How Learning New Skills Can Affect Seniors’ Life Quality

Seniors are often encouraged to be active, but being out and about doesn’t cut it. Only certain activities are likely to yield benefits for senior citizens. Science tells us learning new mentally demanding skills keeps an ageing mind sharp and thus improves quality of life.

By learning how to preserve a healthy mind, you’ll be able to make the most of your retirement days. Some things never change. Getting out of your comfort zone leads to improvement, even when you’re older.

Defying Myths Through Learning New Skills as a Senior

Despite popular belief, memory loss is not an inevitable part of being old. People will cut you some slack when you’re older. “It slipped my mind” is a convenient excuse for many things.

But, it’s not grounded in reality. Yes, seniors may take a while to retrieve old memories and you may notice you don’t remember things as easily as you used to. Still, you have all it takes to keep your memory sharp.

Ageing Through Art

Creativity can be a remedy for certain problems. According to a research-focused platform, createquity.com, artistic activities help older adults maintain quality of life, as well as health.

Art-related activities can help with life transitions, social isolation, deteriorating health, and loss of loved ones. But, it’s important to learn and take part. Let’s get into the specifics:

  • Older adults report gaining a stronger sense of identity from artistic activities
  • Arts and humanities help seniors improve self-esteem, and reduce boredom. they also help reduce boredom and signs of anxiety and depression.
  • Singing helps improve self-esteem and mental health
  • Sculpting, drawing, and painting can increase self-esteem and social engagement.
  • Art helps people relax!

Jamming and Dancing Towards a Better Life

National Geographic claims music may improve brain function. Musicians stay sharper as they age. Playing instruments helps improve hand-eye coordination. That can make you better at a variety of manual skills.

And, learning to play an instrument doesn’t cost much. It’s something you can learn by watching online tutorials. You can practice on your own or even start a seniors’ band. Learning to jam stimulates more parts of the brain. That way, it helps you get better at other skills, too.

How about a bit of ballroom dancing? It can increase serotonin levels and is great for heart health. Dancing also helps improve cognition and motor skills. You get to learn something new and interact with others.

More Learning Activities

Perhaps you’ve done enough jamming and partying back in the day. There are plenty of other options you can explore. What activities does your senior community offer?

Gardening is a low-impact way of staying active. It helps you build endurance in a relaxing way. It may be trickier than it seems, so it’s sure to improve your problem-solving skills.

Cooking healthy is fun and can save you lots of money. You still get to look after yourself when you are retired. Perhaps you could be in charge of Sunday dinner? Meals are much more enjoyable when you’re the one deciding which ingredients will go into the pot.

Crafting is a lovely way of relieving stress and anxiety. Knitting is popular among elderly folks, so you are sure to find a good teacher. It can give you an edge in strategic thinking and keep your memory sharp.

Lifelong education means you get to learn whenever you want. You can sign up for online classes at the local university or start learning a new language. Learning a new language can be a great way to stay mentally active and socially engaged. Online language lessons are a convenient option for seniors who want to keep learning and connecting with people from different cultures. It can also help improve cognitive function and memory, making it an excellent activity for aging adults looking to enhance their quality of life.

Journaling allows you to express yourself. It’s also a good way of blowing off some steam. Through journaling, you may identify what makes you happier and stay mentally active.

Reading helps you stay sharp. It can be a social activity. Join a book club and build your social circle. In fact, when you’re a member of a book club, you’ll feel obliged to read a novel you started so that you wouldn’t disappoint your new buddies. Group activities can make you more accountable and motivate you to finish what you started.

Martial arts improve concentration and physical strength. They will also increase your stamina. According to a Wall Street Journal report, senior Americans can be quite good at kicking and punching.

Tips for Learning Better

There are a lot of mnemonic devices (fancy word for memory tricks) that can help optimize your memory. A basic trick would be repeating info to retrieve it easier later. It’s simple, yet boosts your mind’s chances of remembering the information.

Mental associations are another good way to improve memory. For instance, you can create a story about the thing you want to remember. Break down complex things into smaller pieces to make it easier on yourself.

