Leslie Newlife

How to Make the Most of Your Golden Years

Retirement is a time that’s supposed to be all about you. You’ve worked hard, raised your children and now you want to enjoy your golden years. And with people living longer than ever before, there’s no reason to sit around thinking you don’t have a life to live. Just like every other age milestone, there are things you can do to make this period of your life happier and healthier.

Stay Physically Fit

Age is just a number, so there’s no reason to let retirement slow you down. Unless there are medical contraindications, stay as active as possible. Swimming is an excellent way to stay in shape and reduce stress levels as well. You also need to stay current with annual physical exams and any preventive testing your doctor recommends. The healthier you are, the easier it is do all things you planned on doing before you retired.

Pick Your Brain

In addition to keeping your body in good shape, your brain needs regular exercise too. Far too often, people stop working and sit in front of a television. Not only can this lead to depression, but it can also lead to a reduction in mental acuity. Even if you’re taking time to decompress, push yourself to learn something new. Learning a new language is a great way to keep your mind sharp.

Spend Wisely

Most seniors are on a budget, so now’s not the time to overspend. Create a budget that allows for the necessities and the occasional splurge. Think about any large purchases of trips you have coming up and adjust your spending accordingly. Even if you have a large pension, you never know when something will come up. It’s always better to have that money set aside than to be caught without enough to cover an emergency.

You should look for ways to lower your monthly debt. If you’re still paying on student loans, consolidating your debt is a good idea. By taking advantage of student loan refinance programs, which most private lenders offer, can help you lower your monthly bill overall. You may even find yourself being able to save more than you expected.

Live a Peaceful Life

After years of commuting and taking care of your family, it’s time to step back and enjoy the silence. That doesn’t mean living hours from civilization, however, if you’re ready for a change of scenery, you should go for it. If you’re not happy where you live or if it’s just not the same neighborhood, look for other places you would like to live. It’s not uncommon for city dwellers to relocate to the countryside or beach once they retire. After all, this period of your life is supposed to be about doing things that make you feel good.

Learn to Say No

Having more free time doesn’t mean you need to say yes all the time. This is especially true when it comes to looking after grandchildren and running errands for others. Set limits on how much free time you have prior to anyone asking for help. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy for adult children to think their parents have nothing better to do than watch their grandchildren or help out when they’re at work.

Top Benefits of Bass Fly Fishing for Older Adults

Some of us senior citizens are still quite adventurous and even seek some form of challenge. Try fly fishing smallmouth or largemouth bass! Or trout and carp are also plentiful freshwater fish. You choose how much exercise to do on any given trip, from the trek to the water to how often you move positions. 

 Fun & Healthy Hobby (Improved Attitude)

Numerous senior-friendly cities around the U.S. have freshwater with incredible opportunities to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass. A wonderful hobby for older adults, between the physical fitness involved in fly casting and the mental puzzle to solve what bass flies get the bites. No matter where you live or travel, fly fishing can benefit a senior’s lifestyle in countless ways.

 Picture it. You head to the lake, river or creek, tackle box preloaded with a wide selection of bass fly patterns to be ready for various environments and weather. You venture into or around the water looking for a promising spot. After deciding the right bass flies and casting your line, you’ll use a combination of patience and skill to trick the fish into a bite. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass will put up a bit of a fight, but before long you’ll land something worth bragging about.

 Still not convinced fly fishing for bass could be your pastime? Perhaps these health and wellness tips will be the encouragement you need.

 Low-Impact Exercise (Easy on the Joints)

Trying to catch fish may not sound like exercise, but it truly is after you try multiple approaches and combinations. Fly fishing is a type of low-impact exercise, which is ideal for older adults. Prepping your lines and preferred bass fly patterns and then targeting the fish over and over gets your heart rate up, which improves circulation, lowers your blood pressure and alleviates stress, as well as helps build strength and reduces the risks of musculoskeletal injuries. That means seniors can get a full-body workout without excessive strain on their joints or hearts.

