Seniors Site

Generally, when a person reaches the age of 55, things start to change. Unfortunately, the first ones to fail are those important when driving such as your visual and hearing capabilities. This proves to be a hurdle to an older adult’s driving life even if they already spent years behind wheels. Common aging issues usually separate a senior driver from his car, whether they like it or not.

But, seniors are hard to convince and it would be doubly hard if you are hitting the wrong strings. They will defy especially when they are given orders; in fact, resistance is a very common thing when it comes to senior driving. Although we know that it can be dangerous for seniors to still drive around especially if they are already experiencing difficulties with minor chores, and most probably they are aware of that too, you will have to let them decide for themselves.

The quickest way to let them know if they are still safe to drive is by assessing their driving skills. This way, you and the senior in question would be able to establish his or her capability in driving. If he doesn’t make it, he’ll accept your point but if he meets all the requirements then be ready to accept the fact that he can still drive.

The great way to do this is challenge the driver for a little trip around town to assess the senior’s driving skills. If he falters, then something is wrong and he knows it. But assuming that he’ll go for the ride, here are some points you must consider:

·    Notice if he is having some difficulties in switching pedals. Normally, a driver will not lift the whole leg when switching pedals.
·    Vision impairment such as blurring and reduced vision is apparent when the driver couldn’t merge with passing traffic. This means he can no longer gauge the speed of approaching automobiles.
·    Even younger drivers have problems when driving at night, more for seniors with failing eyesight.
·    Notice the driver’s reaction time. This includes sirens, lights, and beeping cars.
·    The driver should be able to stay within his driving lane.
·    Take note of the speed of the car. It should not fall within the recommended speed for the street you are currently in.
·    If the driver often finds himself involved in near-collisions these past few months, then it’s time to hand-over the keys to more capable hands.

Safety when driving should be the number one concern of this assessment, not proving anybody’s point. For the caregiver, understand that it is not easy to give up something that gives a senior the freedom to go places without asking for anyone’s permission. For the senior driver, you should know that it is not only you that your driving puts in danger; the lives of other people who happen to cross your path during your unfortunate driving accident will also be affected.

The connection between a grandparent and his or her grandchild can never be explained; in fact, it was even said that the love which transpires between these individuals are much stronger than the love occurring in a parent-child relationship. Maybe because grandparents are better listeners than the kid’s parents and grandkids are more affectionate than your own kids. The generation gap certainly exists between these people but it can be easily overlooked especially if both are having a great bonding time with each other.

The best support their parents could get when it comes to child rearing is the one coming from you—the grandparent. Although sometimes, parenting methods differ greatly and most likely to get in the way, close relationship between you and your grandchild is highly encouraged.

Grandparents keep their grandkids grounded and provide some sense of family history. This is something that will keep them tied up to their roots. Sometimes, having someone with character provides your grandkids a secured feeling of belongingness and comfort. Seniors also help mold this generation and support them to a healthier development– emotionally and mentally.

Unfortunately, most seniors are not given this chance to bond with their precious grandchildren. Due to the lifestyle we are currently leading, it’s quite impossible to catch up and have a little time to reestablish connection with our loved-ones, much less our active, growing grandkids. However, there are ways to encourage healthy bonding time with your grandchild such as frequent visits and including them in annual out-of-town trips to interesting places. If your grandchild is living close to your place, join classes that you can attend together such as yoga classes or pottery classes—anything that you and your grandchild can do together. Not only are these classes fun but they can be beneficial to your health as well. One great idea to consider is inviting them to spend one night in your house and create memories by making a family tree. This will amuse kids seeing you and their parents growing up and going through stages of life. Holidays are the best times to invite your grandkids over.

Technology today presents excellent solution to get in-touch with faraway loved-ones. You can send them emails or talk to them using a video phone. Once the connection is established, it should not just stop there. This is one relationship that needs to be nurtured time and again which is not too hard to do especially if you are enjoying each other’s company.

