Seniors Site

Menopause in itself does not—and cannot—cause cancer as it is a normal physiological process of the body. However, as statistics will tell you, there is indeed a higher risk of getting one as you reach this stage in your adult life.
For women ages 41 and above, menopause is when your ovaries no longer produce eggs which in return would characterized by irregular menstrual period until it completely stops. Menopause also plays havoc with your hormones, particularly that of your reproductive system’s. Menopause is kicking in as soon as you experience these common menopausal symptoms:
•    Hot/cold flashes
•    Vaginal dryness
•    Mood swings
•    Decrease in sex drive
•    Menstrual irregularities
By the way, cancer treatments can also cause premature menopause such that if your body underwent cancer treatments or is still under treatment right now, there’s a chance that you might experience menopause at an earlier age than your body is supposed to.
Back to menopause and its cancer risks, like stated earlier, according to studies done, it is not the process of menopause itself but the hormonal reaction brought about by sudden changes your body must undergo within this phase that puts you at risk. Estrogen, specifically, is a hormone produced by the female body, unfortunately, this is the same hormone which is suspected to be a culprit behind most types of cancer found in a female’s body such as breast, ovary and uterine cancers.
Then there’s the issue of hormone replacement therapy..
Decades ago, when a woman complained to her doctor about menopausal symptoms interfering with her daily life, the doctor would quickly prescribe and put the patient in hormone replacement therapy which as the name suggests, replaces lost hormones in a female’s body. The therapy, although it won’t reverse the effects of menopause, will alleviate common symptoms of menopausal such as hot flashes. Due to the degree of comfort it gave to women the world over, many were quick to believe they now have the answer to women’s greatest malady, unfortunately, studies conducted years later pointed an accusing finger to the therapy itself being the number one cause of cancer in women.
This is because experts believe that further exposing a woman’s body to estrogen will definitely increase their chances of having cancer later in life. It is also important to note that even if you already dumped the therapy years ago, you still have a much higher cancer risk than those who did not bother with hormone replacement therapy at all!

We all know that radiation is bad for our health. We, seniors, are aware that it can cause irreversible damage to various parts of our body. Depending on dosage—or so our doctor says—it can even be fatal causing instantaneous death to the person exposed to it. In layman’s term, once a person is exposed to radiation, it attacks the body’s own immune system putting the body at a greater risk of infection. It also kills nerve cells and blood vessels that are small enough not to withstand the onslaught of radiation—those that are particularly concentrated in the brain and heart area. One of the most popular effects of radiation must be its ability to make someone sterile just by constant or regular exposure to it. Adding to the list is of course, its close association with cancer.
According to American Cancer Society, there are many types of radiation. (See full article here:  Radiation Exposure and Cancer) There’s the kind you get from the sun which a simple—and faithful—application of sunblock everyday can ward off. They are the ever popular UVA, UVB and UVC or ultraviolet radiation. Then there’s electromagnetic radiation which both the sun and the earth emit. Your radio and mobile phones also have their own variation of radiation to offer. So does your microwave, which I think you know that by now. It is important to know that although all these abovementioned types fall into the same category, they don’t pose too much health risk in a person’s body. However, the extent of damage that an exposure can do to a body depends on this type alone:  the ionizing radiation. Unfortunately, this type of radiation can be found in hospitals and other mad-made sources.
Just a brief explanation, ionizing radiation is the type which is capable of altering your DNA composition. It is strong enough to damage your cells. While ionizing radiation is proven to cause cancer, strangely, this is also the type of radiation used for cancer therapy.
What scares me though is the amount of ionizing radiation we seniors are subjected to everytime we submit ourselves to tests and other preventive health measures. Even a simple x-ray uses ionizing radiation as well as those poor workers who are now retired but were constantly exposed to ionizing radiation during their years of work.
In a senior’s life, it is not anymore unusual to be subjected to various imaging tests, all using the ever powerful ionizing radiation. Nonetheless, doctors tend to request imaging tests more than what is deemed safe which only put seniors to higher risk of having cancer in the near future. Granted that these imaging tests are essential in making a diagnosis, it seems that it is now upon us to deny them if we’ve already had enough tests to last us a lifetime!

