Seniors Site

During holiday season, it is very common for seniors to be visiting houses—of friends or families or both. During these times too, you may find yourself as the visitor today and the host tomorrow. No matter what role you play, you’re bound to be in a roomful of people whom you have to get along with for a day or two. These people may like you but there’s no guarantee they will like you “tag-alongs” too, especially if they are of the other kind, i.e your pets.

It is important to note that not all people share your fondness with animals. Some people prefer to have nothing to do with them while others just prefer a different kind of animal from yours. For example, there are cat-people who love cats dearly, while on the other side, there are dog lovers who get along with dogs better. Just imagine how riotous it can get if a visitor, carrying their beloved cat, went visiting a house with dogs as pets. To save you from potentially stressful situation, it is best to keep the pets out of the house during these times or better yet, have them board somewhere comfortable for the time being, especially if you’re traveling.

Also do note that pets can sometimes be health threatening to others, that is why you don’t have to take rejections personally, instead you have to be sensitive of other people’s need for their own space not being violated by your pet. A person who is allergic to pets can find himself in the emergency room minutes after exposure to the allergen—a great way to break the holiday spirit!

If you are planning to visit or perhaps, receive guests, this holiday season and you’re not quite sure where to put your pet, find a sitter. Just make sure your pet is welcomed even if the sitter is an immediate family. Moreover, if you have decided to just bring your pet along, make sure that he is welcome in that house as well. It wouldn’t hurt to ask the house owner for ground rules, you see, than have yourself embarrassed upon your arrival. If you’re told no, then you have to respect that.

However, if there’s absolutely no one to leave your pet with and you really have to bring them with you or if time is not with your side as there’s no more room left in the doggie hotel to accommodate your pet, ask the house owner if you two can meet halfway. Some people let pets into their homes granted that they will have to stay in one place, so it’s either you put your pet in a crate or have him on leash.  It will also do your situation good if you promise to clean up after your pet. Again, never push if the owner firmly said no.

Holidays need not be a stressful occasion for both pet and seniors. You just have to learn how to deal with the situation if it occurs. Your veterinarian will be able to help you find places which accept pets as transients. This is the best option for your pet so far, since you are sure your pets will be taken cared of in these places.

I don’t know about you but I find holidays more romantic than a valentine’s day. Maybe it’s the duration of the occasion, holidays being a somewhat weeklong event while Valentine ’s Day is just a one-day—overnight even—stint. Or perhaps it’s the weather, holidays being colder—so much more lovely to get curled up with someone you love while nursing a cup of hot cocoa. Either way, holidays are the perfect occasion to express your appreciation for all those years your partner stayed by your side. Below are some romantic gift ideas for your partner this holiday season:

•    Personalized gifts—in pairs. His and hers towels are a good start especially if you two are already living together. If you would like to go the extra mile, then there’s gold bracelets which you can have engraved with the date you got married or a short message, if you are apt to it. Anything personalized, no matter how generic the item must be, conveys a message that you always think of your partner in every little thing you do.
•    Weekend getaway—just the two of you. Having busy weeks these past few days? Then it’s a perfect holiday gift for your loved one to just pack them up and go somewhere far and unknown to others. Think elopement. Think Napa Valley. Now, you get the idea.
•    Go for homemade—something you did with your own two hands. Think of something you are great at, like cooking or perhaps knitting: anything that your lover appreciates about you. If you’re handy with cars, why not change his or her car’s oil over the weekend or cook for two and go for a picnic. Top everything off with a kiss.
•    Join a class—together. This could be a shared interest, enroll and reserve seats for two and learn new things together. Just make sure your other half is really interested in this class as it can get awfully boring if not!
•    A time capsule of your love story. What better way to rekindle an old flame than reminding them of what it used to be. A time capsule, whether you’re trying to save a relationship or you just would like to let them know how much you care, is the best gift you can ever give to your partner.
•    Couple spa treatment. A little R&R sure goes a long way..
•    Fine and expensive things. If the partner is suffering from low self-esteem and he or she feels unworthy of anything, this is the best time to give them something that is exactly their worth in your eyes.