Conclusion

An idle mind is the devil’s playground. It’s never too late to discover new talents. The golden age isn’t golden because you get to rest and relax. It’s golden because you get to do what you couldn’t before retirement. Learning new things will make sure you continue to lead a rich, fulfilling life.

Social Successful Senior Living Advice To Memorize

The socially-active seniors are much more likely to live a longer life than seniors that live in complete isolation. This is why it is really important for both your mind and your body to remain social, no matter how long life is.

The problem is usually that people are used to the fact that they are going to be seniors and what society says about it. This always leads to the situation in which they just remain comfortable with the idea that they are old and there is nothing they can do about it. This is not how things work. You can always be more active from a social point of view.

Volunteer

It is completely normal to feel restless after you retire. Fortunately, you do not have to give up on that. You can always give back to the community. Start the search by looking at local news so you can find volunteer organizations that can be joined.

You can even volunteer to do some work if this is what you want. Some seniors work as emergency plumbers in Melbourne. You can do something similar to fill your time. What trade do you know?

Adult Education Classes

Learning should not stop as we age. Many senior communities are close to colleges, just call and see if there are some classes available. You can also do this online. By taking courses you can easily meet new people and learn something at the same time. Actively participate in all the classes and keep your mind as stimulated as possible.

Go To Town Hall Meetings

Since you are retired, there is more than enough time to be actively and politically involved in the community. Every single week there are meetings where tax dollar expenditures are calculated right at the town hall. You can find something for absolutely everyone. This includes wildlife committees, education, public works, political committees, historical commissions and so much more. At these meetings, you can easily meet others that have similar interests so you can even make friends.

Don’t Forget About The Local Senior Centers

At senior centers, you can find different events that are specially tailored for the senior citizens. This can include options like knitting, field trips, crafts, arts, theater, movies, computer classes and foreign languages.

The activities can be paid or free. Just ask an associate at the senior center about the activities that are available. See if there are some that are great for you, based on your interests.

Always Stay Active

At the end of the day, this is the most important thing when you are a senior. You need to remain active during the golden years. Do not spend all your time at home or just sitting. Recreation centers exist and many actually have discounts available for seniors. See if there are some low-impact swimming pools or other options designed for your level of mobility. Just make sure that you remain active. You can even start a brand new sport if this is something that you want. After all, you have all the time in the world.

Tips for Travelling with a Cane

Travelling with a cane can often prove challenging, especially if you intend to take a plane, so you may wonder whether you can bring your cane with you without checking it. If you use a cane to assist with mobility, the answer is yes, but you should still consider these tips for travelling with a cane.

Does TSA Says Canes Are Mobility Aids?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classifies canes as mobility aids, and they allow them on planes. Both you and your cane, however, will still have to undergo screening. It’s important to inform the TSA officer conducting the screening if you can’t stand and hold your arms above your head (required by the more advanced screening devices) for a few minutes, or if you can’t walk unassisted. When your cane is x-rayed or manually inspected, you’ll be separated from it for at least a few minutes. Even if you can manage standing and walking, you should still tell the security officer if you’ll need your cane returned to you right away. Don’t try to bring a novelty cane that conceals anything—security officers are well known to lack a sense of humor about such things.

Is a Cane a Carry-on?

Your airline most likely wouldn’t count a cane against your allowed number of carry-on items, but check in advance to be on the safe side. Different airlines may have different rules. A note from your doctor isn’t required, but having one with you isn’t a bad idea.

Once you make it through security, you may wonder what to do with the cane aboard the plane. Since you use a cane, you may have the ability to take advantage of early boarding if your airline offers it. Ask a flight attendant what to do about your cane. They may store it for you or explain the airline’s rules about where else to put it.

What if My Cane Doesn’t Fit in the Overhead or Under a Seat?

Collapsible or foldable canes provide a good solution if your cane won’t fit in an approved storage area. Some foldable canes collapse down enough to securely stow them underneath the seat in front of you. A carrying bag made especially for your type of cane can also help keep it clean and in good condition while in flight. Checking a cane with your bags is a last resort. If you must do it, secure the cane in a sturdy tube or shipping case. Don’t leave it vulnerable to damage in a soft-sided suitcase.


