Living a healthy and active lifestyle is important, no matter our age. But for those of us who are more advanced in years, it might be a bit of challenge to stay reasonably fit, full of energy and actively engaged with others.
What can be done to ensure (as best as is possible), that the natural aging process doesn't create an obstacle to being active and living life to its fullest?*
Independence is an important part of life, that can affect your mental and physical health. For seniors, difficulties with mobility and health conditions can negatively impact their level of independence and confidence. It is no secret that keeping seniors healthy, both physically and mentally, is the key to living independently longer. Home care is an invaluable resource for seniors who wish to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home.
As people age, their risk of developing heart disease increases. Heart health is especially important for seniors, as it can help them stay active and independent. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Therefore, seniors should include heart-healthy activities in their everyday routine.
There are many activities that seniors can do to improve their heart health. With so many options, it can be easy to overlook the everyday activities that can help improve cardiovascular health.
The decision around home care for an aging loved one is important and can be challenging for those involved. The process of beginning homecare can feel intimidating and unfamiliar. However, it’s important to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible. Consider the tips below to help ease your aging loved one into home care.
Staying active during the winter can feel like a daunting task for some. In comparison to spring or summer, there may not be as many opportunities to take an afternoon stroll in the park or participate in other outdoor activities.
Everyone knows that exercise is “good for you” but how beneficial is it actually? Consistent physical activity can make a world of difference in your health and wellbeing, especially as you age. Below are five reasons to stay active this winter and beat the winter blues.
Finding a gift that your aging loved one will use and enjoy can be a challenge. How do you give a gift to someone who seems to already have everything they need? Many seniors have limited space to hold their belongings and would prefer to have a more practical gift. Whether you’re shopping for a parent, grandparent or an elderly neighbor, here are a few gift ideas for seniors that they’re sure to love, appreciate and use.
Spreading joy, celebrating traditions, and spending quality time with loved ones are some of the best parts of the holiday season. Decorations are often a large part of the celebration, but they may become hazardous to your aging loved ones. As they age, your loved ones may not be as mobile or strong as they once were. While it may be one of their favorite activities, decorating their home alone can be a major safety hazard. This holiday season, be mindful to minimize falls and other injury while decorating.
Thanksgiving is an exciting holiday for everyone to look forward to. It’s the time of year where friends and family gather to share a large meal and give thanks. Everyone, from the youngest to oldest, takes time to visit and reconnect with each other. It is often one of the only times of the year you can see all your loved ones together.
The process of end-of-life care is an emotionally and physically difficult time for all involved. Considering the prospect of death and all its moving parts with an aging loved one can be overwhelming. You may never feel prepared enough to make life-altering decisions regarding the health and wellbeing of a loved one. However, there are several practical steps that may help alleviate some anxiety and frustration as you make challenging end-of-life decisions.
Baby Boomers, the generation of Americans born between 1946 to 1964, are currently the second largest generation in America. By 2030, all baby boomers will be age 65 and older. According to Census Bureau projections, older adults are projected to outnumber children under age 18 for the first time in U.S. history by 2034. Technology plays an important role – now more than ever – in aiding the growing population of seniors that wish to age in place.
Fall. Hospital. Rehab. Repeat. Sound Familiar? A peer reviewed article published in the Summer 2022 issue of the Journal of Aging Life Care™ shares how Senior Helpers LIFE Profile assessment uses research-based strategies to prevent risks that lead to hospitalizations for seniors.
The fall season comes with many different activities and holidays to look forward to. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in America, with different activities to celebrate alone or with the whole family. This fall, try incorporating some of these spooky-season activities with children, seniors, and everyone in between.
As the seasons change, many people who live with arthritis may be feeling an increase in pain and stiffness. Arthritis is a leading cause of work disability in the United States, with an estimated 24% of all adults affected. October 12th is world arthritis day; a global awareness day used to inform and educate people of the chronic disease that causes joint inflammation. In addition to consulting your doctor, there are a few general remedies that may help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and improve overall well-being.
Depending on where you live, natural disasters may affect you in different ways. From floods, tornados, hurricanes, forest-fires and more. It is important to be mindful of how each of these may affect you and your loved ones.
