As I’ve said before, things inside us are not anymore what they used to be and would need some boosting to perform their tasks. Fiber-enriched foods will help you prevent constipation from happening.
·    Dehydration. Water is needed if you need your stool to go southward. Drink plenty of it.
·    Lack of exercise. For some reason, when you exercise, you’ll feel the need to “go” soon after!
·    Your medications. Yes, you heard it right. Sometimes your medication can cause constipation without your doctor even knowing it. However, if you suspect your medications to be the culprit, discuss it with your doctor so he’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons and how to go about it.
·    Health conditions. Particularly that of the digestive tract. Seniors should be aware that some medical conditions such as colon cancer can easily put seniors at risk for constipation. In fact, it is one of the signs of the said disease.
Also, if you are a chronic laxative user, you might want to seek healthier alternatives since laxatives are known to damage the nerves and muscles of the colon. Some studies found out that regular use of laxative could even worsen your condition, and it is never good for seniors unless prescribed by your doctor.

National Fire Data Center has released their figures and data pointing out that older adults are indeed at risk when there’s fire. The staggering numbers do say it all! See full report here.
It was found out that at age 65, a senior doubles his or her risk of dying in a home fire and triples it when he reaches the age of 75. Sad facts but true, but what’s clear and evident in this study is seniors are never safe even in their own homes. This is especially true for those who have limited range of motion or those who are no longer capable of caring for themselves.
Some of the reasons why fires occur in a senior’s home were pointed out in their report. These are: smoking, ignited furniture or bedding, and cooking. If we are to connect the dots in this report, it’s fairly easy to see that it all boils down to carelessness. Either that, or memory gap, choose your pick. As to the reason why most seniors with homes afire never made it out alive is partly blamed to the “unpreparedness” of the victim.
If “don’t play with fire” works for children, we seniors should also heed the call, that is if we aim to live longer lives and not be burnt to a crisp! Reaching a certain age when we feel we are easily distracted and forget activities soon after we are engaged in the next one should make us realize that fire and flames instantly become a threat not only to our lives but also to our families. Be aware of your movements when starting a fire, never leave it blazing and kill it off as soon as you’re ready to move on to your next chore will help you tremendously in avoiding fires. Here are some tips on how to fight off the fire risk:
·    Always keep your emergency kit near you. When going to bed, put it right beside you where you can easily grab it on your way out. Your emergency kit should include:  your glasses and flashlight, medications, etc..
·    Avoid smoking while in a position that is prone to you falling asleep i.e lying down. It was found out that cigarettes are the common cause of an ignited furniture or bedding, with the senior on top of it!
·    NEVER, NEVER leave a stove or even the oven open. If you need to go out of the kitchen, turn everything off or yell for someone to watch it for you. No ifs, no buts!
·    Install fire detectors especially to areas that are considered as high-risk.
·    Have a water sprinkle attached with the fire detector so it could easily put the fire down while manageable.

There have been debates and indeed, different opinions of which comes first to a person: is depression an end result of obesity or obesity stands as a byproduct of depression. Studies have been made to pinpoint how one affects the other. However, the mystery remains uncertain and the issue still baffles the mind of researchers the world over!
As to why the issue was made important is that if medical science will be able to know exactly what triggers what, it will be easier for health care providers to help their patients overcome one or both conditions. Treatments will be more target-specific to the problem thus preventing it from getting worse.
It was a known fact that there’s a link between depression and obesity. A depressed person is most likely to suffer obesity in the future while those battling obesity tend to get depressed easily. Some say, it has something to do with our hormonal behavior which tends to go haywire in both events. The reason why these things are important for seniors to know is that they will be able to understand their condition better, helping them deal with their feelings better.
What’s undeniable however is that the positioning of these two is interchangeable. An obese person is indeed susceptible to depression. In case of an obese senior, it is almost always their health that depresses them, running in close second is their physical appearance and of course, limited range of motion. The latter denying them of time to have fun with their family and friends.
On the other hand, depression creates havoc inside our bodies. It messes up our hormonal behavior, sending false signals to different parts of the body. When we are stressed, we usually find ourselves craving for food even if we are not hungry. Comfort foods, which are usually sugary and sweet, give the body a certain high in a way that we often seek them when we need uplifting. Also, when a person is depressed, his energy level is too low that the best thing to do is to lie down and be immobile for as long as the body permits. Poor eating habits and non-activity are the perfect combination for obesity so in a way, obesity may be a direct result of depression.
What researchers suggest is for health care providers to examine closely the root cause of the problem before intervening or attempting cure. Sometimes, an obese person does not always require dieting especially if the person is nursing a depression deep within. The same goes for prescribing anti-depressant to someone who only needs proper nutritional counseling. They further recommend to treat an obese/depressed person for both conditions at the same time instead of treating each individually.