After you land, the flight attendant should return your cane or help you retrieve it. If it isn’t returned to you promptly, just ask. It’s in all passengers’ best interests for the flight crew to accommodate your needs quickly—everyone wants to get off the plane as soon as possible. Elbow and leg room are at a premium on planes (literally – people can pay extra for extra leg room), so while you should expect courtesy from your fellow passengers, you should afford it to them too. Remain mindful with your cane and stay conscious of what and who are around you. Planning ahead and considering these tips for travelling with a cane should help keep your travel free of cane-related hassles.

How to Protect Seniors from Identity Theft

Though you may not think of it as a threat to be wary of, identity theft is a serious crime that we must treat with caution. There are actually several types of identity theft, and many of these can affect the seniors we care for. From social security identity theft to the aptly named senior identity theft, this crime is something you want to protect yourself from. Therefore, whether you’re a senior in assisted care or you have a loved one in a nursing home, check out our quick guide on how to protect seniors from identity theft. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Continue to Monitor Financial Accounts

One of the biggest mistakes seniors make is that they tend to stop checking in on their financial accounts as often as they did previously. Whether they feel safe or expect others to do it for them, this lack of checking in makes their accounts a prime target for scammers. Check bank and credit card statements monthly.

Use Online Safety Measures

Another important tip for keeping seniors safe from identity theft is about staying safe online. Most of the main types of identity theft come from online, so it’s imperative to follow the correct safety measures. Make sure any seniors in your life know not to enter personal details to untrustworthy sites. Also, think about adding a virtual private internet connection to hide their identity online.

Frequently Check Credit Scores

Just as it’s vital to consistently monitor financial accounts, it’s just as important to check credit scores. Where you should check statements once a month, you should think about checking credit scores about two times per year. These checks will increase the chances of noticing any sudden spikes or drops in your score!

Shred Important Documents Before Trashing

You may think it’s crazy, but identity thieves think it’s worth it to dumpster dive for documented personal information. Invest in a quality paper shredder so that, if you must throw any important document away, the information will be torn up. If you’re unsure whether you should shred a document, better to shred it before tossing it.

Remember How Government Agencies Get in Touch

This is a great tip for anyone! With people so constantly on their phones or checking emails, many people fall into the trap of giving their information to internet scammers. Remember—any official government agencies will send letters about important information. You won’t get a phone call asking you to provide them with your social security number, and you won’t get an email about sending an updated password. The sooner you and those in your life understand this, the safer you’ll be.

How to Set a Retirement Budget

Everyone should enjoy their retirement. It’s a time to kick up your feet and look back on everything you’ve accomplished. However, you can’t go into your retirement completely carefree—you’ll still need to think about some important things before you retire. Soon-to-be retirees must set budgets for when they stop working and their active income ceases. Anyone who plans to stop working soon should read this guide on how to set a retirement budget. If you follow these steps, there’s no reason you can’t live your best life post-employment.

Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses

You must cut out all those little unnecessary expenses during retirement. You may have a pension or retirement benefits, but you won’t have a steady active income anymore, so you must be smart about your spending. Here’s a list of some everyday things people don’t realize they’re wasting their money on.

  • Gym or spa memberships. One way to save money is to cancel any unused gym or spa memberships. By exercising at home or outside, you’ll save so much money every month.
  • Timeshares. Timeshares can be money pits. If you’re going into retirement and you own a timeshare you don’t want to be part of anymore, contact a professional timeshare exit company to help you get out of the contract. You won’t believe how much more cash you’ll have in your pockets once you don’t have to worry about monthly payments or interest fees anymore.
  • Storage units. People waste so much money on storage units. If you rarely go into your storage unit, consider canceling the unit altogether. You can even go through it and see if there’s anything you could sell to earn some extra cash.

Plan for the Future

If you’re wondering how to set a retirement budget, one thing you must keep in mind is the future. Life can be unpredictable, especially as you get older, so make sure you have enough funds available for any unexpected circumstances. You may develop expensive medical issues later in life, or perhaps you’ll need caregivers or need to live at a senior living facility. You never know what the future will bring, so be wise with your money now.

