Many seniors are still filing their own taxes. This is why it is very important for seniors to be aware of all possible tax deductions. These deductions can provide seniors with extra money back after they file their yearly taxes. Below is a list that contains some tax deductions that are commonly overlooked. All seniors should be aware of every deduction they are entitled to.

1. There are many deductions related to medical care. Expenses for medical transportation, including tolls mileage and parking can be deducted. Medical aids such as crutches and orthopedic shoes are also deductible as long as they are prescribed. Hearing aids, contact lenses and eye glasses are eligible for a deduction.

2. If you are a senior who is still working, any costs that are associated with education to improve your skills at your job may be tax deductible. Subscriptions to journals and newspapers related to the job are deductible.

3. There are also deductions for union dues, expenses pertaining to job-seeking services and cell phone bills that are required for a business. Self-employed individuals can deduct half of the self-employment taxes paid throughout the year. Self-employed premiums for health insurance are deductible.

4. There are some deductions for contributions to charities. There are also deductions for any mileage costs while travelling to a charitable activity.

Source: eldercareabcblog.com

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If you are a senior that has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are some nutritional facts you should know. The following list contains some important tips and facts about nutrition. Many seniors do not realize the importance of nutrition and how it can have an impact on over-all health. Making sure you are getting the proper amounts of nutrients is an important factor for patients with osteoporosis.

1. Risk factors of osteoporosis include old age, family history, small bones, low calcium intake, low vitamin D levels, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle and some medications such as Dikantin, prednisone and thyroid medications.

2. Calcium levels play an important role in osteoporosis. Seniors should make sure that they have the appropriate calcium intake. This could help avoid the onset of osteoporosis. Seniors should ingest a minimum of 1000mg of calcium daily. It is possible to increase that to 1500mg if needed.

3. Eating foods and plant products that contain soluble fiber can help with osteoporosis.

4. Seniors should not smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol. These can weaken the bones and make seniors more susceptible to osteoporosis.

5. If seniors do not include milk, yogurt, fish and cheese in their normal diets, they may want to add a calcium supplement. Before adding any supplement or changing a diet, make sure to discuss the possible changes with a doctor.

Source: gicare.com

Image: everydayhealth.com

Many seniors have bowel issues. A diet that is rich in fiber can be of help. Fiber has many benefits for the body. It can help promote bowel health and can also help with the prevention of other medical conditions. The following list provides seniors with facts about fiber and how it can be a health benefit.

1. There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber slows digestion. This helps the intestine absorb less sugar and starch which could lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Insoluble acts as a laxative. It helps speed the passage of food through the digestive tract.

2. Fiber supplements are used to control the symptoms and onset of bowel issues and can help with constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulosis.

3. Fiber can also help with other medical conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Studies have shown that diets rich in fiber can prevent type 2 diabetes. Soluble fibers can lower cholesterol, reduce risks of heart disease and help with obesity. The fiber will make individuals feel full, resulting in lower food intakes.

4. Insoluble fiber can be found in fruits and vegetables. It is also in products made with whole-grain. Soluble fiber is found in oats, barley, peas, and fruit. In addition to finding fiber in foods, it can also be in tablets, powders and capsules.

5. Before adding a fiber supplement, consult with your doctor. The recommended amount of daily fiber for women over 51 is 30g and for men it is 21g. Make sure to drink plenty of water when taking a fiber supplement. This will help prevent constipation, gas and bloating.

6. Fiber supplements can interact with other medications including diabetes medication, Cabamazepine, Digoxin, Lithium, antidepressants and medications for lowering cholesterol

Source: www.umm.edu

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The importance of nutrition in seniors should not be overlooked. Even if the senior has no medical problems, what they are eating could be paving the way to future problems. The list below contains some tips and facts about nutrients that are very important to senior health.

1. Nutrition needs do change with age. Seniors do not need as many calories, but they may need more of certain nutrients. Calcium is important as you age. An increase of calcium will help keep bones strong. Calcium can also reduce the chances of bone fractures.

