More older adults than ever are online, making use of the many social networking sites that are available to them to keep in touch, make new connections, and share their experiences with other people, both of their generation and others. Over the past few years the number of individuals aged 45-65 have quadrupled, and while social networking may seem like a trendy fad of the younger generations, there might even be more older adults online than there are teenagers. So why is it that seniors and older adults are embracing technology?

5 reasons older generations have embraced social networking:

1. To stay in touch – with all generations of family online on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and more, seniors can stay connected to their loved ones through written communication, photo sharing and the other features that these sites offer

2. Bridging the generational gap – connecting online with grandchildren and younger generations of the family can bring seniors closer to their loved ones of shared interests. It doesn’t even have to be through traditional social networking sites, but through games using video game platforms like the Nintendo Wii that allow players from different locations to play together

3. An easy way to meet people – especially later in life, seniors might have a harder time making new friends or seeking support to deal with their aging issues. But, social networks make for a risk-free meeting place

4. Communication without limitations – as seniors get older, they might deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone, or other issues that inhibit their ability to communicate. By getting online, there are methods of communication that work for almost everyone

5. Networking for jobs – for older seniors who have yet to retire or are looking for volunteer opportunities after retirement, simply networking can help to open doors, especially when using social networks like Linked In

Via: AARP Bulletin Today

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One of the most challenging roles for a family caregiver is to deal with a Los Angeles senior who has Alzheimer’s. Not only do they have to worry about the day-to-day well-being of their loved one, they also watch someone that means so much to them change before their eyes, and often this is the hardest when their senior is exhibiting agitated behavior. When a senior with Alzheimer’s gets into this state, they may be incapable of following direction, might put their safety at risk, and they could even become verbally abusive. Despite the toll this can take as a caregiver, they need to try to keep their cool and do what they can to prevent this agitation and learn how to handle it when it occurs. Here are 6 steps that explain how to handle agitated Alzheimer’s behavior:

1. Try to narrow down the cause of the behavior – ask “who, what, where, when, why?” and try to find commonalities in the situations when the behavior occurs. This will help caregivers to determine if the changes in behavior could be caused by physical discomfort, over-stimulation, confusing surroundings, complicated tasks, or frustrating situations with communication problems

2. Be prepared to soothe and distract – have a memory box, photo and other familiar items ready to soothe or distract the combative and upset senior

3. Watch for signs – be aware of physical signs that they’re becoming agitated; most will be non-verbal and you might be able to defuse the situation before the senior becomes too upset

4. Move it – move to a different environment or a quieter spot if the senior is over-stimulated

5. Slow down your actions – as the senior becomes more upset, he/she is likely to speed up communication and actions in the agitation. Slow down, talk slowly, and you can have a soothing effect

6. Remove dangerous objects – keep sharp, pointy and other dangerous objects in a safe and secure place. If the senior becomes agitated, he/she might accidentally harm themselves or someone else

Via: Wellington Parc

Image: www.jupiterimages.com

For many seniors with arthritis or limited physical mobility, getting dressed can be such a big challenge; and for many of these seniors, it can mean loss of independence when they need help with these routine tasks like getting dressed. Some of the clothing items made by companies like Stilvert’s allow seniors to be more independent, since they create accessible clothing items to accommodate even seniors with limited physical mobility.

1. The Arthritic Front Closing Eezee Bra - this bra has finger loops to help with dressing, and large hooks in the front that make it easy for even women with limited hand dexterity to dress without assistance

2. Wheelchair Pants these pants make it possible for a caregiver to help a senior get dressed without having to move them from their wheelchair. There is also a back flap that makes it easier for seniors to use the bathroom, or for caregivers to help change them.

3. Extra Wide Slippers because it’s not uncommon for older men and women to have problems with swelling in their feet and ankles, Silvert carries these slippers which open up wide enough to be easily slipped on and can be adjusted to size. With a Velcro closure, it’s easy for any senior to secure.