Periodically Check on Your Finances

Continuously checking on your finances throughout your retirement is essential. The last thing you want is to spend all your money in a short period of time. That could lead to having to go back to work. Consult a financial expert for budgeting advice. They’ll be able to tell you how much you can spend every month without going broke. This way, you can do everything you want to do in your retirement without blowing through your life’s savings in the first few years.

6 Facts Every Home Care Agency Owner Should Be Grateful For

 

According to the research conducted by EssayShark, there are going to be over 46 thousand home care agencies by 2021. Like any other business, the home care industry faces a lot of difficulties and pains. Frequently, agency owners forget about all the advantages of their own home care facility. Today, we want to remind the owners of all the aspects they should be grateful for.

Industry is blooming

Either it is your calling or you simply wanted to open a promising business, you have chosen the right industry. Today, the market for home care is worth $100 billion. Due to the increasing number of the elderly population, the market is estimated to reach $225 billion in 2024. The U.S. Administration of Aging states that 19% of all Americans will be 65 years and older. That’s around 72.1 million people.

The generation of baby boomers who were born after World War II and till 1964 reach the age of 65 years. The need for qualified home care services is in great demand. Thus, there’s nothing to worry about for you as long as you provide a high quality of services, take care of your patients or residents, and treat your employees well.

It is about the mission, not the money

Millennials and Generation Z may often cause lots of troubles while applying for a job. They are known as lazy, ambitious, and complaining. However, they tend to value the mission more than the salary. Clearly, we all need the money and no one should benefit somebody’s kindness. And, yes, Millennials expect to have a good salary. In return, 94% of them are ready to put all their efforts and use all their skills to benefit the company. They want to make a difference and be a part of something significant. Thus, those home care agencies that have a strong brand and work hard not only to assist the elderly people but also to convey a certain mission, can expect to have devoted teams.

Technologies are on your side

Home care agencies can benefit from the new technological inventions and applications. We are talking not only about the wearable devices such as heart monitors and smartwatches that can greatly simplify the lives of the patients. Anyone now can even turn his whole home into a smart house! However, there are systems and applications that can automate the whole process of keeping patients’ records. With new services, any home care agency can add, track, manage, monitor, and alter their patients’ records with a push of a button and without loads of paperwork. Imagine connecting all of these devices and programs together! Advanced technologies can help you fully automate your business and cut costs.

Job satisfaction

The gratitude you receive from your patients is, perhaps, the main advantage of having this business. Job satisfaction is definitely one of the points any home care agency owner should be grateful for. It’s vital to understand that you are providing an elderly person with services that help them to enjoy their sunset years. In addition to assisting people suffering from some health problems, a home care facility is also a cost-effective solution for elderly people who need to recover from a complicated injury or disease. Thus, you bear an understanding in your mind, that you are not only helping elderly people in physical or mental needs but also assist to overcome some financial challenges frequently associated with healthcare.

Seniors are more open to home care services

According to a survey, elderly people are scared of losing their independence more than death. They are scared to be moved into a nursing house as they are afraid to die there sooner. They are also scared of leaving their homes where they have been living for the whole life. Caregivers become a life-changing experience for them. They can stay home and still get the required assistance without feeling fully dependent on somebody. It’s a wonderful opportunity for home care agencies to provide more services without changing the quality of life seniors are accustomed to.

You are making a difference

Despite all the pains and challenges you face as an owner of a home care agency, you still get that feeling of changing somebody’s life. There’s nothing more valuable than the understanding that you don’t only have a growing business but also make an impact on your customers and their families. For us, bathing, cleaning our teeth, cooking, and going shopping are aspects of daily routine. Many people of different ages are not capable to experience these everyday activities. Next time you come home after a tiring day at work, think of how much difference you’ve made and how many lives you’ve changed. That’s probably one of the main points you should be grateful for.

4 Essential Retirement Planning Tips

Retirement is a stage of life you can look forward to, and you’ll get the most out of this time if you’ve carefully planned for it. If you begin to budget and organize things ahead of time, you can be sure to live out your golden years in comfort. To help you achieve this, we’ve listed some helpful retirement planning tips.