Hunting for the perfect gift for your special grandkid may not be that easy especially if you happen to have a kid that doesn’t drop clues or perhaps he or she is blessed with parents who just give just about everything they asked for. Make that doubly hard if you are not that “connected” with your grandchild, he or she being someone who live far from where you are.

As the gift giving day approaching fast, it’s easy to just grab anything that your neighborhood toy store is selling, wrap it and FedEx it however, I bet my bottom dollar, you won’t even remember what it was you gave them come February thus the whole idea of giftgiving defeated.

As for me, I always make it a point that when I give a gift to someone, no matter what the occasion is—although knowing the occasion is also a good starting point—it must be something they can use or something they will cherish and remember me by or both, if I’m lucky. The former, for those I don’t really know and the latter for those who are very dear to me. Knowing what they want is definitely a plus so to be safe, ask those people who are close to them such as their parents, or perhaps their siblings. If all else fails, then ask the child himself. Nonetheless, you still need to consult their parents especially if you’re planning to give them something expensive. Below are some more gift ideas for your grandkids:

•    Toys. Not just any toy but a lasting toy and when you say “lasting”, it should last a long time and it should be able to hold the child’s interest for a very long time too. It means, these toys should stimulate your child’s interest and allow them to discover their skills just by using them.
•    Big kid toys. These are for tweens or preteens:  giving them toys for big kids is like letting them know you trust them enough to let them handle such big responsibility when in fact it is meant to train them for bigger things in life. Radios, camera and even mobile phones will teach them how to value things and how to take care of them.
•    Something out of the box. Kids are more appreciative of gifts that are extraordinary. Pets, if allowed by the parents, teach a child about responsibility. Or perhaps an assortment of stickers in a big box to amuse your sticker-happy grandchild. Theres’s no limit when it comes to giftgiving!
•    A keepsake. Children are drawn to the mysteries of the past and boy, do they love stories! Giving them keepsakes which hold a story of the past—it can be yours or their parents or perhaps someone famous they know—will have them cherishing it from the day forward.
•    Collectibles. Lucky are those grandparents who have a grandkid who collects something as they only have to add something to that collection. In fact, it can be real fun to hunt for the cutest collectible for your grandkid!

Holidays should not always mean you burn your wallet off gifts and enter the new year almost penniless! Like what I always say, with little resourcefulness and a lot of guts, we seniors can still earn while enjoying retirement. Today, we’re going to talk about holiday jobs that are perfect for seniors and retirees:

•    Are you detail oriented and have no problem standing for hours? Do you have a way with people and a lot of patience to boot? Then try applying to a nearby retail store and be a part time sales person! A salesperson’s job is to help customers find what they are looking for or give them an idea of what they need if they have none. You need to be knowledgeable about your products and “wise-sounding” to convince them they have come to the right place. Your duty may include handling the cash register as well as packing or checking the items when bought. Training for this kind of job is usually provided as you need to familiarize yourself of your store’s products.
•    Do you have the ability to convince people just by talking? Or perhaps a penchant for speaking on the phone for the entire day? Turn this hobby of yours into cash by working as call center agents. However, you should have good listening and speaking skills which most hiring companies provide training for. Also, you should have basic computer skills as you will have to operate one for this kind of job.
•    Have a knack for gift wrapping? Or maybe you would like to practice your creativity and at the same time, earn some from it? Department stores and gift shops are certainly looking for someone to fill these positions during holiday season. Give it a try.
•    Love to organize things and be able to save the day? Try a restaurant receptionist’s job. It’s easy, you just have to take calls for reservation, assign tables to customers and be able to entertain those who are unlucky enough to land on waiting rooms. You have to be really friendly and comfortable with people to land such job.
•    Big and small companies are looking for shipping attendants around this time of the year. This is someone who will talk with customers regarding their gifts to be shipped, rates and fees. You should also be detail-oriented and really organized as there will be no room for mistakes.

