Leslie Newlife

Three Things Worth Learning After Retirement

Retirement marks the end of an era. But it does not mark the end of life. People are retiring younger and living longer. That means retirees can expect decades of life to fill after walking away from the job. If you manage to retire well in 2022, what are you going to do for an encore? When a company has done big things that mark an era, the next phase of their existence is often referred to as the second act. The same can apply to individuals. If you reach your peak early in life, the challenge ahead is to find an even greater peak to crest. 

Retirement doesn’t change anything. You have merely reached a peak. Is it all downhill from there? We humans don’t do well when we have no more dragons to slay. We need challenges all the way to the end. In some ways, it is the challenge that keeps us going. The rocking chair on the porch is never enjoyed for very long because we either get bored of it, or we expire not long after sitting in it. Retirement should never mean the end of life’s journey. It should always represent a transition. You will live for many years after leaving work. And you will have a lot yet to learn. Here are just three of the things to which you can apply your mind:

STEM Education

A lot of people just skated by when it comes to STEM education. People reaching retirement age today lived in a different world where everything was not dictated by science, technology, engineering, and math. When NASA breaks news about the Mars rover or James Webb Space Telescope, they are literally talking about things that are over the head of many retirees.

You don’t have to be one of them. You can take classes at the local community college. You don’t have to worry about your study skills being a little rusty. There are many excellent ways to practice for your STEM course. You can catch up a lot sooner than you think. Upgrading your education can help you enjoy the following benefits:

  • The satisfaction of a more rounded education
  • The ability to help the grandkids with their school work
  • A better understanding of how things really work
  • Gaining more marketable skills in case you decide to go back to work

There is no downside to knowing more about how the world works. At the end of the day, the greatest benefit is that such study leads to you becoming an even better version of your best self.

Personal Computing

Society is moving fast, even for young people. It is hard for anyone to keep up with the pace of change. Even young teens can legitimately start a sentence with the words, “When I was a kid…” Many seniors are feeling left behind and out of the loop. Don’t despair. You can learn all about TikTok and other social media that is not Facebook. 

Not only are retirees not too old for social media, many are breathing new life into it. While you are learning how to make short videos people will actually want to watch, learn how to use five new features of the smartphone that is in your pocket. Learn how to code a simple app. Learn how to set up home automation. Take control of the personal computing devices in your life and master them. Now is your opportunity to learn the tools of this new era.

Learn a Language

They say it gets harder to learn languages as you get older. But that is only one part of the story. The other part is that as a retiree, you have plenty of time and motivation to learn a new language. Pick a spot on the map you want to visit in your golden years and spend the next year learning the language. It is one of the best times for you to learn a new language because you will be in a position to visit the places where that language is spoken. Also, language learning is one of the best ways to keep your brain elastic and sharp.

What will you do with your second act? Whatever you do will be benefited by learning more STEM, personal computing, and a new language.

The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

According to recent research, getting your hands dirty in the garden may have positive effects on your physical and mental well-being as a result. As long as you live alone or in a care home, gardening is a great way to stay active. It also provides the following benefits to our beloved seniors:

Stimulates the mind

Although gardening is mentally engaging in various ways and pushes you to practice being present, there’s no harm in including a stone fountain for your garden to improve its ambiance.

A sense of responsibility and control may be gained via gardening since you must pay attention to the specific needs of different plants and the conditions that will help your garden develop.

We feel successful when we can see the results of our efforts in the form of plants and gardens. Each plant requires a tiny portion of your attention, and watching it bloom may be incredibly reassuring.

Gardening, sometimes known as horticulture therapy, has been shown to lower blood pressure, promote sleep, and aid in treating dementia.

It’s even a terrific way to chat to neighbors and discuss ideas with other gardeners, and it necessitates visits to farmer’s markets and garden centers on occasion.

Promotes better bone health

One of the body’s basic nutrients is Vitamin D. It stimulates bone development in foods such as milk and fish.

Seniors who garden expose their bodies to sunshine, which helps them naturally synthesize vitamin D, enhancing their bone health and metabolic functioning.

A lack of Vitamin D, on the other hand, might have a severe influence on a senior’s health.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to bone loss, muscle weakness, fractures, and falls. A severe fall might not only be debilitating for seniors, but it can also influence their sense of freedom and self-esteem.

Seniors should be cautious while gardening in the heat, guarding themselves against skin burns and dehydration.

When gardening, elders may protect themselves from the dangerous effects of sunshine by using high-quality sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and staying hydrated with water.