 Fresh Air (Improved Lung Health)

The buildup of dust and dander floats around, negatively impacting the air quality and respiratory health. Since breathing fresh air is vital for healthy lung function, fly fishing in the great outdoors is a great remedy. The aforementioned physical benefits that get your heart rate up also open the lungs for enhanced respiratory health. Yet, whether you spend a few hours taking in the scenery and reading a book right near home, or out at the creek practicing techniques and testing different bass fly patterns, having outdoor hobbies is an excellent way for older adults to reap the healing benefits of fresh air.

 Patience and Concentration (Mindfulness and Mental Health)

In addition to physical benefits, fly fishing serves as a form of mindfulness that can enhance mental health and cognitive functions. Seniors can escape life’s stresses to enjoy the simplicities and beauties of nature. The combination of calming water and picturesque views all while meticulously focusing on how to lure savvy fish is like nutrition for the mind, body and soul. In addition to clearing your mind, the intentional repetition of casting with different methods and various bass flies will exercise your concentration and patience.

Companionship (Social Interaction)

Since social isolation and loneliness are common mental health problems for older adults, taking a fly fishing trip with friends and family can help lift their spirits­. It’s a great way to spend time with those you care about most. Imagine teaching your grandkids how to prep their line with leader and tippet, select bass flies appropriately, and then try various casting techniques. Alternately, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and have a good laugh. 

 Senior citizens can simultaneously enhance both their minds and bodies. Fly fishing offers a practical remedy to many side effects of aging, from stronger physical health to sharpened cognitive abilities to improved social lives. So why not invite someone along, fill your tackle box with an assortment of bass fly patterns and just head out to explore some local waters in your area.

Best Tech for Older Generations

It’s taken a long time, but many of our older parents are starting to catch up and learn how to use smartphones properly. It’s taken a lot of frustration and explaining, but we finally got them there. Unfortunately, there are still plenty more tech gadgets that would make their lives so much easier if they were more open to using them. It will take some time, but we both know it will be for the best. In case you don’t know where to start in the exploration of new devices for your parents, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best tech for older generations.

E-Readers

There’s a good chance that your parents enjoy reading books. Even if they’re not avid readers with extensive collections, they probably have a few they like to read now and again. If this is the case, you should try to convince them to get an e-reader. There are so many versions on the market these days, so there must be at least one that would be perfect for them.

If you really can’t seem to convince them, try buying them one for their birthday that has some of their favorites already loaded onto it. When they try it, they might love it and save so much room on book space.

Video Calling Devices

For those elderly parents who haven’t quite figured out how to video call on their phones yet, video calling devices might be the answer. They are much more simplistic and easier to use since that is the only thing they are used for. You would be hard-pressed to find a grandparent unwilling to give one of these a shot since it’s an excellent way for them to see their grandkids whenever they want.

Streaming Sticks

We really want to highlight this option in our list of the best tech for older generations because we know your parents are probably still overpaying for cable. We’re pretty sure the only reason cable companies are still around is due to the fact that older people haven’t figured out streaming yet.

Buying one of the many different streaming sticks that are on the market for your parents should help ease them into it. You should log in to your own subscriptions on the device. That way, they can get a taste of it. If they find out they like streaming, you can help them sign up for whichever streaming services they are most interested in having.

Smartwatches

If your parents have a good handle on their smartphone and want to be able to do more with it, you should suggest a smartwatch to them. There’s a good chance they still wear a regular watch already, so replacing it with a smart one wouldn’t be a huge transition for them. Having a smartwatch opens up so many more possibilities for them.

It’s even more useful if they’re starting to have problems with dementia. There are many benefits that smartwatches can bring to dementia patients and their loved ones that are going through it with them. Regardless of the reason though, we’re sure your parents would really enjoy what these watches would allow them to do.

Tips to Stay Healthy and Happy at an Older Age

You get some great benefits as you get older, such as retirement and the freedom to do things you enjoy. Sometimes, the biggest hurdle to staying healthy and happy at an older age is figuring out what that looks like for you. After all, you’ve spent most of your years working and tending to a family. Now it’s your time. Make the most of it by allowing yourself to focus on the following thoughts.

Manage Stress

Yes, it’s possible to manage stress rather than letting it overwhelm you. We live in a stressed-out society, with everyone scrambling this way and that way. Whatever the stressor is in your life, you should find a way to handle it. If you can get rid of it completely, please do so. If not, create a habit of turning to what relaxes you so you can take a break from thinking about your stress.

