Leslie Newlife

Amenities to Search for When Visiting Senior Living Facilities

Whether you’re searching for a senior living facility for yourself or someone you know, it’s an involved process that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Ultimately, the objective is to find a safe and decent living space that’s affordable, offers a variety of senior care services, and provides a healthy environment for seniors to live comfortably. As you visit locations, don’t overlook to check for amenities that will add to the overall experience. 

Here’s a look at convenient and enjoyable amenities to look for at senior living facilities: 

Laundry Services

Having a laundromat on-site or a washer and dryer set in your unit is excellent. However, washing clothes and linens can be tedious for some seniors to complete themselves. Therefore, you should inquire about laundry services for residents that include pickup, wash, dry, fold, and drop-off options. 

Separate Dining Areas

While many senior facilities have dining halls and cafeterias for residents to socialize and enjoy meals, it’s not always convenient. If you want to entertain friends and family, you don’t want to have to do it in front of the other residents. Separate dining areas provide you with privacy so you can enjoy your company in peace. 

Salons

Keeping up with your appearance boosts your confidence. Be that as it may, it gets harder to keep your hair cut or styled as you age. Some senior living facilities have a salon or barbershop on-site for residents to visit. It’s a great way to maintain your looks while socializing with others. 

Parcel Lockers

When it comes to receiving mail and packages, you want to ensure they remain secure. As you visit senior living facilities, search for electronic parcel lockers for residents. The lockers should be located in a safe and easily accessible location on the premises so residents can retrieve their items without struggling or fearing for their safety. 

Libraries & Media Centers

Whether you enjoy reading books, watching movies, surfing the internet, or socializing with friends and family online, you need a convenient place to do it. Ask if the senior living facility has a library or media center on-site that residents can access for everyday entertainment. 

Outdoor Seating Areas

When the weather permits, it’s nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Survey the premises to see if there are designated areas for seniors to relax, socialize, or eat outdoors. 

Walking Trails

Staying active is essential for senior health and wellness. One of the least strenuous yet beneficial ways to get daily exercise is to go for a walk. Does the senior living facility you’re visiting have walking trails for residents to go for a safe stroll? Is there a nearby park where they can sit and enjoy nature? 

Game Rooms And Entertainment

Whether you enjoy playing cards, bingo, or dominos, it’s nice to do it in the company of others. Review the list of amenities at the senior living facility to see if they have a game room or a designated area where residents can indulge in entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, does the facility offer activities and events for residents? Options might include field trips, live performances, city tours, shopping, and more. 

Spa Services

While not available at all senior living facilities, some luxury sites offer spa services for their residents. Massages are instrumental for seniors that struggle with arthritis, body aches, high blood pressure, poor circulation, or mobility issues. At the same time, facials and other spa treatments can improve your skin and boost your mood.

Finding a place to live is a serious decision, especially for seniors that don’t always have the means to keep relocating. While affordability and facility reputation are essential factors, don’t overlook the importance of comfort, convenience, entertainment, health, and wellness. As you narrow down your options, don’t hesitate to ask about or check out the list of amenities listed above. Ultimately, if you end up selecting the facility, you want to ensure it’s someplace you or your loved one wouldn’t mind living forever.

Tips for Dealing with Uncomfortable Retirement Questions

When it becomes the time to retire, there are a lot of moving parts to deal with. There are many questions about finances and your personal life. Housing, insurance, and purpose are all a significant part of retiring from your career. This doesn’t mean that your life is over, you should plan for how the rest of it is going to go. Inevitably there are tough and uncomfortable questions to answer. As you work through the retirement process, it’s vital to keep steady to determine the best moves forward. Are you retiring soon? Here are some tips for dealing with the uncomfortable questions involved with hanging up your hat.

Finances

One of the most important questions to answer when you are going to retire is how much money you will need. This can be an uncomfortable thing to talk about because you are basically asking yourself, “how long will I live?” It’s also why you should have more than enough money saved up. You don’t want to have to worry about running out of money when you need it the most. Finances can be a touchy subject when someone is retiring, but that’s because it is completely necessary to talk about.