Encourages social opportunities

Many elders appreciate the companionship of their friends, family, and relatives. It is important to remember that social contacts may be therapeutic, so seniors might benefit from caretakers.

Isolation leads to loneliness, which is detrimental for elders. Seniors who socialize have improved health and live longer than their colleagues who live alone.

Community gardens provide elders with social opportunities by giving them a place to meet and engage with new and old acquaintances.

It also contributes to the joy of producing healthy crops while beautifying the area.

Eating better produce

Another advantage of spending time in the garden is the natural vegetables. Growing and collecting fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, herbs, and chicken eggs make an intellectually stimulating activity even more enticing.

Gardening provides elders with a lot of self-sufficiency. There will be no need to organize costly flower delivery, nor any last-minute grocery store runs when you run out of herbs.

The garden provides a great source of nutrition for seniors and a convenient and low-cost supply of fruits, herbs, and vegetables, which are the building blocks of a well-balanced diet.

This is particularly critical for the elderly, who are more vulnerable to nutritional deficits and likely to be on a fixed income.

Summary

Retirement doesn’t imply that your monthly bingo game is the most fascinating thing in your life. It’s a fantastic time to start a new interest or rekindle an old one.

Gardening is a dynamic alternative full of year-round changes, surprises, and difficulties, ideal for seniors of all ability levels.

The Importance of Staying Curious as You Age – Always Learn Something New

No matter how well you understand something, there is always the potential to learn more. However, many of us get bogged down in our lives and our routines that learning something new can feel like an unachievable task. If you want to stay curious as you get older, take a look at some of our ideas to help you achieve this goal!

Travel Somewhere New

Travelling is a great way to learn new things, especially when you are exposed to new cultures or new ways of doing things that you had never considered before. The great thing about travel is that it can be as near or as far as you want it to be, with many new experiences right on your doorstep.

Consider the places you have always wanted to go and then make a plan on where you are going to go first. Read up on local information and history before you go to help you understand what you see when you arrive.

Pick Up a New Hobby

Hobbies are not just something for children and people who no longer need to work! A hobby not only adds richness to your life, but it can help you to learn new things and pick up new skills that make your life better and more fun.

You may have always wanted to learn how to bake, or maybe you are keen to find out more about nature? Whatever your passion is, you are sure to find a hobby that will work for you and provide you with an opportunity to learn more than you had ever realized.

Embrace Technology

It’s easy to avoid technology when you do not feel confident about learning how to use it. However, new technology is a great way of feeding your curious mind without even needing to leave the house. It can also be picked up and put down to suit your schedule, making it a great companion.

From brain games to downloading an app to learn new things, there are solutions for every type of interest. Take your time to get to know your tech and then enjoy the whole new world you can access when you choose to use it.

Join a Club or a Society

If your social life feels a bit stale or you prefer learning with others, then you are not on your own! Lots of people prefer the excitement of working alongside others, and there are a wide variety of social clubs and societies that are sure to pique your interest.

Take a look at what is available in your local area, and then choose something that appeals to your interests so that you feel confident about attending. If you are nervous, contact the club or society first to find out more and get the support you need to make it a success.

Enjoy Your Challenges

No matter how you decide to challenge yourself to stay curious, remember that the key to success is finding something you enjoy. If you push yourself to do something that you really don’t like, then not only will you be keen to avoid it, but it will also spoil your sense of adventure in the future. Staying curious needs to be something you want to achieve – pick a new challenge and get started today!

Tips for Choosing a Living Arrangement for a Senior

Choosing a living arrangement for your elderly loved one can be a daunting experience, especially since there are many options to choose from. The most common housing arrangements available include:

  • Aging at home
  • In-home care
  • Moving in with another family member
  • Independent living communities
  • Assisted living communities
  • Care homes/Nursing facilities

Moving to a new living arrangement can be an emotional process for both you and your elderly loved one. However, it is an important step that ensures their safety and provides them with companionship. Apart from that, a proper living arrangement for your elderly loved one frees you from responsibilities that would otherwise tether you at home. For that reason, it gives you the peace of mind and freedom to attend to other activities, such as work.

As we already mentioned, picking the right living arrangement for your elderly loved one can be overwhelming. The first thing you need to do is evaluate their needs and abilities to determine which option would best suit them. Each of the living arrangements offers something different. Therefore, it is crucial to sort out the options before anything else.

So, how do you choose a living arrangement for your elderly loved one?

Consult Your Loved One Concerning the Idea of Changing Their Living Arrangements

Before you think of finding a living arrangement for your elderly loved one, it is important to determine their personal preferences, including meals, types of care, religion, among others. To learn all these, you might have to ask them a few questions.