It might be a great book, playing music, or cooking a favorite meal. Do whatever works well for taking your mind off of other things. Find that outlet and run to it when you feel the stress in your bones.

Rest

Aren’t we horrible at allowing ourselves time to rest? There is an added pressure as we age to prove we aren’t too tired. The thing is, we are tired, right along with every other age group. And that’s okay. Our bodies need rest. Listen to yours and rest when you need it for better health and overall happiness.

Stay Physically Active

Keep moving however you can. Everyone is different when it comes to staying active. A walk around the block is enough for some people to brighten their day and keep the blood flowing. Others still love to run 5k races. It’s up to you what physical activities you do. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else; just stay active in a way that suits your lifestyle.

Stay Balanced

Maintaining balance is easiest when we’re young. Then, as we age, it gets a little tougher unless we stay focused on not letting it disappear. It may not seem like a big deal, but balance helps prevent future falls and increases flexibility in all movement. Fall prevention exercises and activities that involve balance are important to stay healthy and happy at an older age.

Socialize

Don’t get too comfortable just staying in every weekend. Socializing lifts our spirits and is great for stimulating conversation. It may look different than it used to but keep getting together with friends and family to enjoy laughter and make some memories. If you’re in a nursing home, interact with other residents. If you’re living at home, make an effort to meet with friends frequently.

Getting older is a privilege and a time you can enjoy. With our tips to stay healthy and happy at an older age, you can make this stage of life fulfilling and full of joy.

Must-Have Tools to Improve Senior Quality of Life

The aging process can come with hardships and trials. However, plenty of things can alleviate some of these issues, whether they’re used in assisted living facilities or in-home care for parents. Here are some of the must-have tools to improve senior quality of life.

Canes

Although it might seem simple, a good cane is one of the best things you can get to help mobility. The only trick is knowing when you need a cane. Regaining the ability to walk with less trouble can give a lot of freedom to anyone who needs it, and a cane is a simple way to accomplish this.

Bath Bars

One of the most dangerous places at home for a senior is in the bath. Water is a very slippery substance that can cause a lot of injuries. Installing handholds or handles inside your showers or bathtub can reduce falling risks.

Stair Lifts

Walking up and down stairs can be taxing on the knees and cause a whole host of problems. Instead of risking them to walk up a flight, think about installing a stair lift. These devices can carry anyone up or down a flight of stairs without a whole lot of risk.

Reach Extenders

A good quality of life change is to invest in reach extenders. There’s a variety of options, but they all help people grab things out of reach. These can be quite nice to reach things on high shelves or on the floor without straining yourself.

Motion Lighting

Eyesight can become a large problem as time goes on, meaning walking around in a dimly lit place can be risky, even if it’s just for the few seconds it takes to turn on a light. Motion sensor lighting eliminates this risk by lighting up whenever someone comes by.

These are just some of the must-have tools to improve senior quality of life. Plenty of other things can help as well—it all depends on your specific needs.

4 Ways to Maximize Your Retirement Savings

Whether you are planning in advance or making a final push to boost your savings amount, there is never a bad time to start thinking about your retirement account. In fact, the earlier you start thinking about it and making a plan of action of how to tackle it, the better you will be when the time to retire comes around. So, with that in mind, here are our four top tips on how to successfully maximize your retirement savings.

Sell Your life insurance policy

If you are looking to get an immediate cash lump sum and you currently have a life insurance policy, selling is an option you will want to consider. Essentially, it involves selling your life insurance policy to a third party. This third party company will acquire it for a considerably larger amount of money than you would receive if you chose to surrender your policy instead, which thereby allows you to financially benefit from the decision. You are then able to invest this money into your savings and give them a significant boost. Ensure you take the time to research the different life settlement options available to you, rather than choosing the first one you find. We recommend consulting a guide on how to successfully and safely sell your life insurance policy, rather than going into the process blind.