Seniors need to be extra careful now that Alzheimer’s disease research and studies are panning out—close enough but not all-too-specific as we are hoping for. There have been numerous speculations and findings on how this terrible disease invades the minds of older people and how they are contracted but none too specific and targeted to prevent it altogether. Is Alzheimer’s disease genetically implanted with us since birth? Or like any other lifestyle diseases, Alzheimer’s disease is based on how we lead our lives? Is it even possible to avoid or cure this dreadful, not to mention expensive disease? Apparently, we will never know, at least for now, but it will not hurt us if we follow some minor lifestyle changes that might steer us away from Alzheimer’s disease.

Just this month, a research showed that eating curry or incorporating turmeric in your diet once or twice a week could delay Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by slowing down plaque formation within the brain. Further studies are on their way to establish if curry could prevent plaques from forming in the first place. Now, it was said that over-the-counter drugs can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in an older person’s brain and could be potentially harmful for a person’s nervous system.

According to the University of Indiana researchers, most of the over-the-counter drugs seniors are buying nowadays could cause cognitive impairment in general. These drugs, particularly, are for aches and pains, cough and cold, anti-allergy and sleeping aids. Apparently, these drugs block acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter for both central and peripheral nervous system. FYI, there are three neurotransmitters that get affected during an Alzheimer’s disease onslaught: the serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine—the latter being the most affected of the three.

Not all over-the-counter drugs can harm a senior’s brain; be especially on the look out for those containing diphenhydramine because it is an anticholinergic. This substance is usually present in antihistamine drugs or histamine blockers. If you are taking these drugs regularly, its effect could pile up overtime and could lead to Alzheimer’s disease. It is also not advisable to take these drugs for maintenance; if you are experiencing chronic pain and you need to manage it somehow, you need to consult a doctor for a more suitable maintenance drug that won’t give you such side-effect. Older adults are advised not to take anticholinergic drugs because of its effect on the brain.

Gardening is great and has many overall benefits for the gardener. I personally recommend growing your own vegetable garden but there are some seniors who prefer growing flowers than vegetables. Either of them can help you maintain a healthy, active life aside from the therapeutic benefits it can give a person. Of course, there is the self-fulfillment or sense of accomplishment once you see the “fruits” of your labor; that is when you see your garden healthy and blooming!

Backyard gardening is really rewarding and because there are many success stories we are hearing about it left and right, many are starting to think about starting their own. Seniors are encouraged to give gardening a try even if their range of motion is limited. Gardening can be done and adjusted to what fits the gardener best. If squatting and getting up is giving seniors a problem, this should not hinder you and give up gardening altogether; you can elevate you garden to your most comfortable range so you don’t have to go up and down every time you tend to your garden. You can also ask for assistance whenever you need to do something that will put you in a potentially dangerous position and don’t try to do them by yourself if you are feeling a twinge of doubt. Gardening is supposed to be fun and rewarding, not something that will land you a bed in the hospital.

A flower garden has its own rewards. Just imagine walking and seeing blooming flowers that your own hands made! It will also attract butterflies that will only add to its charm. It is also calming because of its colors and scents that will greet you when you visit your garden and most of the time, permeates your home. Overall, a flower garden makes a home look and feel alive, youthful and soothing to the eye.

Vegetable garden, being my favorite gets the last place. Like your flower garden, it can also be done in pots or even in cramped lots—you just have to use your imagination to make it work. It is important to note that a vegetable garden can benefit senior’s health tremendously. It can provide you with fresh vegetables whenever you need some. It can also give you herbs and spices you can use for cooking instead of those you find in cans, bottles and packed which is most likely drenched with chemicals and preservatives. It may not be as colorful and as fragrant as a flower garden but it can help you save some on your food budget plus you know it’s fresh and handpicked by you!

You can also work on a flower and veggie garden combined especially if you have a larger lot to work on. However, if you are currently living in an apartment and you don’t have anything except for a small piece of balcony then you may want to consult with your landlord first then get some advices from your friendly neighborhood gardening store. On the other hand, when you already have something in mind, you can browse over online gardening stores for your equipments. Some of them deliver the goods right at your doorstep so you don’t have to walk out for it.

As we age, seniors may find it hard to do intense workouts and exercises like they used to and I would say, it is but normal due to many varying reasons such as health and time constraints. If you have started at an earlier age, let say, in your 30’s and has been doing your routines for quite some time now then you will probably find yourself slowing down or cutting back on your usual “gym” time. On the other hand, those people who have started quite late with the exercise department would find these activities very demanding and rigorous coupled with bouts of back and knee aches. This is because your body is not used to such activities and most probably you were leading a sedentary life then.