Life Insurance

Another hugely significant part of retirement is life insurance. This is the money that gets used for expenses should you pass away. When you’re leaving your job, you will want to understand where your life insurance is at. How much money does your policy have? When you are retiring you will need to look at these details. It may include some morbid thoughts, but it’s entirely necessary to know what the life insurance policy entails. Furthermore, if you don’t have a set primary beneficiary to your life insurance policy, it’s necessary to choose one. Make it someone close to you, someone who you trust to implement your wishes when it comes to the money provided from life insurance companies, and you will be a lot better off.

Housing

While you might live in a large, beautiful home now, what will happen in the future? As you get older, it’s imperative to plan for your body to not work as well as it used to. There will also be less money. You might want to move to a one-story house or downstairs condo. Will you ever have to go to a nursing home? What are your wishes in this regard? You should have a plan for housing at every step of retirement. You might have a “cross that bridge when we come to it” mentality, but as you get older things change. That’s why it is a great idea to have what you will do for housing at every stage of retirement determined. Cut down on surprises by having the housing for the rest of your life planned.

Vocation

When people retire from their careers, they are sometimes left with a feeling of purposelessness. This is especially the case when someone works in a high-powered work environment with a lot of responsibility. Do you have a new vocation planned for after you retire? You will find something productive to do when you stop working. What do you want to do with your golden years? There are plenty of options. Whether you simply want to take up a hobby or start a new career in retirement, having something in mind is key. You can always change what you are doing in retirement, but if you don’t have any plan it can be quite difficult. It isn’t about money but purpose. What do you want to do? If you start there, the rest will fall in line.

Retirement is an exciting time, but it can also be nerve-wracking. There is a lot of uncertainty. It is unchartered territory for you. However, it doesn’t need to be full of stress and anxiety. When you have a plan for what you will do after your retirement, where you will live, and how you will deal with the questions of finance and life insurance, you will be in a much better position to enjoy your retirement. After all, these are your golden years. They should be the easiest and much enjoyable time of your life. The most important thing is to make plans for it and have everything in its right place.

How to Take Better Care of Your Health and Well-Being

Many people come to Florida for the health-giving benefits of plenty of sunshine and high-ozone levels. Unfortunately, a wonderful environment alone is not enough to ensure good health.

You must take care of yourself by following a healthy lifestyle. Adopting salubrious habits will enhance your hair and skin, help you stay in shape, and improve your overall well-being. You might even discover that more good things in life flow to you with grace and ease.

Here are some suggestions on how to improve your physical well-being, protect your mental health, and maintain your perfect weight.

Resolve Neck or Back Issues

Many people secretly suffer from neck or back issues, health challenges that they’ve become good at masking from others.

If you’ve been suffering from neck or back pain for a long time, you might feel resigned about it, not sure what to do.

Fortunately, your issue is far more common than you might’ve thought. Pain clinics offer a variety of treatments for backbone-related issues, such as chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

After evaluating your condition, a doctor will recommend the best treatment option. For example, after doctors give you a free MRI review, they’re better prepared to create a customized plan for you.

Improve Your Mental Health

National Mental Health Awareness Week was initiated to educate people about the value of seeking professional help from a psychotherapist or psychiatrist for mental health issues.

Rather than integrating the emotional pain of traumas to live a more productive and happier life, most people default to ignoring their angst, desperately hoping it would go away on its own. While it’s possible to repress emotional wounds from rising to conscious awareness by staying busy during our normal routines, it’s crucial to address mental health challenges before surgery, to enhance your recovery. 

Resolving mental health issues before surgery not only improves the outcome but also prevents unexpected mood disorders from flaring up during recovery. Recent studies found that almost half of the number of patients who underwent major surgery struggled with depression

Choose Healthier Eating Options

Many people assume that if someone is overweight, it’s because of a hormonal imbalance or poor eating habits. But gaining excessive weight is also caused by low self-esteem

Overweight people, especially those with obesity, are not only at risk for incurring severe illnesses like type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke but also mental health issues like chronic depression. With that in mind, here are some keys to achieving healthy weight loss:

  1. Work with a counselor or therapist to heal emotional pain arising from upsetting experiences, some perhaps stemming in childhood.
  2. Eat a variety of foods from all food groups to balance all your macronutrient needs.
  3. Choose healthier options such as whole foods, plant-based protein, and drinking lots of water over prepackaged meals loaded with preservatives, food dyes, and excess salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
  4. Reduce your risk of chronic diseases and long-term illnesses by staying on your new eating plan.