Apart from their preferences, it is essential that you make a realistic assessment regarding their level of daily care. For instance, if they need regular medical attention and treatment, you should consider a living arrangement with life alert systems in the plans.

It is crucial to involve your elderly loved one in your plans as it allows you to decide with them, rather than for them.

Research the Different Types of Care Facilities

Another essential thing to do before choosing a living arrangement for your loved one is to find out more information about the different types of senior care facilities. As we already mentioned, each of the options offers something different. For that reason, you need to compare each living arrangement with the needs of your loved one to ensure you find the one that suits them.

For instance, an independent community might be the best option for a senior who is able to live alone, but prefers an environment with other people they can interact socially. On the other hand, independent living might suit elderly individuals who can still live on their own but want quick access to other services such as medical care.

In most cases, the needs of your elderly loved one would determine the type of living arrangement you choose. So, ensure you assess their needs first before analyzing the available living arrangement options.

Ask for Professional Advice

Apart from researching the options you have, it might be advisable to ask for professional advice before choosing a living arrangement for your elderly loved one. As an ordinary individual, it can be relatively challenging to determine what kind of care best suits your loved one’s needs, especially when health matters are concerned. So, it might be advisable to get some help from a professional or someone who has had some experience with elderly care.

Even if you are pretty sure with your decision concerning the living arrangement for your elderly loved one, it is still an excellent idea to crosscheck with a professional. That would help you avoid rushed decisions that might cause stressful experiences in the future.

Consider Your Budget

As we all know, any living arrangement for your elderly loved one would cost some money. Whether you choose in-home care or an assisted living community, you have to part with some amount of money for the care of the senior. So, it might be a good idea to factor in your budget before choosing a living arrangement.

Luckily, there are several different ways to sort the finances part of elderly care. For instance, you can rely on insurance to cover any medical needs of the elderly individual. You might also get some help from the government if you live in a state with some financial arrangements for elderly citizens. Either way, it is essential to choose a living arrangement that suits your budget.

If you are working with a tight budget, in-home care (aging in place) might be the best option since it costs less money than other living arrangements.

Choose an Ideal Location

The other essential thing you should consider before choosing a living arrangement for your elderly loved one is the location. A perfect place is crucial for both you and your loved one as it ensures you can spend time together when you are free from your responsibilities.

If you choose a location far from your workplace or home, it might be a little demanding for you to commute to and from the home whenever you need to visit them. The majority of elderly individuals have many emergencies that may require regular attention. Therefore, you should choose a location that is close enough to make it easier to visit them whenever it is necessary.

Apart from being close to your loved one, you need to find a location that places your elderly loved one close to essential things. These can include fitness facilities, shopping stores and hospitals. That is particularly important for a senior who plans to continue handling most of their personal needs, such as driving themselves to the grocery store or visiting a friend.

Conclusion

Choosing an ideal living arrangement for your loved one can be a tough job because there are plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, you might have to do lots of research and consider various factors before you can find a perfect solution.

However, sorting out the living arrangement for a senior doesn’t have to be a tough job, provided you understand their needs and preferences. Apart from that, do not hesitate to ask for help from professionals that are well-versed with elderly care.

The list above consists of the top tips to ensure you choose an ideal living arrangement for your elderly loved one.

Best States to Retire near the Gulf of Mexico

Once you’ve finally retired from years of hard work, finding a community to call home can feel overwhelming. Maybe your current state doesn’t feel suitable for you and your desire to have a peaceful retirement. There’s even a chance that the weather is cold and uncomfortable where you live, so getting out is the next option.

You deserve a comfortable life after working so hard. Here are a few of the best states to retire near the Gulf of Mexico that are not only beautiful but also peaceful. From the large state of Texas to the calming beaches of Florida, the choice is yours.

Alabama

Panama City, Montgomery, Birmingham—all are beautiful cities in Alabama. Primarily known for its iron and steel resources, sweet tea, and football, it’s a friendly state with mild winters. A significant benefit to retirees living in ‘Bama is its tax-friendliness and lower health-care costs. Additionally, Alabama is one of the best states to retire near the Gulf of Mexico for its safety, scenery, and historical charm. It’s also has considerably low crime rates. Finding the perfect community in Alabama shouldn’t take long. Roll, Tide!