Exercise knows no age and it is very important for seniors to engage to activities that will require them to move. This is because your metabolism needs some assistance at this point and exercising can do that; in fact, exercising is the safest thing to do if you want to stay healthy. Believe me, exercising can shed years off, not to mention those unwanted fats you’re harboring all along. Just because we could no longer do intense workout doesn’t mean we should not do them anymore. Just as long as we keep our old bodies moving, it is enough. However, what we can do is find an exercise routine that is more sympathetic to our bodies so that we will be able to stick with it for a long time.

For seniors seeking for the perfect exercise routine, why not try water aerobics? Water aerobics is an exercise that is not gender specific, although its students are mostly women. Water aerobics help tone your muscles relieving you of those saggy arms. Also, it will not put any pressure on your joints so there’s no need to fret about after-exercise aches and pain; above all, soaking in the water cools down the body. Basically, water exercise is beneficial to older people because it is relaxing and at the same time, your body is getting all the exercise it needs.

Although water exercise is a perfect fit for seniors, you still have to consult your doctor first before starting the program especially if you just had a surgery and open wounds. You should also take note of your heart rate and warning signs during the exercise itself. If you experience some breathing difficulties, notify your water aerobic instructor at once to prevent complications from happening. If you doubt your own judgment then it is much wiser to bring someone with you, in case something happens.

You can find water aerobic classes in fitness centers and local community swimming pools near you. Call them for schedule of classes and go there personally to meet your instructor prior to the class itself. Water aerobics is also good for people with mobility issues. If done in groups, it will also benefit your social life and overall health.

Hurricane season is officially here, are you ready for it? Annual Atlantic hurricane season starts from June 1 and will end on November 30. This is also the time when coastal resorts lower their rates to “incredibly affordable” that even your grandkid could afford to pay for the family’s vacation! These resorts are the ones built on the Caribbean islands, some parts of Mexico, Gulf and Atlantic coasts and Florida.

As the month of May rolled by; and June officially rolled in, some communities and cities are helping their local residents especially their senior locals to prepare for the hurricane season. Particularly, new projects were developed by community leaders in Florida for seniors who they deem are the most vulnerable ones during this season. Local government of the said state also offers assistance during hurricane season for older adults.

Although last year’s was considered as the fourth most active since 1944, experts believe that this year’s a slower and gentler one; rising a little above the average, give and take. By the way, these dates do not imply that hurricanes only occur during these times; hurricanes and storms can occur even outside of the said dates, only they are found out to cluster around June to November. However, even if there are no indications of the hurricane season being violent this year and as destructive as last year’s, we should still prepare for it. Here are some tips for seniors and their caregivers:

1. The emergency kit. Review your list and prepare them when you have time—and I mean soon, not later, not tomorrow or the next day. You will never know when a hurricane will hit so it is best to prepare than be sorry.
2. Your important documents should be kept safe and dry so it is best to place them in resealable, waterproof plastic bags.
3. For the caregiver, it is important to prepare an emergency plan if the calamity strikes. You should know at once when, where and how to carefully transfer your ward to a safe place without inducing too much harm to the patient’s body. If you are having problem with this, visit some organizations that can help and assist you when the need arises such as American Red Cross.
4. You should also take note of weather forecasts and weather news. If you are already having a bad feeling over a heavy rain then don’t hesitate to heed the call. Sometimes, gut feel is stronger than any weather prediction there is.
5. An extra help is always better than doing it all on your own. Whether you are a senior living alone, or a sole caregiver living with your ward, seeking help from your neighbors is always a good idea for seniors. It will enable you to move faster and more efficiently.
6. When a hurricane warning is issued, it usually has more or less, 24 hours before the anticipated strike. Almost always, residents are advised to evacuate the area and it is wise to do it while you still have clear roads to go through.
7. Always remember to stock up your water supply before a hurricane strike so you will not have a hard time if the water goes unavailable after the hit.
8. Evacuation routes will be provided by your local government. Follow them to safer areas.
9. Don’t forget to secure your house before you leave. Lower down shutters before leaving.
10. Don’t try to go back to your home unless authorities announce it to be safe.