4. Hospital Gowns for Men and Women - hospital gowns provided at any Los Angeles hospital just don’t have the comfortable feel of the nightwear seniors are used to, but the usual stuff that they wear just isn’t great for the hospital. These gowns are backless but more comfortable and attractive than what seniors will receive at the hospital

It’s been over 300 years since a serious earthquake along the San Andreas Fault, and scientists say that this just might be the year. Whether you live in Palm Springs or in Los Angeles, you might just feel the effects of a severe earthquake, so here’s a few ways that you can ensure you are prepared and safe should a natural disaster hit your California home.

1. Identify hazards in the home and fix them! Hire a professional contractor for potential issues with the home itself, and secure objects around the home and put them in safe places to minimize damage and injury

2. Create a disaster preparedness plan. Know how you’ll get out of the house in the case of the earthquake and where you’ll go. Share this information with family and friends.

3. Create disaster kits – include non-perishable food, water, and other necessities like flashlights to ensure you can survive for a few days at a time if necessary after an earth quake hits

4. Protect yourself – know how to protect yourself during earthquake safety. Ensure you sit down in a safe spot in your home where objects can’t fall on you to prevent you from losing your balance or getting injured

5. Check things out after a quake – after a quake, check yourself for injuries and observe the state of your home

6. Follow your disaster plan – after the quake has stopped, if safe, implement your disaster plan

Via: KPSP Local

Image: pro.corbis.com

Seniors are being hit hard by the economic downturn, and if the statistics from 2000 are any indication, which showed that nearly 1.5 million seniors claimed they did not have access to proper nutrition, there are a substantial number of seniors who just aren’t doing any favors to their help. For these seniors, finances and the state of the economy don’t need to stand in the way of proper nutrition any longer, because there’s the Elderly Nutrition Program that provides no-cost meals to Los Angeles seniors in need of meal assistance.

Congregate Meal Programs are available to seniors in community settings like community centers, schools and churches, giving seniors the opportunity to have a hot, nutritious meal and socialize with others. For those who are housebound, there are also Meal Delivery Programs that ensure those seniors have the same opportunities as everyone else. At a time of financial need, seniors are making sacrifices to get by, but nutrition is one less thing that they need to worry about!

Sources:

1. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

2. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

Image: havering.gov.uk

Many Los Angeles seniors adopt new eating habits later on in life, which often results in poor nutrition. Many seniors find that food just doesn’t taste like it used to, while others feel lonely when left to eat by themselves. To make mealtime a positive experience for seniors, here are some methods that caregivers can try:

1) Add flavor – instead of sticking with traditional bland spices like salt and pepper, experiment with stronger flavors in spices to enhance the taste of a meal. This will help seniors with a limited sense of taste enjoy their meal!

2) Enhance the look – as senior’s vision declines, meals might appear less appealing. Use lots of color in the preparation of meals and really focus on its presentation so it looks even tastier!

3) Ask about medications – medications might influence a senior’s sense of taste. If your senior no longer enjoys eating, ask their doctor if a medication could be responsible and if it’s possible to substitute it for something else

4) Prevent constipation – constipation cause by prescriptions might prevent seniors from feeling hungry; encourage them to drink a lot of water, ensure they’re getting adequate fiber, and talk to a doctor about options if constipation is a regular problem

5) Make chewing easier – avoid foods that are particularly hard or sticky in your senior has trouble chewing. Also bringing them to have their dentures adjusted could benefit if they rub or make chewing challenging

6) Make mealtime fun – seniors may feel lonely dining alone after years of meals surrounded by family. Regularly encourage family members to get together, and when possible dine with your senior and make it a memorable event so they establish positive associations with eating

Sources:

1. Aging Care

2. Caregiver

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Living in Los Angeles this summer, seniors, don’t miss out on the history and culture that the city has to offer just because of your limited mobility or your confinement to a wheelchair or use of another assisted device. LA has plenty of museums that are senior-friendly, so get out there with your family and friends, invite your grandchildren, and check out some of the finest sites that Los Angeles has to offer without any limitations on what you can do or see.