2. Vitamin D will help to protect the bones as well. Vitamin D can be ingested, but it can also enter the body by being exposed to sunlight. Seniors who expose their hands and face to the sun for 20 minutes two or three times per week will absorb enough Vitamin D.

3. A lack of Vitamin C can produce some health issues such as gums that bleed, low levels of iron and a slower healing time with injuries.

4. Sodium is an important nutrient. Some seniors who retain water will be on a low sodium diet. Older adults with heart disease or high blood pressure should reduce their sodium intake. Healthy seniors should not consume more than 3 grams, or 3000mg, of sodium daily.

5. By taking extra time to adjust the intake of these important nutrients, seniors will improve their over-all health and help to prevent the onset of other health issues in the future.

Source: gicare.com

Image: sxc.hu

What you eat directly affects how much you weight. Some seniors do not ingest much at all during the day, yet they still struggle with weight problems. This is because the foods they do eat are the wrong types. The list below can help seniors change their diet to eat right and have a healthy weight. Always make sure your body is receiving the right amount of nutrients daily.

1. Make your calories count - Try to eat foods that are rich in needed nutrients and avoid “filler” foods. Seniors do not require the same amount of calories as younger adults because they are usually less active, so make sure that what you are eating is a healthy choice. Inactive women over 51 should consume no more than 1600 calories per day, and men no more than 2000. The more active you are, the more calories you can consume without posing a threat to your health.

2. Nutrients are very important - When planning your diet, make sure to have a variety that offer your body needed nutrients. Vary vegetables and proteins.

3. Try to eat foods that are low in fat - Saturated fat is no good for the body and these foods should be avoided at all costs. Look for the amount of trans and saturated fat in products. These are the fats you want to avoid.

4. Have an exercise regime - Even if this means walking each day for 20 to 30 minutes. The more active you are, the less fat your body will store. Simple exercise programs help keep off unwanted weight and can also be good for your heart.

5. Pay attention to your diet - Especially if you have specific nutritional needs. Watch your intakes of important nutrients such as sodium, calcium, Vitamins D and B12, potassium and fiber.

Source: eatright.org

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For seniors on a fixed income, the costs of healthcare can be overwhelming. Without private insurance, even those that qualify for Medicare or Medicaid  may have to pay for a portion of their medical bills out of pocket. There are some simple tips that all seniors and caregivers can use to reduce the costs they’re likely to be subjected to:

1. Do some research into your health – researching health issues could help seniors reduce the time spent at the doctor’s offices. However, internet resources and books used for self-diagnosis should not replace a doctor’s care; they can however help seniors stay on the right track with diagnostics and care and keep costs lower

2. Avoid the emergency room – charges are higher at hospital emergency rooms. If you experience something that requires medical attention that isn’t an emergency, ask for an immediate doctor’s appointment or go to a walk-in clinic

3. Look for free or low-cost medical care options – during featured health months (like Breast Cancer Awareness month) or seasons where there’s an increase of certain health issues; look for free or low-cost clinics. Breast cancer screenings, flu shots, and even basic diagnostic tests like blood pressure and more are offered in different communities

4. Ask for second and even third opinions – just because one doctor mentions that surgery, or a specific, expensive medication is a requirement doesn’t mean that any senior needs to take it to heart. Ask for additional opinions if you’re uncertain

5. Never be afraid to ask – when it comes to medications, procedures and any element of medical care, ask how much it costs, ask if prices are negotiable, and don’t hesitate to shop around

Via: aipm.net

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Having a senior in the hospital can be a stressful experience. There are many things that need to be done if a family member or a caregiver is acting on the behalf of the senior patient. Below is a list of tips when a senior is hospitalized. These will help with the treatment plan as well as any other medical issues that may arise during the course of the hospitalization.