Utilize Pay Raises

For those still in work, pay raises offer a great opportunity to regularly increase the amount of money you are investing into your fund. When you receive a pay raise, why not consider taking the increased amount and, instead of spending it elsewhere, aim to put it into your account every month? In doing so, you will be able to maximize your savings without technically being worse off financially, as you would only be using the extra money you acquired in the raise. Of course, this option may not be viable if your current financial position is not stable, in which case we recommend striving to contribute a percentage of the raise amount instead.

Research Employer Contributions

You will more than likely already be aware that your employer will be contributing to your pension scheme every month. What you may not be aware of, however, is that many companies vow to match your contributions, up to a set amount, each month. What’s more, you may find that the amount currently being contributed could be raised in order to meet this maximum value. Therefore, if you have the financial ability to do so, why not consider taking a larger percentage of your paycheck each month and investing it into your retirement fund? In doing so, you will essentially double the investment, as your employer will match it.

Put Off Breaking into It

As you get closer and closer to retirement age, you may become more and more open to dig in. However, making the decision to hold off breaking into your pension pot for as long as possible will maximize your chances of boosting its value, so it may be worth considering a few extra years before you take the dive. This may come naturally to some more than others, so make sure that whatever decision you make in this regard is the best one for you and your situation.

How Should Seniors Store Classic Cars?


When you look at your vintage car, doesn’t it remind you of the good old days, a simpler time? Let’s look at some ways to preserve those memories by making sure you’re able to preserve the value of your classic car and store it in either seasonal or long-term storage.

We’ll also take a look at insurance that you can use to protect your car, whether that be classic car insurance or comprehensive insurance. I highly recommend using both to protect your car. Both have different things that they cover, but in tandem, they work really well.

How Classic Car Insurance Can Help Preserve Your Classic Car

You might be wondering what classic car insurance is. Basically, it’s just insurance for antique or vintage cars. This kind of insurance covers what regular car insurance would cover, but it is strictly for cars made in the 20th century.

Classic cars can be expensive to maintain, so this is a great policy to have. A lot of seniors use this policy, and it has done wonders for them. And the beauty of it is that classic car insurance costs less than regular car insurance by a couple hundred dollars.

Pro Tip: To qualify for classic car insurance, you have to make sure that you don’t drive your classic car too often and make sure that it is kept in good condition.

Classic car insurance is extremely helpful in making sure those precious memories of yours are preserved. Let’s take a look now at seasonal and long-term storage. These might be able to help you keep your car and your memories safe.

What’s the Difference Between Seasonal and Long-term Storage?

Seasonal storage is a lot like short-term storage, except that it may be a bit longer than a few months. You store your classic car for a season to make sure there’s no damage to your car from inclement weather.

Pro Tip: Offseason for vintage cars is during the winter months.

Long-term storage is pretty simple to explain. You’re just storing your classic car for more than a season. It could be for six months or it could be for a year.

Whether you need seasonal storage or long-term storage depends on what you need. If you’re unable to make a decision, consult someone you trust like your children or other family members.

Important Note: As you get older, it may be good to have discussions with your children or other family members about whether it’s safe for you to drive. Don’t be afraid to talk about these things with people you trust.

Why Comprehensive Insurance Is Good for Your Classic Car

Comprehensive insurance is insurance that covers damages made by natural causes such as hail, wind, and floods. It also covers theft, vandalism, and collisions with animals. This is good to have because a lot of damage can be done by nature. This is especially true if you have your classic car out for the spring and summertime.

Your car is also highly susceptible to theft and vandalism. If you’re unable to store your classic car, this type of insurance is perfect. In and out of season, theft or vandalism can happen. It’s important to make sure that the loss or repairs of your car are covered.

No one plans on hitting an animal when they’re driving down the road, but it can happen. Comprehensive insurance can make sure that no matter what kind of animal you collide with, you’re compensated for the damage done to your car.

It’s important to stay safe while driving, especially as an older individual. Here are some tips for seniors to stay safe behind the wheel.

Preserving your classic car is so important, especially when you have had so many precious memories with it. Placing it in storage during the offseason or even long-term is a great way to maintain the integrity of your classic car. Seniors who do so find that they are able to keep their classic car for longer periods of time.

Getting your classic car insured is another great way to preserve your car. Classic car insurance and comprehensive insurance are all great policies to use to insure it.