For a senior like me who has families and friends scattered all over the world, traveling must be the best part of the holiday season. Not only you get to go out and leave problems for a while but also you get to see your beloved ones as well as those new additions to the family such as grandchildren and pets. Of course, spending time with them, no matter how short the amount of time will be, highlights the season and make you look forward to next however, traveling still requires seniors some protocol to follow. Not following them will surely bring about delays which you, I’m sure, wouldn’t want to bump into.

Airport security people are merely doing their job, that is to ensure our safety while onboard. It is us passengers and travelers who should be following rules for a smooth and hassle-free travels. As a reminder to passengers, TSA or Transportation Security Administration updates their website on a regular basis. For more information on how to travel safely this holiday season, check out their website.

On the other hand, below are some helpful tips for Air travelers this holiday season:

•    Avoid pat-downs. Pat-downs only happen when you triggered an alarm in checkpoints. It also occurs when a passenger refuse to be screened. Pat-downs are basically frisking by an authority to search for prohibited items. To avoid triggering an alarm, it is best to empty your pockets before going through a checkpoint.
•    Provide necessary information for TSA’s Secure Flight program. By doing so, you avoid misidentification. Secure Flight program aims to identify questionable personalities before they board a plane thus decreasing the chances of breaching air security.
•    Stay connected. There are many ways you can be informed even if you are already on your way to the airport. Laptops and handy tablet computers can get you connected to your airline’s website as well as your airport’s—your mobile phone can do that too.
•    Never hand-carry your liquids, gels and aerosols since liquid explosives are still considered as a threat by TSA. To minimize the possibility of a delay, it is best to not bring them at all especially if you can buy them at your destination.
•    Use family lanes if you really need to bring liquids and medications with you. Officers in charge of these lanes ensure a more leisurely pace when inspecting your baggage and during inspection.
•    Bring gifts unwrapped. You can wrap them upon landing anyway. An officer may ask you to open wrapped gifts to be inspected thus causing delay. By not wrapping them at all, the officer will not have a reason to flag your package down.

In just a few winks, temperature will drop and snowflakes will start to fall. Next thing you know, your home is six feet deep under that snow and your roof is practically falling down. Certainly your home will need extra care during the winter season and what better way to start the festivities than knowing you got everything covered even before the worst of the season strikes?

•    Check your winter tools. Seniors get by with the help of their trusty tools, however, it is easy to overlook these things on sunny days especially if they are hidden at the very back of the shed. Check and see if they are still in working order or if they are already due for a maintenance check.
•    Replenish your winter supplies. This includes ice melters, batteries and what-have-you’s. While you’re at it, check your flashlights if they are still working and your battery-operated radios.
•    Clear your lawn. Harsh weather can, without a doubt, harm your lawn. It is best that you prepare your lawn to what you anticipate will happen. Trim your trees so it won’t bring some more damage to your house or your neighbor’s.
•    Clean your gutters and downspouts. Or you can have someone do it for you, if this is a risky task for you to take. This will eliminate the problem of dirt and debris clogging your pipes causing the water to rise.
•    Check your home’s interior. Make sure your house is free from any cracks and leaks that can pose more danger come winter. Have a handyman check your home for you if your house have never had any for a long time. However, at this point, full renovation is not an option.
•    Get your emergency kits ready. Winter season is such an unpredictable season. You can be enjoying a quiet day sipping hot cocoa, only to be dashing out the door later tonight for an emergency evacuation. Make sure that you place your emergency kit where it is convenient for you in case of a “grab and go” situation.
•    Have your car winter ready. Get your tires changed and your batteries checked. Better yet, drive over to the nearest auto shop and have your car professionally checked. Your car may not be a part of your home but in case of an emergency and you need to run, your car is the most logical thing to bring with you.
•    Avoid pipe freezes. Drain hoses and AC pipes or just clear off any remaining water in it. Make sure you know where your shut off valves are located in case you need to turn them off.