Texas

Everything is bigger in the state of Texas—cities, personalities, entrées, and land on which to live. It’s another state that offers low taxes and living costs to retirees, with short winters and many cultural opportunities to learn about. The Lone Star State also has many cities to choose from that are just right for your lifestyle. Overflowing with history and culture, each city has something beautiful to offer near the Gulf. If you want to live somewhere with great barbecue, friendly people, and many ranches to see, cities such as Dallas, Fredericksburg, Port Arthur, and San Antonio are great places to look. Not to mention, Austin is great if you love live entertainment and beautiful trails.

Florida

Florida is among the best retirement destinations, and it’s obvious why. Located in the bottom right corner of the continental United States, Florida is delightful in temperature, with beautiful beaches. However, those aren’t the only things that bring retirees down to find a community. Delicious food, many fun activities, and an overall sense of peacefulness make Florida the place you’ll want to spend the rest of your life.

With the state’s bustling cities and calming beaches, there are plenty of places in which to settle down, from Orlando or the city of Tampa to Clearwater or St. Petersburg along the Gulf. Each provides plenty of options for people ready to have a unique, calming life in the sun.

Finding the perfect retirement community takes time and patience. But once you find one that tickles your fancy, you can fulfill your dream retirement near the beach.

5 Stress Management Tactics to Lead an Ecstatic Retirement Life

“Retirement: A Time To Enjoy All The Things You Never Had Time To Do When You Worked.” – Catherine Pulisfer.

Retirement is referred to as the golden period of one’s life. After all, it finally gives you time to enjoy all the things that you never could because of your professional life and other engagements. Remember how many times you just wanted to skip work and do things that you loved, maybe traveling around the world, going to movies with the love of your life, or enjoying a picnic with your family and friends. 

However, you had to suppress your wishes for the sake of your professional life. Now that you have retired and bade farewell to long, tiring work hours, it’s time for you to take the leap and let your carefree inner child take over your life. You should also connect with your Ikigai, or reason for being, and add life to your golden years. 

But, to focus your attention on all these things, you also have to work on stress management. Otherwise, stress may hinder you from enjoying your golden time. Yes, retirement doesn’t eradicate stress from your life. No doubt, you don’t have to bear work stress anymore, but other stressors can certainly bother you, and frankly speaking, they do. 

Loneliness, health issues, the fear of aging, and financial stress all can take a toll on you. Incorporating the most-effective anti-aging product into your skincare routine can complement inner health, especially when stress is managed effectively. Although it is near impossible to live an absolute stress-free life, you can prevent stressors from ruining your golden years with stress management. Some examples are  by having a robust savings prepared for your retirement and having life insurance for seniors.

Do you know what the difference between people who shine under pressure and those who buckle under pressure is? The answer is— their ability to manage stress. 

In a world where stress is everyone’s constant companion, it is best to not try to create a stress-free life but to develop your resilience against stress. If you know how to manage stress, it loses its power to bother you, and you can live your retirement years, carefree and bubbling with joy, like a child. Now, let’s proceed to discuss five stress management tactics to boost your resilience.

5 Stress Management Tactics for Retirees:

1. Find Your Ikigai and Pursue It: 

Did you know that a common thing among the Centenarians of Japan is that they never retire? Yes, that’s absolutely true. They retire from their 9 to 5 professional life but they never retire from work. They keep practicing their Ikigai. ‘Ikigai’ means your reason for being. For some centenarians, it is painting; for others, gardening, crafting, etc. 

Their Ikigai helps them experience the psychological state of flow, where the ego dissolves, a sense of time vanishes, and deep enjoyment takes place. This deep enjoyment burns all worries and triggers a deep sense of inner bliss. 

For stress management during your retirement years and living with gusto, you should find your Ikigai and pursue it. The key to finding your Ikigai is to follow your drifts. Ask yourself where your attention goes in your free time. It may be dancing, singing, drawing, writing stories, anything. 

2. Join a Social Group: 

In the words of Rollo May, “No one can separate themselves from one’s social group and remain healthy because the very structure of personality is dependent upon the community.” These words truly highlight the importance of having social connections in our life. 

Without a social circle, we feel lost and incomplete; after all, as humans, we are social creatures. The years of retirement often bring clouds of loneliness with them. You no longer get to see your colleagues and office friends. Isolation can create a different kind of stress in your life. 

So, it is better to join a social support group where you can interact with people, share your emotions, create funny moments and laugh together. According to research, social support can minimize the effects of stress and also reduce your risk of mortality. Isn’t that amazing? Furthermore, irrespective of our age group, we need friends to bring life into our lives.