Eating well is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Following a good diet will lift your mood and increase your energy levels. It will help you stay at your ideal weight. And it will give you all the nutrients you need to enjoy optimal health and vitality.

Improve Your Health

Florida’s sunshine and invigorating ocean breezes are a good start to enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Besides appreciating the invigorating climate, you can also upgrade your health by resolving any lingering physical issues through the most appropriate medical treatment, integrating any emotional upsets by seeing a therapist, and choosing healthier eating options when designing a good diet.

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Divorcing Over 50

Gray Divorce

Gray divorce, or divorcing over 50 years old, is more common than ever before. As of 2015, five out of every 1,000 couples who separated were over the age of 50. A couple over 50 may seek a divorce for several reasons. Here are a few common reasons.

Possible Reasons for a Gray Divorce

As people live longer, they have more opportunities to grow and to grow apart. Nowadays, more women are financially independent and find no financial reasons to stay together. Even when unhappy in a marriage, some spouses prefer to wait until the children are grown before filing for divorce. Couples may no longer share the same interests and goals, and their marriage may no longer be strong enough to survive after their children leave. Some couples find that spending more time together isn’t a source of happiness or that their interests in retirement are no longer compatible as they age. Still, others wait until they are financially stable before they divorce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Whatever the reason may be, divorce is difficult. It has the potential to be very financially and emotionally draining. However, proceedings with an uncontested divorce in Georgia can be easier if you take help from the right divorce lawyers by your side. Let’s have a look at what mistakes to avoid.

  1. Not Choosing the Right Divorce Process

Lawyers help couples fight for what they want in divorce litigation. It’s not uncommon for spouses to spend a significant amount of their marital estate on their attorneys, leaving them with little to divide or apply toward their debts. In states like Georgia, cooperating with your spouse often means you don’t have to hire an attorney or endure long, drawn-out court battles. You will also have more control over the outcome of your divorce.

  1. Not Having an Inventory of Assets

By keeping track of your assets and other financial information, you will know what you own. As a result, you can negotiate items such as alimony, child support, and property division in your settlement. Real assets should be included in the inventory, as well as investments and liquid assets.

Often, one partner knows more about a couple’s assets than the other. This individual likely knows exactly what and how many assets they own (cash and kind). If you are the other party, you should make an inventory of all your assets before dividing them. Hire a St Petersburg divorce attorney to assist you.

  1. Holding onto the Family Home

If you wish to retain the family home, you should determine if it is a good idea for you. Although the thought of moving the family may seem disruptive, keep in mind that even if you remove your name from the property title, you are still liable for payments on your joint mortgage. Your credit score could take a hit if your spouse misses payments or defaults altogether, and you could face tax penalties as well. Consider the maintenance costs of the property as well.

  1. Not Knowing What You Owe

You are accountable for half of your spouse’s obligations in places where community property rules apply, even though the debt is not yours. Some states that do not recognize community property (like Georgia) may hold you liable for jointly held credit cards or loans. You should obtain a full credit report for you and your spouse to avoid any surprises.

  1. Forgetting Tax Consequences

Consider the tax implications of your divorce settlement carefully. Any alimony you receive will be taxed. Even child support can be taxed. You should also be aware of the taxes and penalties associated with retirement asset distributions. You should also take into account capital gains taxes on appreciated assets.

  1. Forgetting About Health Insurance

You may have to obtain your insurance coverage if you are relying on your spouse’s work-sponsored health plan. Especially if you divorce before Medicare kicks in at age 65, this could be costly and unexpected. Under certain circumstances, you can keep your ex’s health insurance while separating your other assets.

