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5 Supplements Seniors Should Add to Their Regimen

As we age, the need to add different things to our diets and lifestyle increases to make sure we’re looking and feeling our best. Of course, before you start any new supplement, you want to check with your general practitioner to make sure it gets the green light. Still, all the below-mentioned supplements should be more than safe; they are beneficial to add to your morning and nighttime routines. Maybe you’re already taking some on the list, but there is undoubtedly one that could be new to you. So, let’s look at some supplements that virtually all seniors should add to their daily list to enhance their well-being. 

Collagen

One of the first signs of aging is more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. Another one is aching joints and muscles. What if a supplement has been shown to help with not skin’s radiance and elasticity but painful inflammation that shows up in your joints as well? Enter – collagen. Typically made from cowhides which are rich in amino acids, our bodies slow in production as we age. Collagen is easily bought in a flavorless powder that seamlessly mixes into your morning coffee or tea. You can also purchase flavored collagen powders to add simply to water if you prefer. If you lead a plant-based lifestyle, there are vegan collagen options available on the market too. If your joints are bothering you or you want to help with skin and hair health, collagen is a must-add to your supplement regimen. 

Probiotics

Did you know that your gut is considered your second brain? If you don’t have a healthy gut, meaning a healthy microbiome of bacteria and immune cells in your stomach, you are setting yourself up for a host of health issues. Your gut health impacts your overall immunity, hormonal function, and even serotonin – your body’s primary mood stabilizer. By adding probiotic pills to your already healthy lifestyle, you’re giving your overall health a leg up, not to mention longevity. If your gut isn’t healthy, you aren’t healthy – there are no two ways around it!

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is essential for overall health and immunity also. One of the top vitamins that Americans are deficient in is Vitamin D, and they may never realize it without a blood panel. While you can receive Vitamin D from spending time outdoors, not all seniors can or want to spend hours under the sun. Getting your vitamin D levels checked by your GP is a fantastic idea for anyone, especially those of advanced age. If your levels are low, your doctor will likely advise you to take a D supplement. They are available in all forms, from liquid sprays and gummies to chewable tablets, so find one that works for you and up your critical vitamin D levels. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Did your mother or grandmother give you a spoonful of fish oil growing up? Well, if she did – she knew what she was doing! If you dropped the habit of taking fish oil as an adult and especially as a senior, it’s time to start again. Fish oil is full of Omega-3 fatty acids that aid respiratory function in preventing cardiac disease. They can also be found in flax seeds if you want to add those to a morning smoothie instead of upping your fish intake. Even with dietary changes, adding an Omega-3 to your supplement routine will help with the above-mentioned issues. Still, they’ve also been shown to reduce inflammation and strengthen joints and bones, not to mention boost mental health. 

Vitamin B-12

From combatting fatigue to boosting the health of nerves and blood cells, Vitamin B-12 is a powerhouse that gets little recognition. While you may not want to take it every day, it’s essential to your medicine cabinet. Vitamin B-12 can help with anemia issues too. If you take blood thinners or acid reflux medication, it may be a game-changer. Make sure you talk to your doctor before adding B-12, but it’s worth discussing.

Vitamins and supplements are a great way to supplement your healthy diet and lifestyle. By making sure you’re choosing healthy, whole foods and getting physical activity into your daily life, you’re giving yourself a much better opportunity at a longer and healthier life. Here’s to your health!

Things to Consider When Caring for Aging Parents

Helping a loved one such as a parent as they age can be emotionally draining. Many aspects of your parent’s life will require your time and attention. Developing coping mechanisms, being flexible, and maintaining a sense of humor can help you and your parent navigate this time. Here are a few things to consider when caring for aging parents.

Difficult Conversations

Having some difficult talks with your parent can help you figure out how much planning has already been done and where there may be gaps in regard to their estate and future. Ask your parent about their finances: Do they have a will? Have they designated someone to make medical decisions on their behalf? Are funeral arrangements in place? Discussing these topics and making sure the necessary paperwork is filled out is a crucial responsibility of being a caregiver. Estate planners can be extremely helpful in this process.

Living Arrangements

A loved one struggling with dementia, aches and pains, diminished mental capacity, or limited mobility can be heart-wrenching to see, but there are practical things you can do to help. For instance, there are many different kinds of assisted living facilities. The main difference between them is their level of care and the amenities they provide. How much attention will your parent need there? Do they have the ability to participate in activities such as cooking meals or recreational outings? How much privacy will they have?