Below are some frequently asked questions. Think of them as a review of what was discussed. Again, if you’re having trouble with maintaining your classic car, consult someone you trust. Ask a family member or a close friend to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Classic Car Storage, Cost, Insurance

What can I do to make sure that my classic car is kept safe?
I would highly recommend storing your classic car in either seasonal storage or long-term storage and I would also recommend getting classic car insurance.

Between seasonal storage and long-term storage, which is more affordable?
Seasonal storage is definitely more affordable. Long-term storage costs much more.

What is the difference between seasonal and long-term storage?
Long-term storage is usually a longer duration than seasonal storage.

What classifies a car as a classic car?
A car that is 20 years old or more, kept in good condition, and doesn’t have too much mileage on it classifies as a classic car.

How much does it cost to maintain a classic car?
It depends on the make and model of the classic car. Sometimes the parts needed for the car aren’t being made anymore, depending on how old the car is. I would recommend consulting with a mechanic.

What does classic car insurance cover?
Classic car insurance covers collision, liability, injuries sustained in an accident, and damage done to your property.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?
This type of insurance covers damages made by natural causes such as hail, wind, and floods. It also covers theft, vandalism, and collisions with animals.

Why is it important to have comprehensive insurance?
You can’t predict when a bad storm will happen, or when someone will steal or vandalize your car. It’s important to have comprehensive insurance because it protects your vehicle from unforeseen hazards. This could be said for any insurance, but it is especially true for comprehensive insurance.

Peyton Leonard is a writer and researcher for the car insurance site, CarInsuranceCompanies.com. Peyton is passionate about helping seniors stay safe and save money on car insurance.

How to Protect the Elderly from Scams

Scammers are targeting the elderly now more than ever and unfortunately, older adults have lost billions of dollars a year to scammers. With new types of scams and scammers disguising their attacks more discreetly, parents or older family members are more likely to fall victim to these attacks. According to the National Council on Aging Americans, those aged 60 and older have experienced some elder abuse or scam in the last year. Don’t let your loved ones fall victim to one of these devastating scams and begin protecting them today.

5 Common Elderly Scams

Grandchild Is in Trouble

This scam occurs when the caller notifies the elder adult that their grandchild has been hurt or is in jail and needs money immediately. We have seen this scam around for many years and now we have seen scammers asking for cash instead of wire transfers or gift cards. The best action to take is to tell them to hang up and call the grandchild directly. If they have already sent money, you can contact the post office and file a complaint to the federal trade commission.

Natural Disaster

These scams target the elderly who are looking to help the community in a time of need or those directly affected by the disaster. This includes events like wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. We have seen these scams come in the form of phone calls, emails, websites, or in person. It is important to only support reputable companies.

Phone Calls

Many scammers over the phone pretend to be representing a credit card company or a government agency to get the person to call back or press a number to connect them. Or in another attempt, we have seen scammers offer to help retrieve a stolen social security number. Typically, people do not  randomly receive a direct call from these agencies unless they have dealt with them in the past.

Lottery/Giveaway

This scam will come in the form of a giveaway or prize to make it seem like you are a winner or are close to winning. Maybe it is money, jewelry, or a free vacation. It is more than likely a scam, especially if they ask for a money down payment that they claim will be returned to receive your prize. Remind your loved ones that it is illegal for someone from a contest to require you to pay to enter a contest or giveaway. Everyone loves to win money. Please inform your loved ones to keep a close eye on the information required to win because these scams can be extremely deceiving.

Romance Scam

This is one of the most common scams that the elderly fall for. The scammer will impersonate someone else to attract the elderly person and then establish a relationship with them. They may ask for money or just have multiple conversations to get them to reveal personal information. The scammer will continue to ask and receive information without having any intentions to meet the elderly person. Make sure your older family members know how to report these scam profiles to help other elderly folks not become a victim to this scam.

Top Tips To Protect The Elderly From Scams

The elderly are the prime targets for many different forms of scams, not just the scams mentioned previously. Scammers have been disguising scams in many different ways and are looking to gain personal information, steal debit card information, and have money sent to them. Don’t let your older family members lose money any longer. Make sure they know these tips to ensure they do not become a victim to these scammers.

