Often New Year’s resolutions focus on just one aspect of health or of life improvement. Instead, for seniors in particular, it’s the larger picture that should be focused on to really make a difference. By following these resolutions, senior will have a healthier and happier 2010.

1. Help other seniors in your community – younger generations often volunteer to work with senior’s in hospitals and senior centers, but provide companionship to your peers by reading or socializing with them in these settings

2. Focus on eating well – give up those convenience items, and find a way to incorporate at least one new healthy item into your meal routine daily

3. Socialize – it’s not uncommon for seniors to shy away from social activities later in life. Don’t let this happen to you – join a social group with other seniors. A book club, exercise class, craft lesson or other activity will keep you connected

4. Organize your life – organizing your affairs for future care and even a will is an important goal. You can also take the opportunity to organize other aspects. Clean your house, declutter and donate the items you don’t need to charity

5. Find help if you need it – hire a senior home care service company to fill in the gaps (any areas in life you struggle with) as needed, or ask for help from family and friends

6. Stay connected with technology - if you don’t have a computer, 2010 is a great year to get one or learn how to use all of its features. Use email, instant messenger and other social networking sites to stay connected with loved ones around the world

Via: wickedlocal.com

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Studying the centenarians have given researchers a good idea about what aspects of a person’s lifestyle can cause them to lead longer, happier and healthier lives. Not sure where to start with your New Year’s resolutions this year? Try these tips for a long life:

1. Get moving – planned exercise isn’t the only way to remain active. Don’t just schedule your daily 45 minutes at the gym. Stop relying on technology to do things for you. Use a snow shovel instead of the snow blower, bike instead of taking the car, and get rid of your garage door opener and lift it yourself. Simply incorporating movement in your life will help you to live longer

2. Remember why you’re here – everyone has a different reason for living and for getting up each and every morning. Remember what yours is, write it down somewhere so you remember your purpose no matter what crosses your path

3. Cut out calories – don’t stuff yourself when you sit down to a meal. Cutting out 20% of portion sizes and in turn calories is a much more convenient method than actually counting calories. Buy smaller plates and bowls, and eat only when you’re actually hungry

4. Think like a vegetarian – you don’t have to stop eating meat entirely, but a decline in meats and processed foods can be beneficial when you incorporate more vegetables

5. Practice happy hour – if you’re drinking red wine, happy hour is a good thing, provided it doesn’t get out of hand. A glass everyday has extensive health benefits

6. Remember to step back – we live in a busy society, but learning to slow down and relax is crucial

7. Join a community – spiritual practices have their benefits, but those who do not practice a religion simply need to find a place that gives them a sense of belonging. Practicing yoga and/or meditation can have similar benefits

8. Associate with people like you – those that have similar goals and mindsets will benefit your health

9. Make family time – even if you’re busy, schedule regular time and rituals of things to do with your family, your spouse and your closest friends to maintain that connection

Via: USNews

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Celebrating the holiday season as a senior doesn’t always come easily, particularly when you’re remembering years past celebrating with friends and family who might no longer be with you. But here’s a holiday poem that’s sure to put a smile on your face, and make you remember the joy of the holidays:

A Senior Christmas

’Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,

And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;

Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker; in hope

That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends,

Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,

Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,

And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,

Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.

Our supper so festive — the joy wouldn’t stop –

Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,

Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games,

Like “Where Are You Living?”  And “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,

Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair,

In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow

Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter

But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter.

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,

Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

’Twas just our director, all togged out in red.

He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived

Our social security checks had arrived.

We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak,

Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds

While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.

’fore long you’ll be with us, we wish you the best.

-Author Unknown

Via: MSGR.ca

Image Source: sxc.hu

With the holiday shopping spree going on, you may find that you have a senior on your list. When buying something for an elderly person, there are some things to consider. First, you want to make sure that what you buy is used and not just stashed away. Practical gifts can be tough when it comes to seniors. The list below contains ten gift ideas that may make your holiday shopping much easier.

1. If the senior lives alone, a Medical Emergency Notification System is a great gift to ensure their safety.

2. Cell Phones with Easy to see and use buttons.

3. If the senior is a pet owner, a pre-paid walking service or grooming is a great gift.

4. Gift certificates to the barber or hairdresser, especially if they will come to their home.

5. Pre-pay a season of lawn mowing and landscaping.

6. Wall clocks with a large face so they are easy to see.

7. If the senior is hearing impaired, a flashing light doorbell or telephone will be of great use.

8. Universal TV Remotes with large buttons.

9. Lap tables can be handy to eat on and can also provide a place for small items, such as remotes and eyeglasses.

10. Clothing with zippers or large zipper pulls.

Source: associatedcontent

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Throughout the year senior caregivers have the tendency to put everyone else first. Over the holidays, the focus needs to return to their own well-being. Help them relax and step away from their caregiving responsibilities with the following gift ideas:

1. Respite care – a break from caregiving responsibilities is appreciated by most caregivers, whether they’d admit it or not. Hire a service to provide respite or step in yourself, offering assistance once a month, or even just one time!