  1. Don’t Forget About Your IRA Account and Social Security Benefits

Unless your divorce decree stipulates otherwise, a divorce decree cannot alter the beneficiary of your IRA account. A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) protects the assets in your divorce settlement. With QDRO, you can divide your retirement assets into your shared 401(k) plans, 457 and/or 403(b) accounts, and pensions.

You can receive your spouse’s Social Security benefits if you meet certain requirements (such as being married for at least 10 years, not remarrying after the divorce, and being at least 62 years old).

  1. Wanting to Support Your Adult Children

Regardless of how much you love and want to help your children, your first objective right now is to guarantee that you have secure retirement savings and that you can aid your college-aged children with their educational costs.

  1. Keeping Your Wealth Hidden from Your Spouse

The consequences of hiding assets during a divorce can be severe if they are discovered afterward. It may result in additional legal fees and court time. A divorce petitioner in Georgia must disclose all financial information on the financial affidavit form. Affidavit fraud or testifying falsely in court is perjury and can result in sanctions (such as jail time, contempt of court, etc.).

  1. Your Divorce Advisors Are Not Your Friends

If you have the right group of professionals to help you with your divorce, you’ll be able to reduce the cost of litigation and avoid expensive mistakes you might make on your own. However, don’t let your anxiety lead you to believe that they are your friends. Your divorce advisors are paid out of the settlement amount. Keep track of how much they spend on your behalf. It is important to remember that your lawyer is not a confidant with whom you chat over a cup of coffee, but a professional you are paying per hour.

The Bottom Line

Divorce can be devastating at any age, but by planning and avoiding these all-too-common mistakes, you can avoid financial problems and heartbreak down the road.

World’s Best Places to Retire

Every day in the USA, around 10,000 people reach the age of 65, when many people retire from working. Some will work longer and others will retire early, but the age of 65 is when most people decide to end their careers.

While some of these people will retire in their hometown or somewhere nearby, plenty of others will head to a different state, country, or even continent to retire the way they want. There are hundreds of choices, but a few places continue to be popular for people of all ages and backgrounds to retire.

Without any further ado, this blog post is going to go over some of the world’s best places to retire.

Panama

A popular choice among many retirees is to retire in Panama. Located in Central America, Panama offers a ton to those who decide to live there. The weather is amazing, it is an incredibly accessible place, and the amenities are top-notch. While tropical and gorgeous, Panama is outside the hurricane belt and thus has a more mild and predictable climate than many other places.

But despite all that is going for Panama, it still remains relatively affordable to live there. In addition to that, there are many pensioner discounts you can get when living there, such as cheaper power, cheaper meals, cheaper medication, and even cheaper entertainment.

Panama is also seen as a tax haven and retirees won’t be taxed on pensions or social security earned in the USA. This has the potential to save you a lot of money throughout your years in retirement.

Portugal

If you want to retire to Europe, one of the best options is Portugal. It has long been a popular place for several reasons. It is an incredibly safe place to live, has incredible healthcare, a ton of vibrant communities, amazing beaches, and gorgeous scenery.

Another thing that makes Portugal so popular is the people. They are incredibly friendly, and always willing to offer a helping hand and greet you with a smile. Also, with English being commonly taught in the country, many people have at least some knowledge of the language, which can make this a more accessible place for many people to retire.

While it might be a little more expensive than other options (yet still relatively affordable), you get what you pay for. Portugal is a stunning place with a ton of history and a lot to do and see across the nation. No matter what you like and how you like to live, there is likely something for you in Portugal.

Costa Rica

A popular place for tourists, Costa Rica is also a wonderful nation to retire to. The healthcare there is incredible, and the cost of living is a fraction of what you may pay in other areas. The climate is tropical and whether you like beaches, rivers, or mountains, they can be found here.

There is a ton to do and see, and many ex-pats confirm that moving to the country has them leading a healthier lifestyle due to the amazing things to do, healthy food and a culture focused on the outdoors.

Also, Costa Rica is often called the “Switzerland of Central America”. It is a peaceful place, very forward-thinking when it comes to social issues, and committed to maintaining the beauty of its environment. Simply put, it has a ton going for it and we are shocked it is still so affordable.