Your social group will help you make close friends with whom you can again sail on the enchanting journey of friendship. Now, don’t wait any longer. Just go ahead, make friends, play, dance, sing and laugh with them just as you did when you were young. Are you wondering how to join a social group or make friends? Given below are some effective ways to do so: 

How to make friends? 

a.  Join hobby classes: There is no better way of making friends than joining a hobby class. Why? Because hobby classes offer two-way benefits. One, you can engage in something that you are passionate about and two, you can quickly make friends as it is easy to connect with people having similar interests. 

b.  Join a Fitness club: It is important to focus on your fitness throughout your life, especially during later stages. You should join a fitness club to keep yourself robust as a retiree and connect with different people. 

c.  Join Social media communities: Do you use social media? I’m sure your answer is a big yes. So, why not use it to your advantage by joining social media communities of your interest. If you are passionate about cooking, join a cooking club and show your talent to the world, and so on. Participate in engaging discussions, share ideas and build an impactful online presence. 

3. Secure Yourself by Purchasing Suitable Insurance: 

Imagine what kind of a life it would be if you knew that a genie was protecting you against all unforeseen expenses. Wouldn’t you feel secure and absolutely relaxed? Obviously, you would. And that’s exactly what insurance can do for you. Don’t spend your retirement years either saving money for or worrying about unforeseen circumstances. 

Buy suitable insurance, sit back, relax and enjoy your golden time. Auto insurance (click here to know more), life insurance, travel insurance and property insurance are some types of insurance that you should definitely buy. Once you secure yourself in all respects with suitable insurance, you’ll experience great relief. A huge baggage of stress will get lifted from your shoulders. 

4. Try Body Manipulation: 

‘Body manipulation’ involves subtle forms of exercise that do not stress or strain your muscles. Body manipulation also offers similar stress management benefits as traditional forms of exercise such as walking, cycling, and running. Tai Chi, Yoga, Massage, and Reiki are some examples of body manipulation.

You are already aware of the magic of a good massage, right? It helps you relax, brings you into the moment, triggers a deep sense of enjoyment, and calms your mind. All the above-mentioned body manipulation techniques have similar effects. They can also reduce your blood pressure, enhance mental capacity and improve conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

Try them once, and you’ll be motivated to avail yourself of the associated benefits over and over again.

5. Optimize Your Mental Well-Being With Meditation:

“The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts. It’s to stop letting them control you.” Our mind is like an immense ocean of thoughts. You can get drowned in it, and frankly, we stay drowned in that ocean most of the time. Once you retire and have plenty of time to yourself, your mind may start getting bombarded with thoughts all the time. And sadly, most of these thoughts are negative. 

Research has shown that we tend to focus more on the negative across a wide array of psychological events as we try to make sense of the world. This negative bias can negatively impact your mental health, triggering anxiety, stress disorders, depression, and other psychological disorders. To prevent negativity from ruining your golden years, consider meditating.

Meditation boosts your resilience and teaches you the art of letting your thoughts go so they will no longer exert control over your life. It is proven that meditation reduces stress, anxiety, promotes emotional health, and reduces age-related memory loss.

Along with this, it also has enormous physical health benefits. It can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and ease digestive issues. You should definitely incorporate meditation in your life. There is nothing much to do. Just sit in a quiet room, play a guided meditation video and relax. 

Stress management is imperative to live an enjoyable and fun-filled retirement life. Your whole life, you have battled stress in various forms. Now that you have retired, you should try to minimize it. As it is not possible to eradicate stress completely, it is best to manage it with the help of stress management tactics.

The above-mentioned stress management techniques will help you maximize joy in your retirement years. Now, wishing you All the best and happy life ahead! Remember to make the most of your golden time, and don’t hold yourself back. Let your child side out and live completely!

The Advantages of Installing a Stairlift in Your Home

Staircases can be highly inconvenient and painful for many of us. Imagine the pain an older person has to go through every time they have to climb a flight of stairs – particularly if the individual is suffering from any physical conditions. This not only makes life difficult but also significantly reduces their confidence. Thus, installing a stairlift can be incredibly beneficial for someone suffering from an injury or is not well enough to climb up and down a flight of stairs – often multiple times a day. The purpose of this article is to elaborately describe some benefits of installing a stairlift at home.

What Is a Stairlift?

A stairlift is a mechanical device that performs the task of lifting people up or down the staircase. This device is primarily used in hospitals and certain households with members who have difficulty maneuvering through flights of stairs – mainly due to disabilities or illnesses of some kind. A rail is mounted on the staircase’s treads, and a chair is attached to it.

Anyone willing to use the stairlift simply needs to sit on the platform or seat and be amazed while the chair gently moves to the other end of the staircase. It is a remarkable piece of equipment as it effectively solves one of the most painful conditions in the lives of innumerable people around the world.