2. Entertainment gift certificates – send them for a night out at the movies or dinner with a gift certificate

3. Spa services – a day out at the spa can be rejuvenating for a female caregiver. Treat them to the chance to relax!

4. Subscription to a book club or movie service – this is something they can do to relax while providing care. Movies can be enjoyed with their senior, and books can be shared

5. Service to help them at home – caregivers have so much to take care of, help them maintain responsibilities of their own homes with cleaning services for inside the home or for yard work

Via: AgingCare

Image Source: www.sxc.hu/

Home exchanges are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for seniors to travel. Senior homeowners can exchange their home with another senior for a week, two weeks or however long they wish. This exchange allows seniors to travel without incurring the high expenses associated with a typical vacation. There are many benefits to senior home exchanges, and they are highlighted below. A senior home exchange is the safest and most affordable way for anyone on a fixed income to continue to travel to their preferred destination.

1. Travel becomes affordable. This is an important aspect for seniors living on a fixed income.

2. A home is much more comfortable than a hotel room.

3. Location choices. Since you will be exchanging your own home for another, you have the opportunity to travel to anywhere.

4. Eliminate other travel costs. Some home exchanges also include a vehicle, so the need for a rental car is eliminated.

5. The process is simple. The internet has many sites for seniors who are looking to exchange a home.

Source: transitionsabroad.com

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Seniors who experience a fall not only have to deal with the physical pain, but there is an emotional aspect as well. Many seniors who fall will admit to feeling a loss of independence. This usually happens when the fall results in a serious physical injury, which often places the individual in a nursing home. A recent study has revealed that falls are closely related to prescription medications, such as antidepressants. Any medications that contains a sedative will increase the chances of a fall. Below is a short list of facts about senior falls.

1. Elderly individuals are usually more sensitive to prescription drugs. They cannot metabolize the medication as well as younger patients. This can cause adverse events, including falls.

2. One third of seniors who reside at home experience at least one fall per year.

3. 90% of hip fractures are caused by falls. Of this percentage, 15% of the patients will have to move into a long-term care facility.

4. Any drug that contains a sedative, including antidepressants, anti-psychotics, sleeping pills and some high-blood pressure medications, will increase the risk of a fall.

Source: toronto.ctv.ca

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Once families have reached the end of the countdown, and the day has finally arrived when their loved one can leave the hospital, it can be a big relief. But while some celebration is warranted for the progress of a senior’s recovery, families need to start the planning process as soon as they learn of a senior’s potential release date, and that’s where the hard work really starts!

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

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Many seniors with Alzheimer’s find themselves restless, and wandering is a common issue that many senior caregivers need to cope with. We’re not just talking about a trip to the kitchen in the middle of the night either; we’re talking about venturing outside of the house, often at unusual hours, and often without proper clothing for the weather outside. Wandering is a concern year-round, but for caregivers in colder climates, winter is even more concerning. So, this holiday season as a caregiver give yourself and the senior in your life a gift and take steps to reduce wandering:

1. Install alarms that tell you when external doors or windows are open – you need to give seniors with Alzheimer’s the freedom to move around their home, but even a home alarm system that chimes when doors or even windows are opened can warn you that your loved one might be wandering away

2. Disguise doors – if you don’t want seniors wandering between rooms or outside, paint rooms so the doors blend with the walls

3. Discourage wandering with signs – post signs on doorways inside the home, reminding seniors with Alzheimer’s what can be found on the other side. If there are rooms that seniors should not go in, or doorways that lead to outside, label them with “do not enter”!

4. Give seniors a safe area to walk around – seniors with Alzheimer’s often find themselves restless. Having a secure backyard or garden area can get them out of the home when they feel the need to wander in a safe manner

Via: About.com

If you’re a family caregiver who has not had to deal with a serious medical emergency that has handed your loved one in hospital, you’ve still got plenty of time to prepare in case such an unfortunate situation should occur. It might sound grave to need to plan for a sad circumstance that has yet to happen, but it is essential as it will help caregivers stay on top of things and provide support to their loved one. Packing a hospital bag to keep at home is one thing that caregivers can do to assist their seniors, and here are some items that should be included:

1. Medications – although the hospital will need to be provided with a list of medications that your senior care recipient requires, having a set of medications for at least a couple of days in their original bottles is essential

2. Robe and gown – though some hospitals may require seniors to wear hospital garb depending upon the medical care received, some seniors might be allowed to wear their own items provided they allow access to areas that medical professionals will be examining. Having these clothing items will make seniors more comfortable

3. Socks and slippers – most hospitals will not provide these items, so seniors are more comfortable and warm moving around the hospital, socks and slippers can be worn

4. Pack personal items – miniature shampoos, soaps and other personal products will make seniors feel more at home in the hospital rather than using the products provided there. However, be sure they are not overly perfumed as most hospitals do not allow these items

5. Pack comfortable clothing to return home in – in all the hustle and bustle when a senior is being released from the hospital, it’s easy for caregivers to forget a change of clothes for their loved one. Packing this in the hospital bag in advance will ensure clothing is on hand!