While there are several amazing places to retire around the world, these are a few of the best for those looking for an incredible retirement.

5 Easy Steps to Boost Your Social Connections

Many seniors want to boost social connections. This desire is healthy and supports optimal health. There are 5 specific steps we can take to build connection, foster a sense of belonging, and boost social interactions.

Let’s look at the practical steps you can take. These steps are easy, fast, and affordable. They do not require high-tech equipment or advanced technology skills. Rather, they require a ‘can-do attitude. Let’s get going.

Understand The Problem

While it is tempting to jump to solutions, one of the first steps to take is to understand the problem. It may not be pretty or delightful. However, when you face the problem, you will be motivated to find solutions.

Recent studies link loneliness and social isolation to extremely negative effects on health.

While we actively know that our attitudes and activities affect our health, we may not ‘connect the dots.’ You know that smoking is bad for your health, obesity is hard on your heart, and being inactive is a very bad idea—yet it’s possible to still underrate the impact of loneliness.

Tip: Read up on the negative impacts of loneliness and social isolation. You’ll get inspired to take action.

Explore Personal Experience

With the research looming in your mind, it’s time to explore something a little closer to home. What is your personal experience?

Do you feel close to family and friends? Do you feel happy being on your own? Do you have someone to talk to about your feelings?

How often do you talk with other people? Do you go for days without speaking to another person? Is television your main company? How do you feel about your current level of social contact?

If you prefer, write your thoughts down in a journal. Or, perhaps talk this over with a friend or family member.

Tip: Take time to notice what you are feeling and thinking.

Talk To A Professional

If you find that you’re feeling isolated or anxious, you are not alone. Some caring professionals can help. Often, confidential consultation can provide you with options that are available online or in your area.

When you talk with a professional, you can make a treatment plan for anxiety that can help you enjoy a higher quality of life. It’s good to know that what you may be experiencing is not your only choice.

Tip: Reach out and talk with a professional about your experiences.

Strengthen Existing Relationships

Over recent months and years, you may have moved locations. Perhaps your best friend, neighbor, or relatives have also changed locations. Frequently, physical shifts create new patterns of relating.

If it’s been a while since you talked with a friend or relative, reach out. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Send an email. Send a note. Draw a picture. Pick up the phone.

While it may seem like it’s been a long time, close friends are often just busy, preoccupied, or caught up in their hectic lifestyles. Hearing from a close friend is always a welcome treat.

Tip: Make a list of the friends and family you want to contact. Start with one.

Make New Friends

What’s on the menu for making new friends? It is easier than you might imagine. Take a look at your neighbors, associates, and colleagues. Perhaps you already have an idea who you’d like to get to know better.

If so, make a plan to get together for coffee or tea. Set up a time to meet. Plan an activity you both enjoy such as going for a walk or enjoying a movie.

If you aren’t sure who you’d like to befriend, experiment. Join a community art class. Try out a new relaxation class. Explore a course in mindfulness, tai chi, or yoga. Volunteer for your favorite charity or community service. Without even trying, you’ll meet like-minded people to share your time with. In the process, you just may make some new friends who enjoy your current interests.

Tip: Pick one step towards making new friends. Take that step today.

Wrapping It Up

At every stage in life, make an effort to maintain existing relationships, get support, build new friendships, and strengthen your social connections. Today is a good day to start.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Mobility Aids for Seniors


As a caregiver, you want to ensure that your loved one has the best quality of life possible. However, when your loved one has limited mobility and can no longer safely access different areas of their home, their quality of life inevitably falters. Even with assisted living programs, it’s still crucial that seniors use mobility aids to help them maintain their independence.

Finding the best mobility equipment to fit a senior’s home, mobility needs, and lifestyle is no simple task, though. This blog will detail the most important factors to consider when choosing mobility aids for seniors.

Identifying Mobility Needs

The first step to choosing a mobility aid for your loved ones is to identify their mobility needs. Whether your loved one has suffered a significant injury, has a medical condition, or needs general mobility assistance, each of these circumstances could affect what mobility aid will be the best equipment to improve their lifestyle.