Stairlifts are called by many names, with the most popular ones being chair lifts and stair gliders. They do not cost a ton of money, considering the benefit you will be getting from them for years to come. Many potential users wonder: are stairlifts tax deductible? The answer is yes, in case you are in the stairlift market for medical reasons. But, you would need medical documentation to prove this, but once you do, the entire cost – including the purchase value and further expenses for maintenance – can be written off from your tax amounts.

What Are the Benefits of Adding a Stairlift to Your Home?

Now that you know what a stairlift is, let us take a look at some benefits of using one.

Independence Is Restored

Many people start to develop a sense of self-pity once they realize they are unable to access the upper floors or the basement of their house due to certain physical conditions. It is an awful feeling having to take assistance from a family member or a friend every time you need to move up a flight of stairs. A stairlift completely solves this problem. The quality of life that the sufferer deserves is properly restored – something that is priceless.

Safety Is Ensured

Stairlifts ensure that the user does not get into any accidents by trying to maneuver across a flight of stairs without any help. This is the most important factor of all in terms of physical safety. Stairs are the most difficult locations to pass through in a house. This proves why most household accidents occur on or near a staircase. Slipping and falling on the stairs is significantly more dangerous than experiencing the same on a flat surface.

Broken hips, fractured legs, and bruised arms are some of the most common aftermaths of accidents on staircases. Using a stairlift greatly reduces the probability of such dangers. Many believe using one essentially eliminates the chances of the person spending time exercising every day. Know that adding a stairlift does not force anyone to keep using them and forget other ways. Many local gyms offer highly controlled exercising options for the elderly, and there are many other similar alternatives, like yoga, that can be taken into consideration.

Money Is Saved

The elderly, unfortunately, do not have a lot of options when it comes to spending the final years of their lives. Frequent illness, weakened bodily functions, and the necessity for assistance begin to overwhelm almost any elderly. Under such circumstances, many of them go on to live in an assisted living facility.

Living in an assisted living home is nowhere as comfortable and convenient as their own homes. Using a stairlift will ensure that they get to stay at their house, as the device serves as the main assistant whenever someone is required to climb up or down the stairs. Many people simply do not want to sell and leave the homes they had lived in for decades, and quite rightfully so.

While there are many ways of tackling this problem, like renovating the interior, moving into a new home, or installing an elevator, the expenses do skyrocket if any of these methods are adopted. Getting a stairlift is, evidently, cheaper than all of them.

Customizations Can Be Done

Stairlifts do not come in standard sizes. They are manufactured and customized based on one’s needs. Several extra functions can be added to the system if the user desires and is ready to pay for those. Once the order is placed, an expert would visit the house and take measurements of the entire staircase, as well as make notes of the added features that the user wishes to have on the device. Even design and color ideas can be pitched to the expert.

The overall installation process – no matter how complex the staircase is – does not usually take more than a day. Thus, users can stand at the location throughout the process and make sure everything is being done right. Chance is, you can chip in with a few last-minute suggestions while at it.

Final Words

Family members of seniors commonly experience issues like having to assist them to move around – especially through a flight of stairs. This is an almighty struggle for both entities and is not particularly safe in comparison to a device, like a stairlift, that is totally dedicated to one task and one task only: carrying the passenger up or down the staircase. We believe you are now fully aware of the many benefits of adding a stairlift to your household. Make sure you make the right decision and make the lives of your elder family members worthwhile.

Crockpot Recipes Perfect for a Senior Diet

Eating nutritious meals is an essential part of aging properly. A good diet may help elders improve their cognitive function, live longer lives, and promote general well-being.

Since crockpots often need minimal preparation and cleaning, they’re typically ideal seniors’ meals. Thus, here are a few easy crockpot recipes you don’t want to miss:

 

Crockpot Baked Potatoes

Begin by thoroughly washing the potato. Pat them dry before poking holes all over them with a fork.

Place each potato at the center of a piece of aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is big enough to surround the potato thoroughly.

Rub a ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon olive oil on both sides of each potato. To add flavor to the skins of your potatoes, you can apply a mixture to the exterior.

Combine a tiny amount of salt, oil, paprika, pepper, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in a small dish before spreading it all over the skins and wrapping it in foil.

Cover the crockpot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it for 4-5 hours on high or about 8-10 hours on low. But be careful not to overcook them!

These may even be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerate them in their tin foil wrappers for up to 4 days. Then heat in the oven for a few minutes before serving!