If there’s one thing that surely boggles the mind, it’s the filing of income tax. Unfortunately, it’s mandatory for all adults who walk the streets and use public facilities. Lucky for those who’re able to hire a good accountant for they don’t have to worry about overlooking some things that may or may not benefit the filing senior. Since you’re paying these people good money, might as well have them looking through holes, nooks and crannies! But how about those seniors who only have themselves to rely on? Easy, just ask about tax counseling offered by organizations within your area.
As you can see, every country or state has their own set of rules when it comes to taxes, part of the reason why it’s quite hard to get clear tax guidelines over the internet. I know, because I tried so many times and I must admit, I grew crazy just by looking at them files. With that said, I’ll just speak in a general manner. If you think some of the things here apply to you then consult authorities within your area to know if they are indeed applicable under your laws.
Your filing status is one of the most important things in filing your income tax. This will be the first basis on how and what range your papers should be processed. As a rule of thumb, the status “single” is the costliest of all; “married” will be treated under combined income with your spouse’s  and the cheapest of all is the “head of household” wherein you are “single” but directly and financially in-charge of the whole household i.e caring for your elderly parents or sending your grandkids to school.
Gross income would be everything that has earned you in forms of money, property or even services. Because seniors’ income may come from many different sources and forms plus taking into consideration their age, they are usually given special treatment during process. On the other hand, gift and inheritance don’t qualify under gross income but are subjected under gift and estate taxes. Also, some supportive services are excluded in your gross income.
I believe life insurances are not subjected to tax as well as health insurances.
Furthermore, if you are paying for your loved-one’s education, you may qualify for some exemption so you better prepare necessary papers for it too. Compensations you may get from disabilities are generally not included in your gross income but there are certain types of compensation that may be subjected to tax.
Aside from tax deductions, you can also take advantage of tax credits to lower your taxes to be paid. If you are an elderly person, or disabled, you are qualified for special tax credit while caring for a disabled person will qualify the caregiver for a tax credit.
Bottom line is, don’t be afraid to include everything that completes your gross income then think of all those credit deductions you might be eligible for. Of course, don’t forget to consider your tax credit, if any.