It’s also essential to have a personalized view of your senior or loved one’s mobility needs. Consider what areas of frustration your senior experiences the most often while trying to access different areas of their home. Noting whether climbing stairs, navigating the bathroom, or just getting out of bed affects their mood could help to narrow your focus on the best mobility aid to purchase.

Considering Living Space

When it comes to finding mobility equipment for seniors, factoring in their current living space is a major consideration. Caregivers commonly buy mobility aids based on a senior’s mobility needs but forget to factor in their living space.

For example, what is the current floorplan of your loved one’s home? What areas of your loved one’s home are the most in need of mobility equipment? How much room will your loved one’s home have for a mobility aid?

Contemplating each of these questions is essential. Installing mobility equipment in a cramped floorplan could ultimately be more dangerous than helpful to seniors. So, it’s crucial to ask whether your loved one will have a better quality of life with assisted living or in a retirement community.

Consider having this conversation with your loved one to find the best living situation to support their health and independence.

Finding a Mobility Equipment Supplier

Once you’re confident about finding mobility equipment that fits your loved one’s needs, it’s time to find an equipment supplier. Trust and transparency are two of the most important qualities to look for in a mobility equipment supplier. Since you’ll be helping your senior adjust their lifestyle to using completely new machinery, you must feel comfortable asking your mobility supplier questions and feel confident about their answers. Mobility equipment suppliers should visit your home to take measurements for your equipment and have factory-certified technicians create personalized mobility aids.

Before choosing a mobility equipment supplier for your loved one’s mobility aids, ensure that you trust your supplier. Taking time to find the right fit for both you and your senior will make the installation process of these aids easier.

We hope this guide on the factors to consider when choosing mobility aids for seniors has been a beneficial resource. As a caregiver, it’s never easy to watch your loved one struggle with their quality of life and independence.

Following this guide and taking time to find the best equipment to fit your loved one’s mobility needs will be instrumental. Once your senior has more access to their home and less frustration tied with their mobility, they can begin to comfortably regain their independence.

Male Health Problems: 6 Concerns To Look Out For As You Age

There are a range of health problems that affect men more than women, either for biological reasons or social.

As you get older, you might notice that these issues become more prevalent, which means that you need to be aware of them.

Keep reading and we’ll outline some common male health problems that can arise at any time, but particularly as you get older.

Depression And Suicide

Mental health is one of the most important parts of any man’s health, especially due to the impact that it can have. Within the US alone, up to nine percent of men have daily feelings of depression or anxiety, with these feelings causing a range of health issues.

Sadly, the suicide rate amongst American men is almost four times higher than those of women, due to social factors and stigma regarding mental health. This is because a large percentage of men will experience some form of depression at some point in their life, without knowing what to do about it.

Retirees might find that they struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, particularly as other men their age start to die and they find they lose their lifelong friends.

If in doubt, one of the most effective ways to help manage this is by speaking to a therapist or a counselor. It may also benefit you to speak to those you care about in your life, such as family or friends, about what you’ve been going through, to help make it seem more real and not bottle it all up.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects the body with the way it processes sugar, which effectively means that blood sugar levels can become too high. They affect both men and women, but men are 40% more likely to die of the disease prematurely.

There are two main types of diabetes, known as type 1 and type 2. Type 1 occurs when your body can’t produce any insulin, which is the hormone that controls the levels of sugar within the body to go into the cells. These types of diabetics can have no dieting reasons for having the disease, but diet is a big part of it in general.

Type 2 diabetes will be the one majorly affected by weight and diet. This will be because they still produce insulin, just that it doesn’t work. These symptoms can be controlled by changing your lifestyle, so it’s worth speaking to a doctor. There are potentially millions of people out there who simply aren’t aware that they have diabetes of type 2, but a doctor can help to diagnose.

Prostate Cancer

In the US, around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lifetime. It is much more common in older men, with 6 in 10 cases for those aged 65 or older. Whilst true it is rare in men under 40, it is not impossible.

If you’re unsure, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits underneath your bladder, which helps to produce semen. This gland will grow throughout your life, as you get older. That’s partly why the risk increases. In general, the risk is higher for black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. For example, a man who has a family member with the disease is 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than a man without this history.