1. Start Saving Now

People commonly think about their finances in the context of the present as opposed to how they’ll use this money in the future. However, the earlier you can start saving, the better. You’ve hopefully already built up a substantial 401(k), but setting aside any extra money to further pad your nest egg can be beneficial.

2. Set Aside Money for Health Costs

In today’s environment, the costs of health care in retirement can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s important to plan for the fact that a substantial amount of your retirement savings may end up going toward your health. As such, you might want to consider opening an additional account in which you keep money exclusively for this purpose.

3. Hire a Financial Advisor

Even if you only meet a few times, we recommend that you commission the help of a financial advisor, particularly one that specializes in working with seniors. They can help you strategize how to use your retirement funds or tackle any remaining debt you may have. Getting an outside perspective from a professional will help you identify any financial areas you may want to focus on.

4. Look at Retirement Communities

There may come a time when you find you’re exhibiting signs you may have to move to a retirement home. This is a sensitive subject for many people, but it’s important to know that a retirement comunity is designed to keep seniors comfortable as they live out their golden years. It may be helpful to look at some retirement homes ahead of time so that you can start planning for which one will best suit your needs.

The Best Ways to Avoid Getting Sick this Winter

Winter comes with a lot of baggage, which includes potentially getting sick. However, due to so many work and holiday obligations, getting sick this time of year can cause some massive headaches. To remain healthy, try some of these ways to avoid getting sick in the winter.

Use a Humidifier

Wintertime usually means you will be spending more time indoors than out, especially if you live in a cold climate. However, the air in your home can be harmful to you if it’s too dry—it can not only make you sick, but it can cause nosebleeds too. If you do find yourself getting them frequently, follow the proper steps to stop a nosebleed. Make sure that the air in your home isn’t dry by using a humidifier; this will circumvent the issue altogether. For many humidifiers, all you must do is fill it up with warm water and add a little bit of salt to give your room the right moisture amount.

Stay Active

Staying active by getting a good amount of exercise every week comes with many benefits. One of them is reducing the chance of getting sick. Make sure, however, that you wipe down exercise equipment when you are finished using it—especially if you are in a public setting.

Take Vitamin D

Another way to avoid getting sick in the winter is to take vitamin D. Sunlight is key to good health because of all the nutrients it emits, but that can be difficult to get in the winter. However, taking vitamin D everyday can give you the nutrients from the sun and also lessen your chances of getting sick.

Wash Your Hands

You knew this was coming; washing your hands is the easiest way to avoid any sickness. Wash your hands often, especially in cases when you are finished going to the bathroom, eating, and working out. It also isn’t a bad idea to use disinfecting wipes on your phone, computer, and other items you use frequently.

Use these 4 tips for yourself and those you care for to help stay healthy this holiday season!

How Seniors Can Maximize Their Social Security Disability, Auxiliary, Retirement, or Survivors’ Benefits

Those who have reached or who are nearing retirement age understand the importance of living on a budget. If you are a senior citizen who has become disabled, you may not know whether to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or whether to go ahead and get your Social Security retirement started. You can apply for retirement benefits when you are 62, but your monthly benefit amount will be reduced because you are receiving benefits before you reach your full retirement age.

If you receive disability benefits, you will get your full benefits even when you switch from your disability benefits to your retirement benefits later. So, if you have found yourself unable to work because of medical problems as you near your retirement age, it is better to go ahead and apply for disability benefits. That way, you will continue to get your full benefits and will not end up getting reduced payments. The additional funds can make a significant difference in your overall financial situation. The funds you receive from SSDI can cover the cost of living in a senior community.

How to Handle Auxiliary or Survivors’ Benefits

If you receive auxiliary or survivors’ benefits, you will want to maximize your benefits. If you have been married, or if you were married in the last year, you might be able to receive spousal benefits. If you decide to take spousal benefits, the amount you receive is based on your spouse’s full benefits, your personal work history, and when you start receiving payments. If you have been married at least a year or if you were married at least 10 years then divorced for longer than two years, you can receive as much as 50 percent of your spouse’s Social Security benefits. If you start receiving benefits early, it can reduce your payments.