Remove them from the crockpot and gently peel the foil off each potato when they’re done. Cut them in half lengthwise and serve with your preferred toppings (like sour cream or salsa).

 

Potato Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is a soup that commonly includes milk, chicken, celery, corn, potatoes, and onions, as the primary ingredients.

In making this, begin by sautéing chopped onions, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes or until soft. Place in a crockpot with spices and peeled diced potatoes.

Pour the chicken stock over the top to keep it from clumping and make it easier to dissolve into the soup before tossing them to mix the ingredients. Then cook it on low heat for 3 hours.

Cook for an additional hour after adding the cornstarch roux, corn, and milk. Be careful to keep doing this until your soup has a creamy, richer texture.

Finally, serve cheese biscuits with garlic butter, green salad, or a classic cornbread.

 

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings 

Start with 2 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts.

Combine the cream of chicken soup, garlic, and onions in a crockpot. Pour in some chicken stock and season with parsley, poultry spice, and pepper to taste.

If you’re using homemade cream of chicken soup, add a pinch of salt, but you can probably ignore it if you’re using canned.

After giving everything a brief toss, cover the slow cooker and wait for about 7 hours if you cook this on low or roughly 3 hours on high.

When the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, shred it using two forks and give everything a toss.

Open a biscuit can and shape the dough into flat circles. Cut them into tiny strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife before placing them in the crockpot.

Make sure to mix them up, cover them, and let them simmer for another hour.

The biscuits should be light and fluffy after one hour. Some crockpots take longer to cook than others, so you may need to alter your cooking time accordingly.

Once you’re done, serve them over mashed potatoes or in a big bowl.

 

Five Tips for Organizing a Memorable Retirement Party

Retirement isn’t something that comes to everyone, so it’s definitely a milestone for celebration and justifies a party to help commemorate it. These parties can mix sweet nostalgia and lingering longing for the work-life the retiree leaves behind. As a celebration, therefore, retirement parties need to be a perfect balance of a fun event and a testimony to the person’s commitment to their career.

No doubt, retirement in and of itself is a major accomplishment in life, so it’s best to celebrate in a way that the retiree can genuinely enjoy. Of course, not all retirees want the same thing, and cluelessness should never be an excuse for organizing a careless party. To help make this easier for you, we’ve gathered up several handy tips to help make the going-away party for your retiring coworker truly memorable.

Do Your Research

To throw off the perfect retirement party, research is king! You’ll want to be sure to find out all you can about the retiree and plan the party around the information you find. Some things you need to look into can include the guests, the theme, and the food and drinks.

The Guests

Find out who are the people the retiree wants and doesn’t want to come to their party. This step saves you from sneaking in surprise guests that your celebrant may not find welcome and make the event uncomfortable. Also, ask how to seat guests so that there are fewer chances of seating together people who might not find each other’s company agreeable, like old work rivals or feuding family members.

The Theme

Ask the person themselves what theme they want in their party. If they don’t know what they want, ask them about their favorites and then help them choose what to include (for example, if the guest of honor likes fishing, then let it be a fishing-themed party or, better yet, a party that involves actual fishing).

Food and Drinks

Good food equals good memories. Include food that the celebrant will enjoy, as well as classic party favorites. Be considerate of the eating preferences of the guests by asking if they have restrictions before you prepare or order the food. These can include things like food allergies or intolerances, a preferred diet such as vegetarianism or veganism, or if their faith requires a specific diet. 

Some of your guests may be taking prescription medicines that may not mix well with alcohol, either. These can include medication for hypertension, hydroxyzine for anxiety, or any other prescriptions. Ask the bartender to replace alcoholic drinks with delicious non-alcoholic mocktails as a replacement for these guests.

Plan Out the Budget

Work with the budget allotted for the event. This step often means finding better deals for the caterer, venue decoration, and other considerations. If the budget is tight, ask for help from your coworkers or your family members. If they are willing to DIY some things, like decor or party favors, you can save a lot by going this route. Be ready to compromise!

Choose the Right Venue

Choosing where to celebrate the party is a part of the event’s success. Again, you’ll want to check with the retiree and have them list down at least three venues as options (just in case the one they like the most isn’t available). After choosing the venue, check the accommodations and inclusions for the venue rental. For instance, does it include the use of the getting-ready room for the celebrant to dress up and prepare for the party?

Make Everything About the Retiree

The retiree should absolutely be the center of the celebration, so you want to be sure that you make it all about them. That said, the food, drink, and ambiance should always be tailored to the celebrant’s personal preferences and tastes. Also, it would be best if no one among the invited had drama issues or anything that could steal the spotlight from the celebrant.