We often hear tips on how to travel right, I, myself, am guilty of this as I constantly post new and innovative ways on how to pack for traveling and stay safe while on a vacation. When I do, I always make it a point to mention how and why you should bring just enough medications with you to last you until it’s time to go home. Of course, you have heard how it can be a headache just finding out that your prescription meds are not available in and around the area you’ll be staying. Packing your own medications will help you avoid getting stuck somewhere without the convenience of your own meds.

However, it is not always that easy to bring your medications with you when traveling, especially if you are planning to travel by air. Sometimes, even crossing a country will have your bags and being subjected to inspection. Even over-the-counter drugs can cause you trouble when checking in at airports, so you really have to be very careful when packing them. Here are some tips on how to pack your medications the right way when traveling:

•    Pack them individually and label each one according to their names and uses. Never dump them all in one container as they may cause confusion to the inspector and lead to unnecessary confiscation.
•    Make sure you have proof that these medications are yours. Your strongest proof would be your doctor’s medical prescription. If you are wary of carrying this with you or if you are afraid you might lose the prescription during the trip, then a copy of which will do.
•    For pills and inhalers, it is better if you keep them in their original containers and put your name on it for easy reference. This way, you can easily claim them as yours when asked.
•    You are allowed a quart Ziploc bag to carry your liquids (the original bottle must fit the bag) Usually this is enough for a traveling senior but if it’s absolutely necessary for you to carry more than that amount, you will have to declare it to a travel officer.
•    Be conscious enough to just bring enough amount with you as something other than enough will certainly raise an alarm at security checkpoints.
•    For medications that you won’t need during the travel time itself, you can send them to your destination ahead of time, this way, you won’t have a problem with security when checking in.
•    Some security checkpoints won’t allow even the most “innocent” of things such as gels and aerosols since their inspections are based on categories. Make sure you check them prior to traveling.

Healthy lifestyle and vacations don’t really mix well, if you are to ask me. If you are out there with all intentions of having fun and not holding back, is it possible to still remember you are on a diet? Or perhaps remember that old, trusty running shoes you have packed to start your day with a 30-minute power run everyday for the whole duration of your summer vacation? Even elderly with health restrictions will find it hard to enjoy a summer vacation and still maintain healthy “habits”. However, there are still few of us left, brave enough to prove that it can be done. Fortunately, most tourist spots nowadays are making it easier for seniors to do so! Today, it’s all about making wise choices, even with your summer vacation! Here are some handy summer vacation tips to help you stay healthy:
•    Don’t forget your sunblock! You don’t go anywhere without a sunblock especially if it’s summer. Even if you are not intending to go for a swim, you have to remember you still have to go out and be at sun’s mercy, no matter what.
•    Bring your own healthy trail mix for snacks. I find it weird that everytime I go for a vacation, chips and sodas are the cheapest to buy while healthy choices are either hard to find or too expensive to even bother with. Bringing your own will ensure you of a healthy snack when you need it.
•    Always go for water—and lot’s of it! A summer vacation can indeed be boring if you limit yourself to drinking water. This is why I don’t necessarily mean that while your friends are out drinking alcohol, you are stuck with water. What I mean is, for those unimportant parts of your vacation such as uneventful breakfast inside your hotel room, try to load up with water instead of reaching for a can of soda.
•    Avoid prolonged physical inactivity. That is sitting or standing for hours like in an airplane or traveling by car. If it’s safe for you to do so, try to stretch your body every hour or so. This is to help your blood circulate properly.
•    Get moving. You don’t have to be immobile to enjoy your summer vacation. You can ask your partner to have a walk down the beach every morning to catch sunrise or perhaps volunteer to accompany your grandkid around a nearby museum.
•    Limit yourself to one no-holds barred meal per day—preferably lunch. Dining out can easily break, not only your health but also your wallet. Also, I find it hard to enjoy a good meal if I get loads of it. Indulging a little everyday will make it more worthwhile.
•    Get enough sleep. It is important to have your energy last you the whole day, it is not possible if you lack sleep.