Protect Their Information

It is important to make sure that only a trusted family member or personal financial advisor handles your elder’s personal finances or banking information. Make sure to review any larger purchase or financial investment by reviewing it with a trusted loved one or financial advisor.

Know Who They’re Talking With

It is important to remind your elderly relatives to never exchange a pin, social, bank account number, or other personal information with a random phone number or person they have never met before. It is crucial that before sending any money to anyone, you review the company/entity or have a family member or friend do some research for you. Instruct your relative to never rush into something they have recently received especially if it involves credit cards or other personal information. This is essential in avoiding any financial exploitation.

Get Recommendations

Nothing is better than receiving a recommendation from a friend or family member that you trust. This is essential when our elderly family member or friend is looking for caretakers, meal plans, or other helpful services. It is always beneficial to hear about other people’s experience to make the decision much easier.

Be Cautious of Unexpected Visits or Calls

Remind your older family members of unexpected visitors at their door or continuously receiving phone calls from the same number. Many times the visitor or phone call is a sales pitch looking for them to act immediately. Please advise your older family members to not open the door for strangers as most door-to-door sales are not very common.

Vet the Mail and Emails They Receive

The elderly receive more mail daily than most young adults. Whether it is in the form of email or direct mail, it is essential to review what they are receiving and report any suspicious mail they may receive. The process of vetting may require the help of a trusted professional, friend, or family member. It’s crucial to inform your older loved ones to ask for assistance if they are interested in something they have recently received. Never let them rush into a large financial investment or event that may seem too good to be true.

Use Identity Theft Protection

There are many new online services you can utilize to help make sure personal data does not get into the wrong hands. These services help people to keep a closer eye on their information and will alert them if there is any suspicious activity going on. These services even have systems in place to help in the event information is compromised.

We always want to look out for and protect our older family members whether it may entail phone or text monitoring. With scams becoming more common, people of all ages are vulnerable. Do not let your elderly loved ones lose any more money or become a victim to another one of these clever scams. Use the tips above to inform your family about the scams out there and what to do if they are being targeted.

5 Reasons to Participate in a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials help to advance medical knowledge and patient care. They are an excellent way of discovering new treatment methods for diseases, as well as new ways to diagnose and minimize the chance of developing the disease. Clinical trials allow researchers to know what can and can’t work in humans that can’t be learned using animals or in a laboratory.

While clinical trials are critical, participating in one depends on your unique situation and willingness to take part. Together with your doctor, you should weigh the advantages against the risks and decide whether to participate or not. Here, we will discuss five reasons why you consider participating in a clinical trial.

1.    Clinical trials are necessary

Scientific research is necessary to advance our understanding of the human body and mind. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to evaluate the impact of our interventions on the health conditions that affect us. Scientists in government laboratories, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical trial companies like H Clinical work hard to design clinical trials that assess the safety and effectiveness of therapies and medications that may someday be used to treat the patient population. Volunteering in a clinical trial hoping that the drug or therapy may be used to treat other people is a major contribution to society.

2.    Access to new drugs and therapy

Participating in a clinical trial gives you access to experimental treatment methods. The first phase of a clinical trial is used to determine if a drug is safe, and the second phase is used to determine if the drug is effective. The third and final phase of a clinical is used to determine if the drug is safe and effective. Participating in one or more of the three phases gives access to a new therapy, which can help to improve your condition if the experimental drug is safe and effective.

3.    Receive enhanced medical attention during and after the clinical trial

A clinical trial is a collaborative process between scientific researchers, patients, clinicians, and ethical bodies to ensure participants’ rights are protected. Once you are enrolled in a clinical trial, you are carefully observed, meaning you get to see your healthcare team more often and experience benefits that you wouldn’t in an approved standard treatment.

4.    They can save your loved ones

If you are ailing from a genetic condition, participating in a clinical trial could end up helping your family members by making new treatment methods available. That clinical trial could even be the one that results in a cure.

5.    You get to participate in your treatment journey

By opting to participate in a clinical trial, you are taking an active role in your healthcare. In addition, you get to advocate for the issues that are important to you and the patient community which helps the researchers and clinicians to understand the disease better.