1. Make sure all legal documents are in place. This includes Advanced Medical Directives and a durable power of attorney for health care. The first informs all family members and physicians of the type of medical treatment and care the senior wishes to receive if they are unable to make their own decisions at that time. An example of this is a DNR or a Living Will. The second is also known as a health care proxy. This individual is appointed by the senior to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. Each of these documents must be signed. The family members and physicians should have copies.

2. Make sure you are able to provide all medical information when asked. Medical history is an important part of treatment plans, so you want to make sure you know all there is to know, including medications, allergies, current physicians and a description of the senior’s mental and physical capacities.

3. Be as active as possible. This requires the family member to be part of the health care team. This can be done by learning how to get in touch with the physician providing care, knowing the nurses who are caring for the senior, having the ability to speak with and social service workers and case managers and being a strong advocate for the medical care of the senior.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this disease. Millions of seniors are affected each year. The disease can be managed and even avoided by altering a few daily habits. Diabetes could lead to other impairments, so it is important to detect the disease early and begin treatment as soon as possible. The following list contains some important information about Type 2 diabetes.

1. There are many symptoms associated with Type 2 diabetes. These include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, infections, dry and itchy skin and numbness in the hands, feet and legs.

2. Type 2 diabetes is caused by an excess of glucose in the blood. High blood sugar levels can cause many complications. Among these are depression, amputation of the extremities, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy and retinopathy.

3. There are not usually any noticeable symptoms that will indicate that someone has Type 2 diabetes. This is typically determined by blood tests.

4. It is important to detect diabetes early to avoid other health issues and complications. If you are at risk, you should talk to your doctor about being tested.

5. There are treatments available for the disease. This could include medications, insulin injections or a combination of the two. Daily exercise and weight loss can also be beneficial in managing diabetes.

6. You can also reduce the chances of getting diabetes by adjusting your diet, especially if you are at a high risk. Eat healthy, exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Caregivers spend most of their time ensuring the safety and health of the senior they are providing for. While this should be a main priority, your own health is just as important. Caregivers should never neglect their health. This may have an impact on the services you are providing to a senior. The following list contains some important tips for caregivers regarding their own health.

1. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health. It may become difficult, or even impossible, to care for a senior if your own health is failing.

2. Take daily vitamins to promote healthy living. Caregivers, just like seniors, can benefit from exercise. This will be helpful for the physical and emotional well being of the caregiver.

3. It is ok to take a break. Many caregivers can become burnt out. It is important to take respite time. Use this time to relax and rest so you remain healthy and can continue being a caregiver.

4. Some caregivers may begin to experience depression, especially if the senior needs a lot of care. Watch for signs of depression and discuss them with your doctor as they arise.

5. Make sure to have routine check-ups. Flu shots are also advised.

6. Do not neglect your own life. Being a caregiver is demanding, but to remain effective and beneficial to the senior, you need to take time to enjoy life. Stay involved with family, friends and hobbies.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

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Could You Have Diabetes?

Diabetes is a health issue that many seniors face, but in many cases it can go undiagnosed or undetected for periods of time because of a lack of understanding of the signs and symptoms that can indicate a need for medical attention. Seniors and caregivers like need to have an understanding of diabetes so that it is recognizable and can be treated:

1. More frequent urination – if suddenly there’s a more frequent need to urinate with no evident changes in drinking patterns or diet, this can indicate diabetes as the kidneys attempt to dilute the glucose

2. Weight loss – it’s not a apparent in Type 2 diabetes though even gradual weight loss with no obvious cause can be reason for concern

3. Fatigue or physical weakness – it’s not uncommon for seniors with diabetes to become more fatigued or have feelings of physical weakness. Often they attribute this to aging and don’t seek additional help, but these are not symptoms that should just be accepted

4. Extreme thirst – diabetes can cause seniors to feel constantly thirsty. Drinking more frequently is common, but even then thirst can be unquenchable

5. Tingling and Numbness – high levels of glucose, when left untreated can wreak havoc with the nervous system resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs

6. Skin imperfections – frequent bruises that fail to go away, rashes, itching and dry skin can also appear

Via: about.com http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/p/Symptoms.htm