However, if you have a good work history, you will either receive your own benefit or your spousal benefit – whichever pays more. Auxiliary benefits are payable if your spouse is eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The amount received is based on the claimant’s SSDI benefits. You cannot receive auxiliary benefits from a spouse and then draw your own retirement benefits at the same time, but by taking auxiliary benefits, you can wait to start drawing your own benefits when you reach full retirement age and would be eligible to receive the full amount.

Choosing Wisely

You should review all the options and determine which kinds of benefits you would be eligible for. If you can receive auxiliary benefits or SSDI, you should take those benefits until you reach full retirement age. That way, you will be able to maximize your benefits and get more money in the long run. Most seniors live on a fixed income, so you will want to make sure you are getting the funds that you need to cover living expenses and medical needs. You can learn more by visiting the SSA website at www.ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security field office near you.

Ways Caring for Your Aging Parent Can Impact Your Children (And What to Do About it)

Most adults understand that becoming a caretaker to their aging parents is something that should be considered with care. There’s a lot of content out there for adults caring for their parents that explain the physical, emotional, and financial strain this could have on them. Yet, what isn’t covered is how it impacts their families – especially the children. 

Sure, your kids may have a close bond with grandma and grandpa. They may even be excited about the idea of having them move in. Be that as it may, this transition is going to impact your children psychologically. As a parent, it is important to know how to get your children through this transition while also tending to their emotional needs. 

How Children are Affected

Having your aging parents move in with you isn’t all bad. In fact, having them in the home can help to strengthen your family bond, provide another source of support for your children, and even help to teach your children about responsibilities and caring for those in need. 

Unfortunately, however, this transition isn’t without some downsides. When you become a caretaker for your aging parents, your children do not have the same access to you as before because you now have to divide your time, energy, affection, and support. They are also often asked to help out more around the house, which is great for developing responsibilities, but can lead to resentment and even frustration. 

As not all children are vocal with their feelings, they bottle these feelings of rejection, abandonment, anger, and resentment inside and lash out in other ways. They might start misbehaving at home or in school, picking fights with their siblings, isolating themselves from everything and everyone, and even taking risks like abusing substances (for attention and/or to numb the pain). 

How to Make Things Easier for Your Children

If you’re presently in a situation where your children are acting out or even suffering from substance abuse, you should immediately get them help from a school guidance counselor, a therapist, or look for adolescent treatment in California (or wherever you’re located) to get to the core problem and learn effective solutions. At the end of the day, however, prevention is key. So, if you’ve decided that the best thing is for your aging parents to move into your home, here are some tips for making things easier on your children. 

Talk with Your Kids Before the Move

Not to say that you need your child’s permission to move your aging parents into the home, but letting them know in advance and getting their input can make a big difference. Express why you’ve made the decision, what’s going with their grandparents, and even discuss how things will change. After talking, listen to what they have to say and try as best you can to debunk or resolve any fears and apprehension they may have. 

Be Mindful of How Much Assistance You Ask for

It’s one thing for the kids to pitch in as a family and another for them to start feeling like assistant caretakers or babysitters. This can cause resentment between you and your children and the kids and their grandparents. So, don’t overdo it on the responsibilities when it comes to caring from grandma and grandpa. If you need assistance, it is often best to look to other adults or home care

Allow Them to be Kids

The worst thing you can do when caring for your aging parents is forcing your children to sacrifice so much that they can’t enjoy life. Their lives have already changed dramatically and they need the carefree moments of just being a kid to get through it all. Don’t keep them from participating in activities, hanging out with friends, or simply playing around at home. 

Find the Time for Them

Last, but not least, you have to find time to be there for your kids and also spend quality time with them. While they understand that you have a lot going on with their grandparents’ care, you don’t want them to feel abandoned or like less of a priority in your life. No matter what it takes, it is important that you find time to dedicate to just your children. Whether it’s one-on-one conversations in the mornings, scheduled outings, or weekly family nights, they need to know they still matter. 

Taking care of your aging parents in your home may be the best decision, however, it will have its challenges. That’s why it is not only important to take care of yourself, but to be mindful of the psychological impact this has on others you care for such as your children. Use this advice to ensure that your children’s mental wellbeing remains intact as you go through this transition.