Depending on the level of care they need, some residential homes offer individual rooms, while others are set up more like a hospital or nursing home where residents share common areas.

Medical Care

Your parent’s medical care is likely to be the most important thing you take care of for them. Make sure that you find a doctor who specializes in caring for the elderly. Doctors can easily miss things if they’re not paying attention to how certain problems manifest in older patients. Additionally, you can find a home health aide if your parent needs help with bathing and dressing. Finally, ensuring that no one abuses or neglects your parent while under their care is vital. Make sure you know the common signs of physician negligence, as this is unfortunately all too common in adult care situations.

Self-Care

Another important thing to consider when you’re caring for aging parents is self-care. Making sure you care for yourself while caring for an aging parent is important. Regular exercise can keep stress levels down and give you more energy during the day to handle your additional responsibilities.

Caregivers often need support when they’re caring for an aging parent. Some options include:

  • Joining a caregiver support group
  • Seeking advice from friends or family members who are also caring for elderly parents
  • Speaking with your doctor about the best way to manage stress

Caring for your aging parent is not simple work. If everything feels like too much, talk to a doctor about your stress level immediately so that they can find solutions before the problem becomes worse.

Tips for Seniors Going Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit

The elderly are especially at risk of getting severely wounded after a bad personal injury because they tend to have more frail bones. When you are dealing with a personal injury case, you should let your family members know so that they can support you through your crisis. Another person to rely on is a supportive attorney who can represent you during this difficult time. Personal injury attorneys are on your side and will fight for your right to receive maximum compensation for your injuries using the evidence surrounding your case. They investigate to find out if the other party can be held liable before taking action. Instead of a lawsuit, they will first pursue a settlement on your behalf before taking your case to court. Here are some tips that will help you while initiating your personal injury claim:

Seek Medical Help Immediately

After you’ve been injured, you shouldn’t delay medical treatment. You must undergo an imaging scan and physical so that you are aware of all of your injuries. The doctor can identify any hidden wounds, such as soft tissue injuries that may not appear at first. Seniors often suffer from hip fractures due to fragile bones, which can be life-threatening. Once you know what your injuries are, you can inform your attorney.

Don’t Accept Settlements without First Speaking to an Attorney.

The other party and their insurance companies may often try to reduce your compensation and encourage you to settle for less. This saves them money and prevents them from seeking additional compensation because of the agreement to accept a settlement. You should avoid doing this and not agree to anything, especially if they call you over the phone. Have your attorney speak to them on your behalf. Your attorney needs to estimate your damages first to give you an accurate estimate before negotiating with the other party.

 

Have a Family Member Take Pictures for You

Photographic and physical evidence is a key part of your personal injury claim. If you could not take pictures of your wounds, have a family member do this for you. It can be difficult for you to perform this on your own when you are severely injured. Let your family members take pictures of the area you were injured in and also any other evidence that ties into your case.

 

Speak to Your Health Insurance Company

Your health insurance coverage may be able to help pay for some of your medical bills while you are waiting to be compensated for your damages. Speak to your health insurance company and let them know that you recently experienced a personal injury. Your initial medical expenses may be covered by your health insurance policy.

 

Don’t Post Your Injuries or Talk About It on Social Media

Make sure you aren’t mentioning what is happening to you on social media so that the other party doesn’t use this information against you. Keep your injuries private and between you and your family members.

 

Find Out More Information from an Attorney

Have your attorney review your claim and estimate your damages for you. They can provide guidance and direct you through the next steps of your personal injury claim. Your attorney will help you receive full compensation if you are not at fault for your injuries.

How to Introduce Technology to the Senior Community

With a boom in technology, baby boomers and generations before them are unfamiliar with technology and the various devices we use day-to-day. There are multiple gadgets on the market geared toward the retirement community, whether for communication, entertainment, or helpful aids for everyday activities. Learning how to introduce technology to the senior community is a great way to pass down your knowledge to help better the lives of elderly individuals in nursing homes or living alone.

Build on Existing Knowledge and Explain Relevance

Every individual is different, especially when it comes to the style of teaching they learn from best. Get to know the person’s existing knowledge of technology and their preferred learning method and build from there.

It is also helpful to explain the relevance of why technology can help them and why you are teaching it to them. They may not understand the importance of using technology such as fall detectors, security cameras, smartwatches with health metrics, etc.