I hope by now, our older adults have already learned how to cope with the ongoing recession that somehow still affecting our quality of life. I mean, it has been years after it all came crashing down right? Although we are still experiencing the impact of the thing that has happened, fortunately for us resourceful and adaptable seniors, we are able to stand through it all and pick up the pieces all over again.

Downsizing is not anymore embarrassing now. We all need to adapt a sustainable living not just because of the recession but for a better environment as well. This is something we should do and practice—with or without recession; this is a change in the way we conduct our daily lives. Aside from that, we seriously need to do without the things we don’t need. This is the primary goal of sustainable living and I must say, this kind of lifestyle is the most suitable for recession-proofing our lives.

For seniors, we know that as we age, there are things we should be saving for instead of spending on something totally unnecessary for us. Time will come that those days we should be spending time out shopping, we’d rather stay at home and relax; that a homemade coffee will taste as good as those you can buy in Starbucks and dining out is something we do on special occasions only. If you are a senior experiencing all these then probably, you are not having a hard time threading the deep waters of recession unlike the other half of the world.

Although buying a house nowadays seemed lucrative, with low prices and all; it is not advisable for seniors, as discussed in previous post titled: Senior Housing: to Rent or to Buy? If you have to move to another house for whatever reason, it is best to rent a modest-sized apartment somewhere safe and senior-friendly. Even your job may be at risk as there are companies still closing left and right without any prior notice while if you are running your own business, you can understand why this is happening to big companies and how hard it is to keep your business up and running right? Home based business can earn you a little extra which you can save for rainy days, no matter how small it is. There are many online jobs you can take such as tutorials and counseling. You can also learn how to sell your stuff over the internet to boost your sales a little more. These are the things that will not require much from you unlike a second or third job outside of home.

Seniors can also cut back by avoiding purchases made from credit cards. While it is very convenient to use your credit card when purchasing items and it has a credit limit to prevent you from going further away from what you can pay, credit cards encourage unnecessary purchases and not to mention excessive purchasing—both things lethal to your wallet. By paying in cash, you will be able to control your spending better because you can see your money flying away from you.

You can beat recession just by keeping in mind that everything you don’t need, you can do without. If you practice this and live for and by it, you will be able to tide yourself over this recession.

For seniors, it seems that the hardest thing for them to give up is their independence. This is something they have worked hard for ever since and it won’t be easy to give it up that fast. So, if you are someone trying to commit a senior for a long term care, don’t expect it to be that simple because I am telling you now, you will be in for a fight!

If you are the primary caregiver and you are now having a hard time keeping up with care giving demands, you might be thinking of long term care from someone professional and experienced in doing this kind of job for longer periods of time. But, convincing a senior to a long term care, whether professional or not, is not that easy. You will have to make the senior see through your intentions so be sure that yours is sincere.

On the other hand, seniors need not worry about long term care. Consider this as someone who would make your work easier so you will have more time for yourself and for things you would rather do. Think about this, you don’t have to shovel that snow outside or clean the toilet regularly; you don’t even have to do your laundry anymore! Someone else will take care of that for you. Moreover, forget those nasty pills! Your new “nanny” will remind you if it’s time for you to take your medications and it will be entirely his or her fault if you missed one.

Long term care is not bad. Long term care is just another set of helping hands and they could either assist you with your work load or do it entirely for you, depending on your wishes. They will not take over your life—they will only be exactly where you want them to be. What’s more is that they can be your 24/7 medical help so you don’t have to worry about those nights when you feel breathing difficulties and such.

Long term care is usually required for seniors in very advanced age. This is when the senior can no longer fend for themselves hence the need for someone to assist them with their daily activities such as bathing, dressing and using the bathroom. If you, as a senior, feel that you can still do these simple tasks of caring for yourself then you don’t need long term care yet.

Seniors should also know that long term care is done in settings that are most convenient for you and doesn’t really need to be in a care facility somewhere far from your family. It can be done in your own home, nearby hospital or your children’s home—wherever works for you best.