Cancer proves to be one of the most financially draining diseases—if not the most—that strikes seniors. In fact, it knows no age and not only the patient’s financial status gets badly jeopardized but also his families’ and friends’ in attempt to save their loved-ones’ life. The problem with cancer is that it requires long-term treatments in which every treatment costs a lot. Health insurances on the other hand can only do so much in aiding the patient financially, sometimes their families will still need to find financial help somewhere else which proves harder than anyone thought. Some may resort to fundraising or even groups and associations for support and advice.
If you are seriously thinking of getting financial help now, whether for you or for your cancer-stricken loved-one, be forewarned that it will take some of your time and energy in finding them. Also, make sure that you have every little thing covered as one overlooked piece might be your clue to solving this puzzle. The best way to do this is start with the one nearest to you then go broader until you find what you’re looking for.
Equally important is getting your doctor involved with your problem. You see, when the doctor knows you’re now in a financial rut over the treatments and cancer whatnot, he would be able to think of other ways to, at least, lessen the bills or find other alternative, not to mention cheaper, ways to save the patient’s life. If high bills are inevitable to the cancer treatment, seek help from the hospital’s financial counselor as some hospitals are willing to make payment arrangements that suit your pocket nicely.
Cancer centers are a goldmine of information and resources covering all aspects of cancer, including its financial side. Bear in mind that millions of people go through this situation yearly, with that said, you should know that this is not the first time cancer centers encountered such problem and certainly they have the answer to your problem. Just go ask.
Cancer organizations can also help you in finding a sponsor company. Sponsor companies give financial aid to cancer patients as part of their “giving something back to the community”. Start with popular cancer organizations such as National Cancer Institute and do your research as there are hundreds of such organizations out there. If general cancer organization can’t help you right away, then go more specific such as organizations for breast cancer, lung cancer, liver and so on..
It will be a hard and long road, but with the help of your family and friends, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to overcome the problem no matter what.

One of the most health threatening situations we seniors have to face every single day is the risk of falling. I personally have observed that as we grow older, the more trips and falls we experience—and in ever shortening intervals too! I say, my balance is seriously impaired that’s why! I can honestly attest to this since I observed that while the strength of my knees are still there, I can no longer do exercises which involve balancing myself without risking an off-balanced feat!
But I’m not the type of person who would just easily give up on things! I admit, there are things that an aging body won’t be able to do like it used to but these things can be improved, especially  if given enough attention. So I did my research and come up with what might be an answer to the question of my ever dwindling balance.
As the title suggests, senior citizens can prevent falls just by improving their balance and body stability. These two go hand-in-hand, side-by-side thus improving one will benefit the other. Fortunately, there are types of exercises which specifically target strength building, particularly of the legs, and balance improvement. Yoga for one, promotes balance, inside and out. Yoga, having adjustable levels and degrees of practice, also proves to be perfect for an aging body.
Strength training on the other hand, will help your bones stay strong, well almost, since it will build muscles around it, hence protecting the bones. It also stabilizes your body’s stance for better balance. Contrary to popular notion, there are many ways in which seniors can improve their balance and build strength without hurting themselves. All you need to do is find an exercise which really interests you and will be able to keep you in regular attendance.
Tai Chi has also shown excellent results in terms of improving seniors’ balance and stability. Tai Chi is originally an ancient Chinese martial arts but has managed to evolved in a moderate-impact exercise most suitable for seniors.  Studies even showed that with regular Tai Chi training, seniors were able to improve their range of motion and flexibility preventing falls from happening.
Why not try aquatic exercises instead? When you do aquatic exercises, you take advantage of the buoyancy that the water will naturally give you, enabling you to float, raise, jump and stretch to your heart’s content. Things that are otherwise impossible to do when out of the water. Also, water has its own resistance so it’s more or less doing resistance training minus heavy dumbbells from the local gym!