Take It Slow and Avoid Tech Jargon

Your pace for learning new technology will be drastically different from someone who barely interacts with it and never grew up with it. Start with tech that’s friendly for any age before jumping into more complicated technology. Always keep an eye on your pace, and slow down when there is confusion.

Avoid using tech jargon that only you can understand. Instead, make the information digestible and easy to follow for the best learning experience.

Validate Confusion and Encourage Confidence

There will be a lot of confusion initially, which is entirely OK. Address their confusion and don’t get frustrated when you need to repeat information; they will be trying their best to understand. Continue to encourage confidence throughout the teaching and show the individual how they can leverage technology and age in place or age more comfortably in a nursing home.

Write Down Instructions and Offer a Hands-On Approach

There will come a time when you won’t be there to answer questions, especially if the elder lives alone.  Write down easy-to-follow instructions they can use in moments of confusion when they need help. When you are teaching, offer a hands-on approach; this often results in quicker learning and allows the person to feel more comfortable using technology independently.

No one is too old for technology, and it is never too late to learn. Use encouraging words throughout the process and remain patient; they won’t have an affinity for the technology your generation might have. Teach with compassion, and eventually, the person will catch on and appreciate your help even more.

Nutrition for Older Adults: What You Eat Matters

You may think that eating well is just about losing weight, but following a nutritious diet has many other benefits. As you age, your diet becomes your first line of defense against disease. Studies show that people who eat more fruits and vegetables have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. The foods you choose even affect your brain and your memory. Therefore, when it comes to nutrition for older adults, what you eat matters!

Fill Up on Fiber

The fiber found in oatmeal, oat bran, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, citrus fruits, and many other foods may lower cholesterol levels. Fiber also controls blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream after a meal. It can also help with weight management because it makes you feel fuller longer.

Mixing up a smoothie with some berries and seeds will give you a good dose of fiber. Here are a couple of Crockpot Recipes designed for the senior diet that are full of fiber and flavor!

Choose Seafood

Your body doesn’t make essential nutrients on its own, so it depends on what you eat and drink to supply them. The omega-3 fatty acids in seafood help your heart, joints, and eyesight, and they’re also crucial for brain health. These types of fish are high in omega-3s:

  • Salmon
  • Lake trout
  • Mackerel
  • Tuna fish (canned light)

Swap meat for seafood to get the nutrients you need, and talk with your doctor about taking supplements if you’re concerned about not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

Consume More Plant Protein Sources

Eat more plant protein sources, such as beans, peas, nuts, and seeds. These are good for heart health, the environment, and the planet. With the exception of soybean products such as tofu and edamame, plant proteins don’t contain all the amino acids that animal-based foods do, but including a variety of plant foods throughout the day will help you get all nine essential amino acids.

Substitute Healthier Fats

Healthy fats include olive oil, avocado, salmon, and nuts. Eating healthy fats can lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol. Healthy fats also protect you against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health conditions.

Eating healthily is important at any age. However, when it comes to nutrition for older adults, what you eat matters most. A healthy diet can help you maintain good health and reduce your disease risk. However, your nutritional needs change as you age, so making healthy choices is essential.

What Is HIE and How Useful Is It?

Medical providers can securely access and exchange patient medical records through a health information exchange. They are essential since so many medical records are still preserved on paper. Sending and receiving this data may be a time-consuming and error-prone operation, especially when done over the phone, fax, or mail.

Americans today are exceedingly mobile. While you may live in the Northeast, you travel there regularly for work, pleasure, or to see friends and family. Because of a patient’s health or injury, any of these stays may need a change in healthcare providers.

Perhaps that practitioner should have access to the patient’s electronic medical record, which includes current test results, diagnoses, allergies, and prescriptions? In order for health information exchanges to take place, hospitals, communities, and states must be able to exchange health information (HIEs).

Why is HIE important?

The hie software electronic sharing of health-related data between medical institutions, clinicians, and patients is known as health information exchange (HIE). Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and specialists may securely access and communicate vital medical information via an electronic Health Information Transmit (HIE).

How does HIE benefit patients?

Increased use of Health Information Exchanges can help patients and healthcare professionals communicate more effectively (HIEs).

The 21st Century Cures Act mandates that ONC create a Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) to allow patient access to and sharing of personal health information. Transparency, openness, and easy application programming interfaces are part of TEFCA’s approach for improving patient data access (APIs).

