Leslie Newlife

11 Home Safety Tips for Elderly People

Staying at home as you age is possible, but it requires some caution and preparation. Whether you are aging yourself or simply looking to keep elderly loved ones safe, you should keep several things in mind when thinking about home safety. Here are 11 home safety tips for elderly people, from shower chairs to senior clothing:

Conduct a home safety audit.

Go through your house and make a note of every possible hazard or obstacle. If a throw rug might trip you up, put it on the list. If a round door knob is hard to turn, put it on the list. If the water temperature is too hot and might scald you, put it on the list. Once you’ve finished your “audit,” figure out how you will address each item on the list to make your home as safe as possible.

Decide if your house is worth the effort.

Based on your audit, decide if your home is well set up for you to age in place, or if you might be better served either moving to a new home or even a senior living facility. Some homes, especially older houses, simply aren’t suitable for aging in place due to the extensive renovations required to make it safe.

Determine if you’re a good candidate for aging in place.

Sometimes, it’s not your home that is the complicating factor for aging in place. If you have certain physical or mental conditions that make it difficult to live on your own, then you might actually find it safer to move into an assisted living facility instead of struggling on at home. Have an honest conversation with your loved ones about your prognosis and how you are coping with living at home so far.

Keep the floors clear.

Trip and fall hazards are one of the biggest concerns for home safety. Remove any loose rugs and move any extension cords that might trip you up. Apply non-slip wax to hardwood floors to reduce slickness. If you have pets that constantly get underfoot, consider giving them to a family member and visiting them regularly instead of keeping them at your house 24/7. Always wear non-slips shoes, such as Velcro shoes for women, even when inside to prevent falls.

Widen doorways and remove thresholds.

This is more of an extensive home renovation, but it can really make a difference for people who use wheelchairs and walkers. Making doorways wider allows them to pass through easily without having to wedge their walker or wheelchair through the door. Removing thresholds also eliminates the need to “step over” into the next room, a move that can lead to tripping and falling.

Update the bathroom.

Install grab bars near the toilet and shower to provide support, and also consider placing a shower chair in the shower as well. Use rubber bath mats and add non-slip floor tape to the shower or tub as well as the floor to increase traction. Replace the toilet seat with a raised toilet seat, sometimes also called a high profile toilet seat. If you have a tub, you might want to consider getting it renovated and replacing it with a walk-in shower instead.

Assess the kitchen.

Move any appliances and utensils that you regularly use to chest height so you don’t have to bend over or get up on a step stool to reach them. Choose light but sturdy pots and pans that are easy to move, and utensils with wide, rubbery grips for stability. If you use a lot of appliances with heat, consider getting models with automatic shutoff so you can’t accidentally leave them on. Regularly clean out the fridge and pantry so you don’t eat expired food.

Put up more lights.

Test the lights in every room to make sure that you can clearly see the floor. If you cannot, then add more lights or swap in brighter bulbs. You might need to look into solutions beyond just overhead lighting — for instance, there are puck lights specifically designed to illuminate stairways, including motion-sensitive models. Promptly replace any bulbs when they burn out and keep spares on hand. Make sure that you have nightlights in all the hallways, as well as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Make the stairs safe.

Stairs in particular create a tripping and falling hazard. You may need to consider installing a stairlift for indoor stairs, or replacing outdoor stairs with a gently sloped ramp. If you can still navigate the stairs, then get rid of any loose runners and replace them with non-skid treads. You might also need to paint the tops of the stairs different colors or otherwise find a way to differentiate the change in height, especially if your vision is impaired.

Remember regular safety tips.

Seniors need working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors just like everybody else. You might also want to look into getting a home security system if you don’t have one already, especially if you spend a lot of time alone at the house. You might also want to look into getting a senior medical alert system so that if an emergency does happen, help will be on the way quickly.

Don’t forget other fixes.

Not every fix involves home renovations. For instance, wearing adaptive clothing with easy-to-work closures makes it easier for seniors to keep dressing themselves even when they can no longer work buttons or zippers. Keep an eye out for other solutions like this and you might be surprised how much they can improve your quality of life.

With home safety tips in mind, you or your loved one will be able to age in place. It will take some prep work, but you can make many different homes safe for elderly people.

The Explosion of Online Therapy During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought suffering, pain, and death in its wake, but it also brought depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues. In the effort to mitigate the virus transmissions and decrease the amount of hospitalizations and deaths that occurred, people were told to stay at home and isolate themselves. This has been very bad for mental health. While some toiled in their sorrow, others were finally motivated to do something about it. Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen a huge rise in people going to therapy and online therapy has been the method of choice.

The Demand for Therapy Rose During the Pandemic

While the numbers of people who have entered therapy during the pandemic is almost impossible to determine for obvious reasons—many people want to keep it to themselves for example—the impact is measurable. Other data, numbers, and statistics can be used to determine just how much people have begun to seek assistance for their trauma, unhappiness, chemical imbalances, and more. For example, the company known as Vibrant Emotional Health said that their Disaster Distress Hotline saw an increase in calls that reached 338 percent.