Preparing ahead to the best of your ability, will help you in the event of any emergency. If you have an older adult in your life, near or far, it is important to make sure they have a plan as well.
This year, the autumn equinox lands on Thursday, September 22, which marks the first official day of fall. Depending on where you are in the country or world, fall can look and feel different. If you are in the United States, there are a few common themes you will find throughout the country to solidify the cozy feel of fall.
Whether it is picking or decorating pumpkins, celebrating Halloween, or making your family’s famous apple pie, there are several activities that you and your loved ones can enjoy together. As you age, the ability to participate in activities changes, but this does not mean that you are no longer able to enjoy them. Modifying activities to best fit the abilities of your senior loved one can be a great way to enhance everyone’s experience.
When one door closes another door opens. There are many new opportunities that arise once you enter retirement. Seniors have a newfound freedom that gives them the chance to pursue goals that were not feasible during their younger years. They no longer worry about deadlines, work schedules and using their small amount of free time to get other tasks done. Retirement is the best time to pick up a new hobby, experience new places, and best of all, continue to learn and pursue new opportunities!
The importance of regular exercise and physical activity is no secret. In fact, it is one of the best things you can do for your body. According to the CDC, it promotes weight management, brain health, strengthens bones and muscles, can reduce the risk of disease and improve your ability to do everyday activities.
For seniors, it can be challenging to find an exercise routine that works best for their lifestyle or limitations they may face. It is still possible for seniors to find a routine at any age to begin enjoying the many benefits that come with regular physical activity. Not sure where to start?
As we age, the discussion of needing more assistance in daily life becomes more frequent. While it is common for older adults to seek the help of a caregiver, it can also lead them to feel like they are losing their independence. Constantly having someone around you to help with your day-to-day life can feel overwhelming at times and can even lead some people to feel unfulfilled.
As a caregiver, whether professionally or personally, it is your responsibility to make sure that your client is taken care of. Following a routine for care can be very helpful, but it is important to be mindful of how your client feels about being taken care of. For some, it can be challenging to accept help when they have been the provider for most of their lives. Showing the seniors in your life that they are appreciated and seen can make a positive impact on their perception of accepting help from others.
In 2016, Millennials became the largest generation currently in the United States labor force. Millennials, also known as Generation Y, represent anyone born between 1981 and 1996. Over the past ten years there have been countless discussions and studies made around the work ethic and over all workplace experience for millennials.
At Senior Helpers, it is important to us that our employees feel empowered to be a part of a team where their work is not “just a job.” We believe that our work at Senior Helpers has purpose, which is also what many millennials look for in their careers. As the top national homecare organization ranked on the Best Workplaces for Millennials™ 2022, below are few of the characteristics we believe millennials value in the workplace.
Caregiving is not always an easy job. Whether you are providing care for a loved one in need or as it is your professional career, much of your time is spent thinking of others. As a caregiver, putting your own needs on the backburner may seem necessary in order to provide efficient, quality care. In the long run though, putting yourself last can cause burnout, fatigue and more.
It is well known that the basic physiological needs for a human to survive are food, water, air, and shelter. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the next two levels a human will need to survive are safety/security and love/belonging. Both of which require interpersonal relationships with family, friends, co-workers, etc. The ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with others can have lasting effects on your overall health.
Sun protection is important at any age. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. As you grow and age, your skin changes with you. It can become thinner, lost e elasticity and become more sensitive to the sun and other irritants.
There are many ways to protect yourself from overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sunburns. Below are the top three ways you can keep yourself and your loved ones protected.
Having hobbies & doing activities can help decrease stress and engage in things that you genuinely enjoy. A diagnosis of dementia or other brain related illnesses can affect what your hobbies may be. Although there are many things that change, this should not mean the end to hobbies & activities all together.
Participating in activities that your loved one enjoys can help improve their quality of life and managemange behavior changes that may come as the disease progresses. Not only is it important to keep in mind what they like to do, but what they can do, what they want to do in the moment, and what they are able to do.
The phrase, “Communication is key,” is top of mind for many when they are asked to reflect on their successes. Effective communication is important for a multitude of reasons. In general, communication allows for conversations to flow accurately and quickly. Poor communication can have the opposite effect, by causing frequent misunderstanding and frustration.