HIEs can help with rural health outreach, public health emergencies, and patient matching issues.

It is mandatory for healthcare providers serving an aging population to use HIEs. A relationship with the Strategic Health Information Exchange Collaborative will assist patients in Alabama’s rural and underserved regions this year.

SHIEC involvement, according to Gary Parker, Director of Health Information Technology for Alabama Medicaid, will help Alabama One Health Record improve EHR use, care access, and telemedicine.

Natural calamities like as hurricanes and tornadoes, which force people to flee, would benefit from this change as well, because HIE services might be used more efficiently.

According to Kelly Hoover Thompson, CEO of the SHIEC, members of the HIE are experimenting  with novel techniques to assisting underprivileged populations. Disparities in health care exist across the country, but we can overcome them with a united front.

During public health crises, such as those caused by natural disasters that force people to abandon their homes, effective utilization of the HIE is crucial. According to Danielle Oryn, chief information officer at Petaluma Health Center, immediate access to patient electronic health records (EHR) is critical in these instances.

Concerns about the security of health data may encourage people to believe that their information is safe even when it is shared. Changes in federal regulations may have an impact on data processing and delivery, so businesses should stay up to date on those as well.

How an HIE might be useful to improve patient care and safety or improve research?

The healthcare interoperability solution of healthcare data across institutions within a region, community, or hospital system is known as health information exchange (HIE). The data from these platforms might be utilized to rapidly improve the quality of patient-centered treatment. Health information is available through the electronic health record and may be viewed and exchanged between patients and providers.

According to Grand View Research, the global health information exchange sector was valued $988.6 million in 2015. The desire for these systems by healthcare providers is projected to drive market growth.

Data exchange systems are being developed in response to the rising need to store, acquire, and securely share huge amounts of healthcare data. The use of healthcare information technology has increased, which has resulted in an improvement in healthcare quality.

Private health information exchange is likely to lead the industry in the next years, and this sector will grow significantly. Private healthcare information providers play an important part in this shift at all system levels. The absence of governance difficulties and great workflow efficiency are also likely to drive market growth.

What Is the Role of HIE  in Health Care?

By linking the user’s electronic health record to standardized data, personalized health information may be created. Patients with diabetes can be recognized by entering their test results into an electronic health record (EHR). It is vital that a patient suffering from hyperglycemia get medical assistance very once. This also influences patients’ desire for follow-up sessions. Health data may be sent in a variety of ways.

Medical personnel can safely share protected patient information via “Directed Communicate.”

Healthcare providers can query other healthcare providers for patient information via Query-based Exchange.

With the help of customers, collects and manages personal health information about patients. The interoperability solution for healthcare is facilitated by the use of health information interchange. New techniques of transmitting health information are always being developed as technology progresses. The approach is gaining steam as health care practitioners become more aware of the benefits of information sharing. The following are some of the benefits of sharing health data:

As a result, there is no need for paper, and the risk of data loss is eliminated.

A database is used to store and disseminate information, which reduces the risk of medical and pharmaceutical errors dramatically It Helps physicians and healthcare workers make more informed clinical decisions while also supporting optimal treatment and care.

Improving health reporting and monitoring is made easier by streamlining the flow of healthcare data. The health information exchange system has the potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery by lowering the number of unnecessary tests.

Medical data and patient information may be transmitted more easily via a digital health information exchange system (HIE). It also provides patients with a wealth of personal health information.

All in all, the best practices of HIE will significantly increase care services in health industry.

Five Things to Remember When You’re Helping an Elder Enter a Senior Living Facility

When you are helping a loved one enter a senior living facility, there are plenty of moving parts. With so many things to remember, it’s necessary to keep track of all the steps. Your loved one will need certain things. They may be reluctant to go into a senior living facility in the first place. Whatever the situation, it’s imperative to take it step by step. You shouldn’t rush them into the facility without taking care of all the steps and keeping everything, you need to do it mind. Below are five things you need to remember when you are helping an elder enter a senior living facility.

Location Matters

One thing that could be easily overlooked is the location of the facility. Your loved one could live there for a long time, who will visit them during this time? They could live in a place where none of their family lives. This is when it’s a good idea to think about relocating them near you or someone else. They will want visitors because they will get bored and lonely. If someone can’t visit them frequently, they won’t live as long. It’s just the way it goes. They need to be stimulated and cared for emotionally as well as physically. When you are helping an elder enter a facility, you should think a lot about the location.