You know why it’s hard to keep a penny-pinching lifestyle? It’s because we are not used to it! As prices of commodities as well as those of small luxuries we usually enjoy every now and then start rising to unimaginable proportions, we, as seniors with limited income and 101 medical bills to consider, are subjected to continual lifestyle adjustments, mostly foregoing the things we’ve grown to love over the years. I, personally, find it annoying when I stumble upon articles condemning my early morning lattes while firmly suggesting that I just bring my own coffee from home. Although I agree I would have been a millionaire if I didn’t indulge my SB coffee cravings every morning for years, I still prefer to have someone tell me why breaking my habit is not at all necessary in keeping my nest egg in good shape!
However, whether we like it or not, we have to cut corners in order to survive, or at the very least, keep a good credit score. Seniors or no seniors, saving money and thinking of your future is very important. Good news is, we can still save money and stay happy no matter what. How do you do that? Well, proper mindset is the key.
Staying away from the nasty deprivation feeling is number one. Saving money should be a fulfilling feeling for you and not in any way leave you feeling deprived and frustrated. Instead of focusing on the “only what you need” motto, try to consider your feelings too. This way, you won’t risk losing yourself in a shopping binge just because you felt bad about not buying something your heart really desires. What you need to teach yourself though, is knowing when is enough so you won’t waste a single dime when buying the things you like. Think sustainable living, its principle includes reducing your ecological footprints. To do so means you just have to acquire things according to what is enough for you and not waste anymore resources by buying/using things in excess. Try to aim a comfortable lifestyle instead of subjecting yourself into a life that is less realistic.
Never depend your spending habits on the amount of money you earn or receive. If you just got a raise, it doesn’t automatically mean your spending allowance go one step higher as well. Again, if you are already living comfortably, what’s the use of adding more expenses into your life?..
Proper planning is the key to a comfortable and secured retirement life. It’s the decision we make or how we plan to pay for the things we really need rather than doing without them entirely. If you plan to move after retirement, assess your financial standing and determine if you can perhaps pay for it now rather than later. Bottomline is, knowing what’s good for you and finding ways to saving some but still attaining it would be the best way to live your life comfortably and well, debt-free!

It’s not that I have something against them, in fact, I have lots of friends who belong to this group however, I tend to target the general older adult public when writing a post so I seldom write about gay/lesbian groups. If I am not mistaken, this would be my first time.
So why now? I just had a chat with my longtime lesbian friend and I found out that she’s been into online dating for quite some time now. Actually, her current girlfriend whom I find very attractive and not to mention, nice, is what I consider as a rare find even outside of the web community. So for the benefit of my senior readers who are also interested in finding their match over the internet, here are some of the tips I was able to squeeze out of my friend:
•    Be honest. When I say be honest, it means you have to lay your on the table but for security reasons, that should not include your personal information! This should be your habits and lifestyle such as drinking, smoking, political views, and religion (if it matters to you as well).
•    Be specific. Online dating sites which cater to gay/lesbian communities are most likely to ask you to choose a category for yourself since you are no longer bound to just Male/Female checkboxes. You can be a lesbian, butch, femme or any other identification you would like to belong to. This way it would be easier for a potential match to find you.
•    Check your ads. Check your grammar, your spelling, your ideas. Nothing turns off a potential match than an eyesore ad. Stay away from overused words such as “great smile” or “good sense of humor” instead give your readers your true essence. If possible, post a picture to go along with your profile.
•    Stay within the safe side—for now. Exchanging emails and chatting over the net would be your best option in assessing a potential match. Emails and chat names can easily be dumped if and when you caught a stalker or a freaky correspondent. Never give your home/office address as well as your phone/mobile number until you are really, really comfortable with the person or if you, both, are ready to take the relationship to the next level.
•    Never expect anything other than a friendly date. It is important for seniors to set their mind that online dating is not only done to seek longterm relationship. You can also find friends here and most of the time, most members are only out for friendship and nothing else. Take the liberty of not disappointing yourself by putting into mind that this is just another date. It may or may not turn out as you expect it to be.
•    Find a stable ground for first meeting–and keep it short. My friend suggests that you go meet for coffee or a drink for your first meeting. This way, you won’t risk spending long and exhausting night with someone who clearly isn’t your type.