We’ve heard from our mothers and grandmothers, even from our nosy neighbors, the saying “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away” one too many times. Variations would be: dentist, stress, and other things that generally scare us for no apparent reason other than its cost. In truth, apple can really keep all things bad at bay especially for seniors whom supplements are almost considered a way of life! Apple was found out to be rich in antioxidants which, of course we know, is the magic word for anti-aging.
While apple is no fountain of youth, it certainly benefits seniors when consumed regularly. Aside from that, apple can be eaten raw or cooked and be prepared 101 ways to excite your palate. It can even benefit your skin just by applying it topically and let it sit there for a while before rinsing. Not only that, apple’s byproducts, such as apple cider vinegar, are also used for curing many minor illnesses.
The part I like the most is when harvest season comes and apple picking becomes an instant family affair! Participants vary widely in age. There will be toddlers, mid-lifers, seniors, teens and yuppies, as they call them. They will all be gathered to one ceremonious affair called “apple picking” and go home with a trunk-full of freshly picked apples afterwards! The only problem, for me at least, is how to pick them off the ground without having to break my back! Here are some fast facts about the well-loved apples:
·    When apple picking, it’s okay to pick them off the ground as they are perfectly okay even if they fell off a tree. However, do place them gently in your basket, instead of throwing it in as you would in a basketball game! It would be nicer if you cushion it with newspapers so they won’t bruise.
·    Preserve its protective coating by not washing them with water if you are not ready for them yet. The protective film will prolong your apple’s shelf life.
·    It’s quite impossible to finish off your fresh picks in just one sitting, besides it’s not included in your doctors advice to have an apple overdose to cure all your age-related illnesses away! Give storage advices to people who attended your apple picking party such as how and where they should be stored away.
·    Apples are good for seniors. Why? It’s because it contains no fat or cholesterol and low in calorie too. It also has vitamin C which boosts your immune system. A serving of an apple is enough to provide your body with anti-oxidant it needs.
·    There are thousands of varieties of apples growing in the US alone. Each has their own distinctive taste and characteristics which will suit your purpose perfectly.
·    Apples are the most consumed fruit globally. It’s quite hard to miss them in any country as they are grown and imported everywhere!

Now that holidays are over and reality is slowly starting to sink in, we often find ourselves assessing the damage that has been done. The broken wallet, the additional work of putting away decors and whatnot and most of all, holiday bulges which will be a constant reminder for the months to come of how loose we were on our diet over the holidays. But, admit it or not, it cannot be helped. All we need to do now is reestablish our proper mindset and do some damage control!
Holiday bulges are a direst result of too much alcohol and sweets—staples of such festivities–during the holiday season. Tradition has it, holidays are meant to be enjoyed; a time to let go of all restrictions and just do whatever you want! It’s almost a sin to even hold back on all those yummy treats right? Especially if it’s you who cooked them! Don’t fret, gaining a pound or two should not throw you off the track, instead, consider it as a little obstacle which you will surely overcome in no time! Here are some ways to win your battle of the holiday bulges:
·    Flush them out. By now, your system must be drowning with alcohol and your liver with fatty substances. The problem is, these things are not easily flushed out unless you specifically take the effort in doing so.  Your number one, safest, natural detoxifier would be water. You can also explore other natural ways to detoxify yourself, just remember to ask your doctor about it prior to administration.
·    Load up on vitamin C. Vitamin C will boost your immune system which will enable you to fight off any potential diseases. Unfortunately, it gets depleted when mixed with alcohol. If you know you were a holiday drunkard, then this is the time to replenish your Vitamin C reserves.
·    Make fruits and vegetables your bestfriend! They will help you fill full on the stomach without you having to worry about additional pounds. Include them in most of your meals if you can’t help but eat other things but do snack on them.
·    Sweat it out. How else would you melt those holiday bulges? No tricks, just plain old sweat and try not to find a way to make it easier. The word “easy” is not really associated with “sweat”, you know.
·    No crash dieting! Did you know that crash dieting will actually make you fat? Not only you are doing yourself an injustice but also it will only make your blood sugar levels go haywire! Crazy sugar level is equal to energy depletion, weight gain and stress.
·    Get the right amount of sleep. For some reason, not getting an adequate number of sleeping hours is found to be the culprit for some weight gain incidents. It was said that your hormones have a lot to do with it.

After a long and tiring day, all your tortured and weary body could ever think of is a good massage. No matter what kind or type it would be, just as long as it will knead all those knots you’ve been feeling due to stress endured all throughout the day! Just imagine how good it will be to just lie down and relax while a pair of capable hands sooth every inch of your tired muscle!