Be Aware of Dietary Restrictions

The organizer must cover all bases so everyone can have an enjoyable party. This includes the dietary restrictions of the celebrant, the celebrant’s family, and those of all of the other guests. Be sure to inquire about the food allergies the celebrant and their guests might have, as well. Nothing is more disappointing and upsetting than having someone get sick during your party. 

However, if the celebrant or a guest does feel unwell during the party, it’s important to check on them and help them. Helping them get their prescribed medicines is a must, and this step is crucial if the unwell individual is a senior citizen who needs the medicine to stay healthy. Also, arrange accommodations for guests who have some issues with mobility (like wheelchair users) and assign a safe space in the venue where they could stay comfortably.

Plan Your Co-Worker’s Party Today!

A retirement party is one of the best celebrations that someone saying goodbye to their career can have. Planning every aspect of the retirement party allows for a memorable event for the retiree, friends, and family to cherish forever. It does not need to be a dull or sad or glum event, but instead, a fitting tribute to someone at the end of their career. And by following these five tips, you can help ensure that it’s a party they talk about for years to come!

3 Splurges That Make Life Easier for Seniors

There is nothing wrong with wanting your life to be easier as you age. It doesn’t make you lazy or entitled or anything of the sort. It makes you human. Every tool ever made was in service of making our lives easier. And if you’re a senior, you’re probably all about making life easier. 

Goodness knows, you’ve likely had some tough times in your life up until now.  And as you may also know that as you age, things can get challenging. Thankfully, there are things that can make life easier for seniors.

As seniors, we deserve to feel comfortable.  We’ve lived full lives, worked hard, and as we age, it’s time now more than ever to savor our lives, relax and enjoy ourselves. Here are a few splurges for seniors that are sure to make your life just a little better:

Home Improvements that Make Aging Easier

You would be surprised at how easy it can be to build a patio yourself if you happen to remain handy. If you were considering bringing in a contractor because the job seems too big, you might be right to do so. Before you do, see if upgrading your backyard is something you can do for yourself. 

Because this is a “splurge” you may need a secured personal loan to fund the expansion of a patio, ramps, railings, and more to make your home extra comfortable in your later years. 

Bear in mind that “easy” is a relative term. Brain surgery is easy for a brain surgeon. By comparison, building your own patio is simple. That said, it is a lot harder than building a model airplane. So use the same strategy you used as a kid and take advantage of a good kit. 

For example, patio kits are pretty easy to find because a lot of people are realizing how much they would be overspending to have a contractor do the job. It takes work. But it is definitely doable. At the end of the day, these or other home improvements are worth the effort because they will definitely make your life as a senior more enjoyable.

Subscribe to Meal Kit Services

Here’s a shocker: Meal kits are not just easy; they’re healthy. It doesn’t mean that you can’t find a bad one. But it is harder to do than you think. Meal kits are reshaping how we cook and eat. Like an airplane model, a meal kit has all of the parts you need. They even have instructions that are a lot better than the ones that came with those old models.

Today’s meal kits are typically designed by chefs and dietitians who have an eye on taste and health. By using these kits, many have reported that they are learning things that make them better home cooks when they have time to cook from scratch. 

Splurge On Restful Sleep and Relaxation

As we age, sleep can become a tricky prospect.  Seniors often complain of body aches, leading to restless nights.  Furthermore, the older we get, the less sleep we require.  None of these things have to deny us of a deep, restorative sleep.  A high-quality, deluxe bed can provide you the slumber you need and deserve. 

Consider splurging on a bed that has an electric adjustment built in so you can recline or incline the head or foot of the bed.  This allows you to read, knit, watch TV or do whatever your heart desires while comfy and cozy in your new bed.  You might also look into getting a mattress that cools and heats.  The cooling feature can be extremely soothing, and the heating functions can help ease sore muscles.  Whatever type of bed or mattress you choose, you will thank yourself for splurging on this one.

Seniors Deserve to Splurge!

There are any number of splurges that might not offer much benefit in the long run. But among the best are home improvements, meal kits, and superior mattresses. 

If you’re a senior, you deserve to enjoy yourself and your time.  Part of relishing the good stuff in life as a senior is feeling good.  That means self-pampering, and an occasional splurge is definitely in order for your total pleasure and wellbeing.  While it’s tempting and often instinctual for seniors to save money – money can’t make life easier if you don’t spend a little.  So, why not treat yourself to these splurge ideas so you can savor your senior years in ease and comfort.