Their Needs are Everything

Beyond location, the type of facility is very pertinent. The kind of comfort they can provide matters. You should think a lot about what they need and how their needs can be met. Are they struggling with a disease? How mobile are they? Are they mentally aware? Whatever the situation, every elder needs their needs met and to be cared for both physically and mentally. If you can find a place that properly cares for the people living in the facility, your loved one will live longer and have a better, happier life. When the senior can’t decide for themselves what they want and need, it falls on the loved ones to put in the effort necessary to ensure that everything is taken care of.

They Will Need Plenty of Essentials Like Clothing

It’s very important to help the seniors bring all the essentials that they need. They should have all the clothes they need. Women and men need plenty of underwear or boxer briefs. Clothes are important, but so are other essentials. Books are important to stimulate their mind. What about games and puzzles? Keeping the mind active is an essential part of helping your loved one happy and healthy. If their mind is waning, they might not be able to remember all the essentials. Not only should you give them the tools they need in the beginning, but you also need to make sure they are stocked with what they need.

You Want Them to Have Amenities

Don’t just look for the barebones facility. You want the place that you are taking them to have comfortable chairs and beds, safe showers, decent appliances, and more. Everyone’s different, but people need certain things. Whatever the situation, making sure that the facility has the necessary amenities is a very important part of the senior living checklist.

They Need Doctors

Before you commit to a senior living facility for your loved one, you should be sure that they have resident doctors. Not only should they have medical staff, but you should also talk to them and make sure that they are good doctors. Ask them about their expertise and experience. What does your loved one need? You should be sure that they have the care necessary. Whatever the situation, you should talk to the doctors and make sure they are good enough for your loved one.

There are plenty of things to keep in mind when you are helping your loved one enter a senior living facility. They need certain things. The location matters. Their needs are important. Essentials are important. Amenities are necessary. Doctors are vital to every senior living facility. It’s a tough time for everyone involved, but it doesn’t need to be miserable. Keep these things in mind when you are helping your loved one live in a senior living facility.

Moving to Assisted Living: Factors to Consider

Assisted living facilities provide care for seniors who need help with their basic living tasks, with structured help in an environment that is conducive to senior living. These communities help families and caregivers who are no longer able to provide the level of care that is required for their loved one.

Even with 30,000 assisted living communities that can cater to over 0ne million seniors, there is still a shortage of senior care facilities with the population aging and living longer.

Elderly Care Cost

The cost of elder care is a major factor when it comes to choosing the kind of senior care that is required.

The basic cost of an assisted living community will range from $2,000 to $6,000 per month. Costs will vary from location to location, state to state, and the level of care that is required, so shop around to find the home that will work within your budget. 

Assisted living communities will provide living accommodations, cooking, housekeeping, transportation, and care for seniors, the basic duties will be bathing, eating, dressing, and taking medications.

The difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility is that a nursing home will have 24-hour medical care for its residents, while with assisted living, residents can still live independently, but they will need some help with their daily activities, and live in a safe environment.

There are move-in fees and administration fees when you move your loved one into an assisted living home so it is important to ask how much these fees are.

Also keep in mind that the majority of expenses are out-of-pocket and paid for by the family since most insurance does not cover the cost of assisted living.

Some long-term care insurance policies cover the costs of an assisted living facility so it is best to look at the policy and see what services insurance will pay for.

Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community

Look for assisted living communities that are close to you so it will be convenient to visit your loved one. You can ask friends and healthcare professionals for referrals or search online.

It is important to visit more than one community so you can have a better idea of what would be a good fit for your loved one.

See what activities, outings, and other social events the homes provide to see if your loved one will enjoy the home.

Ask the assisted living home about the levels of staff training, the ratio of employees to residents, and continuing education efforts.

Have a conversation with your loved one about why it is the right time for assisted living and focus on the positive items, such as the activities, a built-in social life, and a safer environment.

It is important for them to understand why it is the best thing and make sure that they are comfortable with the decision.

Top Ways a Nursing Career Is Rewarding


Nurses are individuals that care a great deal about other people and have a strong desire to help them and make a difference in their life. Nurses are kind, organized, emotionally stable, and empathetic. Nursing is a hard career; one that is physically and mentally demanding, but it comes with many rewards that make it worth it for many individuals. 

You Get to Help People

Most people get into nursing because they want to help others. It’s extremely satisfying being able to make a positive impact on someone’s life, especially when it comes to their health. Being able to save lives makes nursing a very meaningful career. 