One can never really run out of reasons to celebrate mother’s day and now that it is fast approaching—for those living under a rock, it’s on Sunday by the way—we just have to somehow find a way to make it meaningful for our loved-ones especially our mothers, grandmothers or even daughters with kids of their own. One way or another, there’s bound be one in your life, you just have to recognize them and give them a day of appreciation they truly deserve.
For seniors however, celebrating Mother’s Day takes on a different meaning. Seniors can do without well-organized parties and expensive gifts. Senior moms can truly be satisfied with gifts and acts of remembrance alone just as long as it touches their hearts. It may sound confusing at the moment, especially if you don’t really spend time with your senior mom—enough to know her heart’s desire. Nonetheless, here are some tips to guide you in celebrating a memorable Mother’s Day with your senior moms!
·    Even if age is to be considered when buying gifts for your senior mom, don’t limit your choices to age-appropriate articles. Never give her a bathrobe especially if she doesn’t need one. Never assume she needs something or perhaps wants it if you really don’t know for sure. Try giving her something she is dying to try however for some reason, she is not buying it for herself.
·    Most homes now have DVD players, buy her a classic movie (of her time, of course) or a couple of her favorite movies to keep her entertained during lonesome hours. Buy her the player if she doesn’t have one yet.
·    Gather your siblings up and a couple of her favorite people and have a little get-together. Visiting your senior mom, especially those living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, must be the greatest gift you can ever give to your aging loved-one on Mother’s Day.
·    Settle old arguments. All relationships have their ups and downs. Mother’s Day must be the best time for you and your aging mom to settle old arguments and start all over again.
·    Write a letter. For a mom, their kids stay as kids for as long as they live so receiving a somewhat “homemade” card will certainly amuse moms even if they are already in their senior years. Just sit down and feel like a child again, write your feelings down and let it all flow. No need to keep yourself monitored this time.
·    Flowers never fail to make a lady smile, especially if it’s delivered right to her doorstep first thing in the morning! It may sound impractical nowadays but if it makes her happy, why not? However, if she’s into gardening, why not send her a potted one?

Indeed, traveling with your loved-ones makes a vacation more special than usual. However, vacations made with your grandchildren were the most memorable and it’s no wonder! Just imagine lively, youthful sounds to keep you going for more. There’s just something these little ones are able to give you—like an energy potion to make the most out of your vacations!
Unfortunately, no matter how jolly we all are the moment we leave our houses, there’s no telling how everything would be as soon as we reach our destination! Vacation blunders are bound to happen, especially if the organizer was not too careful in making everybody happy. And, it doesn’t take much to blow everything out of hand, mind you. Here are some vacation and travel tips for grandparents to make your vacations fun and hassle-free:
·    Plan according to everyone’s schedule. Apparently, your generation lives in a completely different timezone than that of your grandkids! As a general rule—and especially if you are not living with your grandkids—ask their parents what time do the kids usually get up when in a vacation and chart your activities from there. If you plan to start your day early, make sure you talk with “late-risers” so they are forewarned.
·    Have a pre-vacation talk with all participants. Make sure you discuss all necessary points such as where and what time exactly activities will happen. This way, you would know your grandkids’ priorities and be able to plan from there.
·    If you encounter conflicting priorities, work on a schedule that would be very beneficial for all even if it means not being together all the time. By grouping yourselves according to preferred activities, everyone is guaranteed to have a good time.
·    Imagine how you would fare when you get there. Your vacation should be a trip you and your grandchildren will enjoy and not, in any way, a baby-sitting job. If you feel your body won’t be able to handle your grandkids, it is much better to admit it now, get help and not regret anything later.
·    While it is normal for grandparents like you to spoil your grandkids especially when out on a vacation, try to control yourself and save the spoiling activities later! Remember that when you’re somewhere far from home, you should be the one in charge and not cause any trouble by allowing your grandkids to have their way.