Do you really need an adjustable bed? Well, if you are a senior having a hard time falling asleep at night just because you just can’t find that certain, comfortable position then the answer would be yes. As we age, we will soon find out that our ‘ol flat bed is not as “sleepable” as it once was. Shifting from one side to another, stiff neck and back at the morning, cramps in the middle of the night.. well, the list just goes on and on. All these can be a source of sleeping problem—more of a nuisance, if you ask me–for which an adjustable bed can surely eliminate.
Adjustable beds are proven to be of great help for seniors—especially for those who spend more time in bed. One’s resting position is very important in maintaining healthy sleep. Some of adjustable bed’s known health benefits are:
•    Major relief for back problems including lower back pains from prolonged supine position, stiff neck and shoulder and even in event of an arthritis attack!
•    Comfort for those who are having breathing difficulties such as asthma and other cardiovascular problems. Those with acid attacks and experiencing heartburn can also benefit from using an adjustable bed.
•    Since it has easy-to-adjust buttons, even the bed’s occupant can adjust the bed to a position he or she desires without the need for assistance.
•    Adjustable beds can help those suffering from sleep apnea since it allows you to sleep in an inclined position.
Prices of adjustable beds vary widely, depending on type, brand and how high-end the bed is supposed to be. There are many styles and designs to choose from—so many that it tends to be confusing at times. To make it easier on your part, seniors who are looking forward to buying an adjustable bed should:
•    Shop around first for prices and features. Bring a notepad or ask for brochures you can take home with you and study their differences. Of course, you should not solely depend on brands or prices, you’ll be surprised to see some of fairly known brands with great features selling at reasonable prices.
•    You can also do your homework by browsing online. This way, you’ll know or at least have an idea what type of adjustable bed you should be looking for.
•    Then there’s the “mattress” issue. Two of the most popular ones are spring mattresses and memory foams. For seniors, memory foams are the most recommended since it foams your body instead of the bed forcing you to compliment its contours!
•    Make sure your electric adjustable bed has warranty and you are provided of contact details in case you need customer support.
•    There are many online stores wherein you can also buy adjustable beds. Some may even offer you discounts when buying online. Just make sure you are buying from a reputable online store.

We all know how important it is to stay active. Your body is designed to move and not doing that will only encourage deterioration. However, battling with bad knees and angry hips can really discourage even the bravest of hearts. It is but normal to doubt especially for seniors who are afraid of further inflicting damage to an already broken body. Unfortunately, there is no way around it. You need to get moving whether you like it or not—although we prefer NOT.
That is why I always check sports stores and fitness spots to know if there’s something new for seniors and elderly people–something that won’t be so much of a threat to one’s health. Something manageable, if there’s such a thing. I’m happy to have stumbled upon yet another fitness DVD for seniors:  chair exercises.
Chair exercises or chair aerobics, I would say, must be the best fitness program for seniors who are having a hard time getting up a chair, much less moving around without assistance. In other words, this type of exercise is especially made for seniors who have limited range of motion or for those who are wheelchair-bound. Chair exercises are safe enough—in fact, some of the movements done are the exact same movements therapists would likely apply to you. Doing chair exercises will help you maintain a good circulation within your body. Ideally, you have to do this for 5 minutes every hour or so, or you can do a whole set for an hour or two everyday. What’s important is that you give each of your body part parts a good shake!
I would suggest seniors to just buy an instructional video of chair exercises. This way, you’ll be able to see how to do it properly. But for the benefit of seniors who are eager to try simple chair exercises, here are some suggestions:
•    Sit up straight and feel your body—really feeling it. Close your eyes if you must, just be able to concentrate on your body, especially those long forgotten muscles. From your toes up, try flexing them one by one. Hold flex for full 5 seconds then release, repeat three times for each muscle part. Do this until you reach the uppermost muscle of your body that can be flexed!
•    Curl your toes up and down, as well as your fingers, to their fullest extent. Remember not to hurt yourself in the process, just do whatever is comfortable for you and never overexert effort.
•    Next, lift your feet off the floor, extend your leg like it’s reaching for something, point your toes, if you can. Slowly release foot from pointing and bring back leg to normal position. Do the same to the opposite leg. For the arms, just lift them up to a T with fingers pointing then make 5 small circles using the whole arm, forward then backward. Slowly bring it down without losing control.
•    For your neck, tilt head to the back then bring it forward, almost touching your collar bone but not quite. Now face left then face right. Repeat for 5 times.