This is why it’s important to be aware of your family history, as it could save your life. You can do this by speaking to family members, or by using medical service businesses that will have all the important information that you need to be aware of.

There will be signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, especially at an early stage, that you can catch to increase your recovery chances. Late diagnosis can make it more difficult to treat, so you should watch out for any drastic changes with your urination. For example, this could be you having a weak flow in general, or noticing blood in the urine. If you struggle to fully empty your bladder, or experience an increase in the sudden need to urinate, then it could be a sign to see your doctor.

With prostate cancer, there are four main stages. They will range from stage one, known as the early stage, to stage four, known as advanced prostate cancer. Doctors will use this type of measurement to best categorize them and understand the options available to them. You can use Ezra’s guide to the stages of prostate cancer, to get a better understanding of yourself, and get medical advice on what you need to do.

Back Pain

With back pain being one of the biggest causes of disability in the UK, it’s an issue that could affect a big percentage of men. At some point in life, around 8 in ten people will suffer from back pain. The most common of which is lower back pain, but the issue can go up to anywhere along the spine.

You must look after your back to best avoid any associated pain. You can strengthen these muscles by utilizing a variety of daily back exercises, or general lower impact activities such as yoga or swimming. These are great ways to feel fit in general, and make your back more flexible.

If you are someone who sits at a desk all day, then you will need to set up your workspace to best reduce the risk of back straining. This could be to do with the chair you sit in, being more ergonomic, as well as ensuring everything is in an easy-to-reach place. You should also be doing regular stretching every hour, to help your muscles. If you lift heavy objects all day, then you should be lifting from the knees.

Addiction

Forms of addiction can come in many different forms. The most common of which is drugs and alcohol. Statistically speaking, men are more likely to become addicted for several social reasons, as well as due to history.

Addiction refers to the condition that you compulsively feel like you need a substance, even if it damages your health or creates behavior that can cause harm. The most infamous addictions come in the form of gambling, alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. If you feel like you have these strong desires, then you will need to speak to a doctor.

If you have attempted to stop, then you may be going through something known as withdrawal. This can create health problems due to your body’s fixation on the substance, which makes your body react through sweating and brain compulsions to seek the substance.

Heart Disease

One of the leading causes of death for men comes in the form of heart disease. There is a range of risk factors for men in this category, including smoking, high levels of cholesterol or blood pressure, general obesity, and having diabetes.

There are warning signs you can look out for, including chest pain, nausea, or pain in the arm, jaw, or back. If you are constantly feeling tired or sweaty, then this could also be a sign. There are ways you can manage heart disease to best prevent it early. Some of the most effective ways include quitting bad habits such as smoking and alcohol, or at least cutting down on them.

You can also help boost your heart by looking at what you are eating. This will include engaging with a diet high in fruits and vegetables, whilst also being low in saturated fat and salt.

The Best Reasons to Get a Power Lift Chair

Power lift chairs are quickly becoming the premier way to create a comfortable sitting area for those who have mobility trouble. These chairs make it extremely easy to get in and out of them while providing a safe method of operation. In fact, these chairs are so safe that you can operate them yourself without any assistance.  This is without a doubt the reason that assisted living facilities use these chairs so much! If you are considering purchasing one, here are some of the best reasons to get a power lift chair.

It Hurts to Sit and Stand

Many people considering power lift chairs will cite the fact that it hurts to sit and stand. While most will attribute this to knee problems, many others will attribute it to spine and hip pain. No matter what the case is, these chairs can help by providing an extremely easy and pain-free way to get into or out of a seat. One of the biggest misconceptions about these chairs is that you will need someone else to help operate the chair. In reality, these chairs are designed so that you can easily operate them independently, meaning you will not need anyone to help you.

You Want the Ability to Sit Without Help

One of the biggest frustrations and reasons for getting this type of chair is the frustration of not being independent. It can be very embarrassing for those who may be accustomed to having mobility. Having these chairs can be extremely beneficial for those who do not have as much mobility as they would like but still want to do the things they want while still being comfortable.