Nurses are those that not only work to assist with providing treatment for the various medical conditions the patients are going through but they are responsible for calming the customer down and making them comfortable. Nurses get to connect with patients and gain their trust. 

You Can Travel 

Being a nurse doesn’t mean you’re stuck in one hospital or healthcare facility. If you become a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to travel to health care facilities that may need extra nurses for various reasons. 

As a travel nurse, you’ll have to go through the normal education and training, but then you’ll be able to sign a contract with one of the many travel healthcare companies. You’ll have a contract to work in a certain unit, but if staffing is a concern, you may have the opportunity to work in another area instead. Since you’re filling in gaps in these healthcare facilities, you may not end up with your desired hours, but getting to change locations can be exciting for some because it helps to mix things up and allows you to meet new people along the way. 

Being Able to Grow

There’s no shortage of growth opportunities when it comes to being a nurse. Nurses are always going to be needed and there’s always going to be job security. The good thing about nursing is that you don’t have to be stuck in one spot forever, you can grow and explore other opportunities if you so wish. There are many ways to grow as a nurse, including going back to school to obtain an advanced degree or participating in continuing education opportunities. 

You Can Choose a Specialty 

As a nurse, you can choose what you’re good at and what you’re most passionate about. Nurses have the opportunity to pick a specialty and focus on that throughout their careers. If you’re looking for advancement or just the opportunity to work in another area and increase your skills, you’re able to switch specialties. Some of the most fast-growing specialties nurses can choose from include: 

  • Acute care nurse 
  • Pediatric nurse 
  • Trauma nurse 
  • Psychiatric mental health nurse 
  • Nurse researcher 
  • School nurse 
  • Public health nurse 
  • Family nurse practitioner 
  • Dialysis nurse 
  • Invention control and prevention nurse 
  • Nurse midwife 
  • Clinical nurse 
  • Neonatal nurse 

Picking a specialty isn’t something a nurse has to worry about right away if they’re unsure. They can take their time to come up with what stands out most to them. 

Flexibility 

Nurses work long hours, but the long hours usually mean nurses work fewer days per week. A nurse is someone that can work anywhere from 10 to 40 or more hours per week, sometimes needing to work overtime to cover shifts and holidays. 

Nurses are needed around the clock, making it possible to land on an ideal shift. Nurses can work three 12-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, five 8-hour shifts, or on an as-needed basis. Working longer hours per day means you’ll have more days off during the week to spend with your family and friends and for enjoying the things you love to do. 

Nurses will have good and bad days. Some days will be more challenging for others. Still, it’s a very rewarding career because of how many lives you’ll touch along the way.

The Benefits of Small Aquariums for Seniors

People who live in assisted living facilities need help performing essential, day-to-day functions. They also need a variety of activities throughout the day for mental and physical stimulation. Small aquariums have those benefits for seniors, as they give seniors the opportunity to watch, care for, and engage with the fish.

They Can Be Manageable

When people think of fish tanks, they immediately imagine one of two things: the tiny fishbowl containing one little goldfish or the super complicated 80-gallon tank teeming with exotic fish. These are potential options—though tiny fishbowls are not great for the fish—but the best option for those living in an assisted living facility would be something more manageable, like a 30-gallon fish tank. These tanks are great because they are easy to set up, great for beginners, and capable of holding a wide variety of different fish.

It Helps Them Stay Active

Those living in assisted living facilities have a very monotonous schedule as they typically do many of the same things every day. There is some variety with different events, but the monotony of things can make the days blend together. A way to keep them active and excited for the next day is with a fish tank. You need to feed fish and maintain their tanks regularly. A good senior care facility makes sure their residents stay active, and the responsibility of taking care of fish is a great way to do this. It gives them renewed purpose as they are caring for something while they are also being cared for.

Aquariums Help with Memory

Maintaining fish and an aquarium keeps seniors active, but it can also help with memory. A daily routine that includes feeding the fish at specific times can turn seniors from passive into active individuals, both physically and mentally. Also, there is a child-like joy in seeing animals play and be active. Being around fish might remind you of times in childhood when you were around similar animals.

There are many benefits to having small aquariums for seniors, and this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Being around life, color, and movement is mentally stimulating, but it can also be calming. Fish swim at their own pace and don’t fret about the world around them, silently encouraging others to do the same.