Don’t you just love being the guy who knows everyone by first name? Or if somebody just needs to talk to someone, you’ll be the first one they will ever contact to get this someone’s attention?.. Well, I say, that’s one of the perks that comes with living in this world for such a long time! Seniors who have been in the work force for so many years are indeed well-known in their chosen field. Even those stay-at-home wives must have filled at least 2 personal phone books when asked.
In line with this, let me just introduce to you a new word:  networking. You must have heard this word once or twice—many times if you are active in the “web” scene. Social networking for one is probably the most used term as of the moment but just to be fair, I won’t jump into conclusion that we all are aware of that. Networking, by definition, is the act of meeting new people and making new connections. For seniors, like I stated earlier, connections are never a problem since they already existed, unless of course if you are planning to make new connections in yet another field. Problem is, most of these connections just go to waste, instead of making the most out of them. Let me rephrase that, it’s not about using people you know but taking your business to the next level just by merely knowing these people.
In today’s world, knowing as many people as you can will definitely be an advantage for you. Take for example your resume. You name people there as your referral, and somehow it has to be someone who can vouch for you and at the same time, prove to the company that his or her words can be depended on. Just imagine if you wrote down a name of a president or CEO of a well-known company? Just imagine that! That’s networking at work!
I would like to think that everyday is an opportunity to make new connections. It was said that no man is an island, and I firmly believe that. There are billions of people out there and millions of ways to make connections, there is no good reason why you should not explore the possibilities of networking. Making yourself ready and presentable all the time are the next best things to do, to attract people. To make networking work to your advantage, you should know the golden rule:  that is offering your help whenever needed. This way, you are already paving the way to a good relationship which you can reap benefits from in the future. Also, word of honor is very important so always deliver your promises.
Networking is all about relationships—as much as possible, personal ones. It should be cherished and nurtured overtime to make it work.

Juggling work and family can be hard and indeed it can take toll even to the strongest of the human race. Unfortunately, it is a situation which you don’t have much of a choice. For someone younger, let say 30-something adults, work means career while family would mean spouse and kids. However, for older adults it would mean work as a means of existence and family, being his or her parent plus partner.  If I were to choose, I would definitely go for the former as there will be enough room to somehow make it work while the latter would mean getting stuck to the situation whether you like it or not. Good news is, thankfully, the words “working” and “job” are now taking a whole new different meaning, something that is remotely possible 10 years back. Telecommuting is fast gaining popularity as business owners are starting to recognize its benefits for both parties. So does outsourcing. These two made it possible for people who are having a hard time keeping up with the ever demanding work time and family life. Here are some types of job you can do at home or away from the office, and it pays really well too!
•    Medical Transcription. If you already have a background in medical and you are pretty much familiar with medical terms used by doctors then you won’t have much of a problem getting medical transcription jobs. Medical transcriptionists are in demand nowadays since doctors and medical practitioners are required to keep written records of their patients. However, they don’t have much time for it. A medical transcription job pays well and it can be done at home.
•    Website design. Let your creative juices flow while getting paid for it. What’s even greater is that you’ll be able to view and visit your work every day! if you want to go a little further, attend computer programming classes and boost up your pay even more!
•    Legal assistance. Legal assistants or paralegals play as the lawyers secretary or, the lawyer’s secretary’s assistant. They do research, prepare documents, secure signatures and more. In other words, they do the legwork for the lawyer. Usually paralegals are not required to come to the office on a regular basis, they just report when needed.
•    Tutorials. A retired teacher perhaps? Then just go post an advertisement and let the word spread about your newfound career. You don’t have to go to their houses either, you can have them come to yours after designating a conducive spot in your house, for example a spare room.