Endnote

Participating in a clinical trial can be a satisfying and worthwhile experience. Apart from accessing new drugs and enhanced medical care, it is also an excellent opportunity to contribute positively to our society.

Five Things That Most Seniors Tend to Worry About (And How You Can Feel Better About Them)

Being a senior isn’t an easy feat. You have lots of decades behind you, and tons of experiences underneath your belt, too. Now retired, you are settling into your golden years to enjoy all the free time that comes with it. Your daily routines are more relaxed and you are taking life one day at a time. You get to spend more time with your loved ones and even do those things that work schedules and family obligations never gave you time for.

Of course, these years can be some of the best years of our lives. However, like every other phase in life, it also comes with its own challenges and worries. Thankfully, there is always an applicable solution to everything life throws at us, so we don’t have to fuss about them. With that in mind, here are five things that tend to get seniors worried — and also some great ways to deal with them!

 Losing Your Independence

As a senior, you are beginning to experience witnessing your life come to a full cycle as it relates to your independence. Once upon a time, you could pick up lots of stuff with different weights and not even break a sweat. Now, you can barely pick something from the floor without making a small wince. 

It’s important to remember that there is no shame in asking for a little bit of help if you need it. If you don’t have anyone living with you to help out, though, you can visit a senior residential facility for assistance. Many of them offer different levels of living for seniors, including day programs. Each level is designed for practical living, while still offering the right amount of help each senior needs. They also keep seniors active and engaged, so you can enjoy your independence without boredom. 

No Longer Being Able to Drive

For most adults, driving is equivalent to independence. Many of us have been driving since we were teenagers, so it is always understandably hard for most seniors to give up driving. It’s important to remember that giving up driving doesn’t mean that you should also give up on going out, though. You can still go shopping, keep your appointments and visit with your family and loved ones. 

Moreover, communities are now more aware of the need for transportation for seniors, so there are shuttle services and rideshare programs designed especially for mature adults. If this doesn’t suit you, you can always find options with your family and friends. Offer to pay for their gas if you can, or even barter a trip with a chore you can do for them. In addition, you can always take a walk if you’re up for it (and you’re sure that it won’t take a toll on your health).

Your Kids or Grandkids Having Problems

As a senior, you get to be one of the first persons that your kids will come to for sound advice about their problems. Your years of experience also mean that you would easily pick up on cues and signs that others won’t easily see, and recognize struggles that your teenage grandchild may be experiencing. That’s why when you see some patterns, it’s normal to worry about whether your grandkids may struggle with substance abuse. 

However, getting addiction help for adolescents can be as simple as starting a conversation with their parents and telling them about the signs you’ve noticed. From there, they can proceed to find their teenager reliable treatment options that can help them recover from their substance abuse issues. Comparatively, you can also bond with your grandkids in new hobbies that can distract them from their worrisome habits.

 Facing Cognitive Decline

Many seniors still have a strong grip on their cognitive abilities, but at some point, age threatens how much we can do on a day-to-day basis. This also contributes to a loss of independence in many seniors. However, you don’t need to let it all go, as there are activities that you can do to help ensure you retain your cognition for a good while. 

For instance, you can help keep your mind sharp by doing puzzles or start up a creative writing hobby. Keeping an active social life is also vital for a sound mind. Reach out to some of your friends in the neighborhood, and you’ll be amazed at how much they are willing to be involved in some social activities with you, too.

Staying Healthy and Fit

Fortunately, being a senior means we get lots of free time to engage in different activities that are beneficial to mind and body. As a senior, keeping a healthy system is as easy as incorporating a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Aim to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy, complex carbohydrates.

Starting a gentle exercise regimen, like walking, can also be beneficial. Additionally, keeping in touch regularly with your doctor is very important. Being the health expert, they will provide you with the best medical advice suitable for your health history. By doing so, you can help ensure you stay healthy throughout your advanced years.

As a senior, it’s understandable to be concerned about your future, especially as you grow older. However, these days, more seniors than ever are healthy and spry — no matter their age! — and are taking the time to travel, visit with their friends and family, and experience everything life has to offer. By taking advantage of the resources available to you, and being mindful of your own limitations, you too can make the most out of your senior years!