Senior-friendly museums in Los Angeles:

1) La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museums – right in the center of LA is this museum that gives you a glimpse of what it would have been like living here 25,000 years ago. You’ll learn about the animals that were caught in the tar pits thousands of years ago and how scientists managed to resurface and study the fossils. The whole museum is wheelchair friendly, and seniors with handicapped parking stickers are welcome to enter through the staff entrance of the museum

2) The Huntington Library, Botanical Gardens and Art Collections – most of the buildings on the grounds surrounding the mansion are wheelchair accessible for seniors looking to check out the architecture, art and beautiful landscaping

3) Norton Simon Museum – This entrepreneur collected so much art from around Europe, India and other international destinations that he had to open a museum to showcase his collection. Classic and contemporary works can be found here, as well as sculptures from around the world, and best of all, it’s all wheelchair accessible for seniors!

4) Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum – Visit President Reagan’s grave site, and check out memorabilia from his life as President in the White House and his career as an actor. It’s 50 miles from central LA, but does allow wheelchair access, except for the only access path to Air Force One.

5) The Getty Center – The Getty Center features some of the finest art pieces, but also has stunning architecture and beautiful gardens on the grounds. Seniors in wheelchairs can travel up to the entrance with a wheelchair friendly tram.

Sources:

1. About.com

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My mom was recently diagnosed with a critical form of long cancer. While her Los Angeles doctors have been unable to predict exactly how long she has, it looks pretty good that this disease will take her from us. I’m trying to do everything I can to offer my support to her, but I have to admit, I’m dealing with a lot emotionally. What can I do to cope with my mom’s illness so I can be the best caregiver possible to her during these trying times for the whole family?

A – It’s perfectly normal for you to go through your own grieving process once you’ve learned that your mother has a critical illness. While it’s important that you’re there for your mom, you also need to take care of yourself, and there are 5 ways that you can try and cope with your loved one’s pending mortality:

1) Remember, it won’t be easy for anyone, and no one expects it to be

2) You will feel a variety of emotions, ranging from sadness, anger, and guilt

3) Allow yourself to run the gamut of emotions and release them in a way that helps you to cope

4) In order to cope, keep a journal about what you’re feeling, talk to a therapist or join a support group

5) Remember, everything that you feel is normal; everyone reacts differently to stressful situations!

Sources:

a. Caregivers Library

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Q – My mom lives in Los Angeles but no longer drives, and unfortunately I don’t live close enough to take her out to the grocery store on a weekly basis. I find that when I finally am able to get into Los Angeles to get her out, she barely has anything less in her fridge and cupboards, and very little is the fresh fruits and vegetables she needs for a healthy diets. Are there any shopping transportation services in the area that can get her out and make sure that she doesn’t have to wait around, sacrificing her health, when she is unable to get to the store?

A – Across the United States, including LosAngeles there are services that will take your mother to and from the grocery store. Some specialize in that type of transportation service, while others will take seniors virtually anywhere they need to go. Most of these seniors cost little to no money, so seniors don’t need to hesitate thinking that they’re spending their grocery budget before they can even get to the store. In most cases, your mom will still be responsible for only buying what she’s able to carry, since a bus driver will be providing transportation to multiple Los Angeles seniors; but these services will make sure that she can get there. Try to look up services in the area, contact a local senior’s center or the local Area Agency on Aging to see what’s offered where your mom lives!

Sources:

1. Warwick Beacon

2. The Township of Edison New Jersey

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

I know when you hear about intergenerational daycares, like ONEGeneration in Los Angeles, you think, but seniors aren’t children; should they be cared for in the same environment as babies and toddlers. That does bring up some good points, but intergenerational daycares aren’t trying to imply that caring for children and seniors are one of the same; what they’re really doing is giving seniors something that they can’t necessarily get anywhere else, like the therapeutic benefits of working with children.

For many Los Angeles senior suffering from dementia or other changes of aging which impact their quality of life and ability to provide for themselves independently, they feel like they’ve lost their sense of purpose and importance in life. But by reading to a toddler or rocking a baby, they regain their confidence and sense of importance. By receiving care in an environment that also has childcare, seniors are safe and provided for, but also avoid the degradation that they can often feel when knowing that they just can’t provide for themselves on their own anymore.

Seniors in Los Angeles, who love to be around children and could use a little boost in confidence, should consider attending an intergenerational daycare like ONEGeneration that will give them an experience far better than just providing for their senior care needs.

Sources:

1. The New York Times

Image: nytimes.com