Traveling is fun, however, air travel can pose many health issues to seniors. It seems that as we age, our bodies undergo some changes as well, particularly it being not too conducive for air travels anymore. But, that should not mean we would be house-bound and not enjoy the many possibilities of air travel anymore! Here are some tips and tricks for seniors who would like to travel by air and stay healthy at the same time:
•    Consult your doctor first before you go on a trip. Are you safe to go? Should there be differences when it comes to your medications during your trip? Is it safe for you to travel by air? Ask these questions so you’ll know what to do in case of an emergency.
•    Hand-carry your medications and keep them within reach at all times. Make sure you bring enough supply to last you the whole trip and a little extra for emergency purposes. Never rely on local drugstores upon arrival as they may or may not carry your brand.
•    Put together a list of your existing health conditions and tuck it safely inside your wallet, alongside your IDs. This way, you are sure that the people who would attend to you will see at once what they are supposedly dealing with.
•    Once on-board, DO NOT take alcoholic drinks as well as caffeinated ones, instead go for water—lots of it—to avoid dehydration.
•    Chew a gum during take offs and landings. This will ease sinus and ear pressure discomfort during those times.
•    Wear supportive stockings or compression stockings during flights and whenever possible, move around. This will counteract immobility which can lead to blood clots.
•    Ask your doctor if you’ll need oxygen so you can notify the airline in advance. Remember that you are not allowed to bring your own so you really need to ask the airline to have it ready for you.
•    Go buy yourself a good walking aid. A collapsible one would be your best bet so you won’t have a hard time bringing it with you on a trip.
•    To combat motion sickness, avoid boarding the plane with a full stomach and try to relax during the flight. Sleep, if it helps you.
•    Jet lag is one of the most common complaints of air traveler. You can ask your doctor for safe sleeping aids like melatonin or perhaps herbal preparations to help you reestablish your sleeping pattern.

Caregiving is not easy, never easy. It requires certain amount of patience—actually, a lot—and it can be a doubting task, most of the time. Paid caregivers are usually trained for such tasks especially those who underwent medical training but majority of caregivers nowadays do it for free and in a rather abrupt fashion, much less a training to prepare them for what lies ahead. Sad but true, many seniors with disabilities are left to rely purely on love and commitment by their loved-ones, not knowing when something will break or change. For me, caregiving takes more than that.
When deciding on who gets the caregiving job, it should always be based on what’s good for the senior, not on who is the most likely candidate. If a partner becomes disabled, it should never automatically mean the other half gets the job, as he or she may not be the best fit to do the job. Making wise and practical decisions early on will save the family a lot of trouble later on. Always go for the ones who can handle pressure and have a head of their own which can stay above water when necessary, if none in the family qualifies, then your senior is better off with someone paid and professionally trained.
Hard as they come, caregiving jobs can be made easier if you know where and when your limitation lies. It is important that you do not lose yourself entirely to the situation posed upon you. Here are some suggestions to make your caregiving life easier for you:
•    Prioritize your health and wellness. Your senior needs you in a sound mind and body so you need to be in a tip-top shape all the time. You don’t need sickness now, more than ever, and no need to feel guilty about it. In order to maintain your health while caregiving, you need exercise, balanced diet and sleep too.
•    Get some breathing room. Professional caregivers know how important it is to have some breathing space to recoup yourself. If you are in doubt about leaving your senior for a while then practice relaxation techniques such as meditation—this you can do without physically leaving your senior. However, it is most recommended for caregivers to step out and smell the flowers sometimes.
•    Organize. This will help you be one step ahead of the situation and balance your life accordingly. Remember that you also have a life of your own which you need to attend to as well. When everything is organized, you are sure nothing will be left out or missed.
•    Join groups and create your own support system. This is very important, caregivers need someone who can understand what they are going through and be able to share valuable advice as well. Imagine a life in an island, alone and weary, that is exactly what a caregiver without friends would feel.
•    Ask help when needed. It is not giving up your pride and ego or accepting defeat, it’s all about you being human with limitations and weaknesses which you think your senior doesn’t really need to suffer from.