However, for seniors especially those really old ones, massage therapy becomes valuable to alleviate pains and aches that come with an aging body. But, not all types of massage work with seniors. Due to the ever rising number of seniors requiring massage minus the therapy facilities and doctors, many expert therapists are now developing massage techniques that will benefit seniors tremendously. Massage therapy for seniors, commonly referred to as geriatric massage, is more target-specific to seniors’ needs. Furthermore, geriatric massage is a sure-fire way to relax a senior’s body which proves to be very helpful in maintaining a positive outlook in life.

While strokes used in a geriatric massage are no different than a regular massage, trained therapists are more conscious not to hurt or administer unnecessary pressure to the client’s body while applying them only to points where they are needed. Also, some seniors require special attention such that positioning of the body during a massage is very important. Aside from the therapeutic effects of a massage, as well as its instant relaxing feel, it has many benefits.

Therapeutic body massage is known to improve a senior’s mobility, flexibility and range of motion. In a way, it will make one’s quality of life better and more livable. Some of the most bothersome diseases that seniors may have right now such as arthritis and joint pains can be relieved by regular massages. Not only that, even your blood circulation is greatly improved, part of the reason why health care providers specializing in elderly care approved of the practice.

According to studies, massage therapy or even touch therapy, can be extremely beneficial in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease since the sense of touch seems to be the hardest memory to erase. Moreover, the sense of touch involves every inch of your skin. That’s why every time the skin is stimulated, the body remembers.

Therapeutic massage should never be considered as a cure, instead doctors and health practitioners deem them to be complimentary medicine wherein it should work hand-in-hand with scientific-based medication. While its affects are indeed felt, there is no existing medical explanation as to why it does that and to what extent it can help a person.

Sports is one of the many things, we seniors, are always reminded about. In fact, we are highly encouraged to participate in any sports by our family, friends and doctors so that we can somehow fight the onslaught of the aging process. Because exercising has been a greatly cheered activity, the hazards of it are often overlooked and downplayed.

First off, even if seniors are encouraged to participate in activities that will make them sweat or just enjoy the moment, we should never push it too hard, especially if we lived almost half of our lives sitting in offices or working in front of a computer which takes most of the credit as to why our butts have grown so big all these years! Consider your mind and body as two separate entities; while your mind can suggest things your body can do, if your body is not accustomed to such stress, it is bound to break down. Aside from that, when we exercise, there are changes both inside and out of our bodies. Exercising can relieve the body of toxins, unfortunately, some important minerals and nutrients go along with it especially water. In such cases, you need to closely monitor your water intake during exercise to avoid getting the body dehydrated.

Hence sports nutrition. It may not be one of the popular diets known today but it is indeed one of the most important ones existing. Here are some fast facts about sports nutrition that can benefit seniors:

·    Replenish with water. There are many sports drinks in the market today, different brands, different marketing styles but their one common denominator is their claim to replenish your body of lost minerals and nutrients when sweating. What you don’t know is that they are also packed with sugars, in form of carbs, which you don’t need. Sports drinks are only recommended if your body has been subjected to 1 and a half hours of continuous sweating. Anything below that can be handled by water alone.
·    Get to know carbs. When we go on a diet, we know that carbohydrates are one of the things we need to avoid. BUT, carbohydrate gives the body energy. If we try to limit or restrict intake, it will definitely affect our energy levels making it difficult to perform exercises. Carbohydrates, being our main source of energy should always be kept in balance. Truth be told, there are two kinds of carbs, I suggest you stay way from the bad ones.
·    Beware of supplements, especially those packed, packaged, processed.. anything that is not natural. These can be found in most gyms and fitness centres.
·    Keep a varied diet so that you ensure your body of getting all the right nutrients. No binge eating of course! Just maintain healthy portions when eating. Take note of your iron levels since it is important in maintaining stamina during exercise.
·    Calcium is also important to avoid bone injury and fractures from happening.
·    Regular checkups are highly encouraged so you can be properly monitored by your doctor.