You Value Your Relaxation and Recovery

Reclining chairs also help provide an environment in which the body can heal itself more efficiently. Because of the angle that these types of chairs place your body at, they increase blood flow, and there is much less resistance due to gravity. Because of this, it can give many people with weak hearts some time to sit and rest without having to battle their own bodies.

No matter what your situation is, there are certainly great reasons for getting a power lift chair. The biggest thing you must consider is how much use you will get out of it and whether it is really needed. If you feel like you need a chair like this, it is a great purchase that will improve your quality of life.

6 Assistive Technology Tools for a More Independent Elder

If you are taking care of an elder, you can greatly benefit from using assistive technology to encourage them to be more independent.

Since technology has made several leaps and bounds, there are a myriad of easy-to-use tools and devices that you can get for senior citizens in order to make their lives easier and simpler. Depending on their needs and preferences, assistance technology can enhance their quality of life and keep them more engaged with everyday affairs.

It is important to ensure that seniors use these devices of their own free will and fully understand their pros and cons. 

In this article, we highlight some of the best and most affordable assistive technology tools to enable senior citizens to lead a more independent lifestyle.

Virtual Reality Therapy

If you are struggling to take your loved one to their therapy sessions, you can opt for virtual reality therapy and arrange treatment for them from the comfort of their home. 

Virtual reality therapy is a type of telehealth whereby professional and licensed medical practitioners offer services remotely using a virtual reality (VR) headset. It is highly accessible, convenient, and cost-effective as it can save trips to the clinic and can be done from any place in the world. 

Virtual reality therapy, which is covered by most insurance providers, works by signing up, choosing a therapist, and receiving a VR headset to begin treatment. 

Mobile Applications

As more and more senior citizens are using mobile phones, modern technology, in the form of helpful mobile applications, can be used to help them achieve a more independent lifestyle. 

For example, you can encourage seniors in your life to install and use apps that remind them to take their medication on time, or ones that help them with their finances by giving them news about discounts and special offers for seniors. 

Elders can also install apps that help them read small prints, such as Magnifying Glass+Flashlight, or even an app that helps them locate their parked car. 

Fitness Devices

Fitness devices and trackers are an excellent way to motivate and encourage seniors to live an active and healthy lifestyle by constantly giving them reminders and notifications. 

From a simple pedometer to a wristband tracker, a fitness device can help with monitoring heart rate, tracking sleep, counting calories, and general activity throughout the day. Just ensure that the fitness devices can be read easily, are waterproof, and are easy to use. 

Buttoning Aid Hook

A buttoning aid hook is a senior assistive device and is particularly useful for those suffering from arthritis, joint pain, motor impairment, or dexterity issues. 

Made from an acrylic material, it is a device that can be used by one hand for opening or closing shirt or pant buttons. Using a three-step technique involving grab, loop and pull, it is a durable and inexpensive device that you can purchase for your loved ones. 

So if you want an elder in your life to perform a simple task such as getting dressed pain-free and independently, a buttoning aid hook might be just what you are looking for. 

GPS Trackers

In case a senior citizen is suffering from memory loss or has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may tend to forget where they kept their belongings or may even be at a risk to themselves in case they get lost. To remedy this, introduce them to GPS trackers and explain the pros and cons of using them.

Some GPS trackers can be attached to belongings such as clothes or shoes, while others, such as a GPS necklace, can be worn by the user to make it easy for caregivers to locate them at any given time. 

Bed Rails

Elders with medical conditions such as arthritis or vertigo may struggle with safely getting out of bed. For this purpose, specialized bed rails may be a useful assistive tool to help them in their daily activity.

These bed rails come in various forms such as with LED light activation or motion sensors. They may also be height adjustable, have non-slip handles, a high weight capacity, and may even contain a storage pouch for personal items. Installing such bed rails can prevent slips and falls, and will make it easy for elders to get in and out of bed.

Parting Thoughts

Using assistive technologies to improve the overall lifestyle of elders and enabling them to live independently can boost morale and uplift their spirits. By investing in the right type of innovative devices and technologies, you can empower elders to live a more fulfilling life in which they take ownership of their physical, emotional, and social well-being.