Long term care is a general term for medical and non-medical services rendered for people with disability, rehabilitative needs and seniors especially those with chronic and terminal illnesses. It will help the recipient receive their much needed health care and be able to keep up with their personal needs. There are different types of long term care—most of which are adequately covered by Medicare.

A living will is different from your basic last will and testament. These are two different wills that you need to prepare ahead of time so you will avoid relatives bickering over you in the future. A senior should not hesitate in doing these important documents as they are very imperative to your health– and I must say, wealth care.

A senior’s living will is sometimes called as advance statement or written statement. This is a written living will that will set clear instructions of your preferred medical treatments if and when you are no longer capable of deciding for yourself. Such cases include but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and falling into coma.

Living will primarily deals with end-of-life issues for seniors. This is not binding as your last will and testament but healthcare providers consider such advance statement and use them as reference for treatments you would and would rather not receive in cases of mental impairment. This can also help your children in deciding for you when that unfortunate time comes. Living wills can also be dictated to a voice recorder or written in presence of an authority, if preferred.

Living wills are best made when the senior in question is still in the right frame of mind so don’t forget to include dates within your will and with a witness around. Your living will should include treatments you would have in certain circumstances. This means you need to consider levels and progression of a suspected disease. Also, you must consider what to do if you reached the highest deterioration point possible. A senior making a living will should also try to explain how he or she arrived to such decisions because this will only prove he is very much aware of its health implications. Go over this with your healthcare provider; you should also furnish a copy for your doctor so he will know what to do in cases of emergencies. Living wills can be changed anytime you want to just as long as you know what you are doing.

In cases of absent partner with multiple children, a senior may assign one of his children to decide for him. This will eliminate arguments and spats within family members over medical decisions. This is possible by healthcare power of attorney which will allow you to appoint the decision maker on your behalf when you are unable to do it yourself. By the way, this is only effected when it concerns your health and not other matters such as financial and estates.

Some seniors hesitate making a living will or any will for that matter just because some of them believe that it can mean welcoming death and illnesses at their doorsteps. You should remember that these wills are done for practicality reasons. You are just making sure that all your wishes are done accordingly; that everything you will leave behind is safe and secure and will fall on the intended person’s hand. This will not invite disease, illnesses and death; you are just preparing for what’s inevitable.

Saving is important for seniors, especially for those living in a fixed income and are saving for rainy days. But with hard times like these, drastic measures are applied and simple pleasures are forgotten. Gone are the days when we just stroll in a supermarket and buy whatever our eyes like; flash that government issued discount card and head out the door without even batting an eyelash. Today, a senior is forced to find ways for them to somehow cut costs and make ends meet.

When we speak of cutting costs and making ends meet, an average American will think of only one thing: coupons. Coupons are really helpful in acquiring discounts in supermarkets and are quite necessary in maintaining a large household. Coupons can also help a senior in managing his finances better. Actually, if you are a conscious coupon hunter, you will know that there are many of them out there since they are practically everywhere!

You can find coupons in:
·    Products you already bought such as labels, box tops, covers, bottle caps, wraps, inside the product itself and boxes.
·    Product offers and promotional mails.
·    Phone books.
·    Newpapers and Magazines.

For these, you will only need a scissor to cut them out.

However, if you are a computer savvy and you know your way around computers which apparently you are since you are reading this post right now, you should know that there are printable coupons you can also find online. These online coupons are more convenient for seniors since they are given out for free. I think in an attempt to cut promotional costs over the manufacturer’s side, they have acknowledged that it is more cost-effective for them if they distribute coupons online. Come to think of it, this move is certainly great for the environment as well.

Online coupons are better than your ordinary box tops coupons; they have wider choices from electronics right down to travel tickets—things you could actually use. Of course, your regular necessities are always present as well but in bigger discounts as compared to the ones you get in your junk mails.

There are sites especially made to give out coupons. Some sites will require you to register and that is fine, just be careful in signing up for newsletters because they will send out massive junk mails every single day. On the other hand, if you are interested with these mails as well, create a separate email account for your coupons so it will not mess up with your personal email account.

These coupons are searchable over the internet. You can find them at:
·    Manufacturer’s websites
·    Grocery store websites
·    Ebay
·    Coupon sites. Believe me, there are many out there.