The rise in demand is clear. The American Psychological Association polled 1,800 psychologists and 74 percent of them said that they were seeing more patients with anxiety disorders compared to before the pandemic. 60 percent said that they were seeing more patients with depressive disorders and nearly 30 percent said they were seeing more patients overall. The demand is so high that therapists are struggling to meet it.

Online Therapy is More Accessible than Traditional Therapy

One of the reasons that the numbers of people who are going to therapy have increased is because online therapy has become much more accessible. Online therapists are widely available on many platforms. You can see private therapists through a conference software or use a service that connects the patient with a therapist that fits them.

There are many different options and methods to utilize. Private messaging, phone chats, video sessions, and more can be provided by an online therapy service. These companies provide the means to see a therapist wherever you are. You don’t have to be in the same city or state as your therapist. The limitations have decreased and people everywhere are feeling more secure to see a therapist because they never have to leave their house. They don’t have to wait in a waiting room and can be completely confident with the fact that they are even seeing a therapist at all. Therapy has never been easier.

The “Stigma” Around Therapy is Going Away

For generations, therapy was stigmatized. People thought that you had something wrong for you to go to therapy. That was never the case but now people are accepting this truth. There is less stigma. Now, people of all ages are going to therapy for the first time. Older people who have needed therapy for years are now just getting the assistance that they need. With therapy services much more widely available, accessible, and accepted, people of all ages are getting therapy. It is a great way for younger and older people to stay healthy and happy.

Will the Trend Continue?

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is getting under control in some parts of the country, only time will tell if people will continue going to therapy. While some of the woes were created by the isolation, restrictions, and heartbreak that the virus has caused, other issues were simply revealed. One thing is clear, we have a mental health crisis in the United States and people of all kinds need to get the help that they require. Just because we are getting a handle on the pandemic doesn’t mean that people are cured of their problems, depression, anxiety, addictions, and other mental health disorders.

Since the pandemic began, many people have begun therapy for the first time. It is a sign that the times are tough but it also shows that people are willing to do what’s necessary to get better and have a nice life. Many people have had trouble finding a therapist during this time. As others leave therapy and these people get treated, it will lead to a lot of changes that can improve their personal lives and the society as a whole.

What You Should Look for in a Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle

When an older loved one starts using a wheelchair, it’s easy to assume they’ve lost their independence. However, with the right resources, freedom is still possible. With home care, seniors will have the support they need while staying in their own homes, and with the right vehicle, they can still make social calls.

However, not any car will do for wheelchair users, especially when they have other medical needs. Knowing what you should look for in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle will help you find a car that will best serve you and your loved one’s lifestyle.

Find a Reliable Dealer

There are many dealerships out there but finding a trusted wheelchair-accessible vehicle dealership takes a little extra effort. Keep these principles in mind while researching:

  • Pay attention to online reviews and customer experiences
  • Look for certifications from organizations from groups like the National Mobility Equipment Association
  • Look at the prices compared to other dealerships
  • Check the sources of the cars

Make Sure It’s Compatible With Your Loved One’s Type of Wheelchair

Measure the size of your loved one’s wheelchair. That way, you can look at the dimensions of each vehicle to see which ones fit. This also comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer a car with a fold-up ramp, or do you enjoy wheelchair lifts? It would be best if you decided what you want before searching for a vehicle. You can also make a detailed list of what you want the most out of your car.

It Meets Your Other Requirements

Chances are, you have more requirements than the vehicle simply being wheelchair accessible. If this is going to be your loved one’s primary means of transportation, there are likely other vehicle features that will make them more comfortable, such as:

  • Four-wheel drive
  • Ample seating
  • USB ports
  • Warning lights
  • Built-in GPS

The best way to know what you should look for in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is to know what your family member’s or friend’s needs. If you know what would suit them best, you will be able to find the ideal van or SUV.

Best Natural Supplements for Seniors

As you age, beauty products seem not to work as well as they used to. You may feel that your good health and beauty have passed their expiration date, but natural remedies can give you health and beauty benefits.

Don’t waste your money on high-end products that make unobtainable promises when you can get a natural health boost. Save the cash and slow down aging using supplements and healthy spices for better life insurance rates by outliving your current policy. 

Insurance Tip: Did you know that most term life insurance plans have a conversion clause in them? Once you’ve reached the end of a term life insurance policy, you can negotiate a lower premium for permanent life insurance.

What do supplements do?

Your body’s ability to take in nutrients decreases as you age, making even life-long healthy routines fall short of providing all the body needs. Maintaining a healthy diet for an organic source of energy will help keep you young, but there will still be gaps in your nutrition. 

Supplements are manufactured synthetically or extracted from food and herbs and are intended to make up for what could be missed with diet. Although commonly tied with weight loss, supplements are dietary, meaning that they are most useful in a dietary routine.

Everyday Supplements Older Adults Should Take

Supplements come in easy-to-take forms such as pills, powders, liquids, gummies, or bars that help make up for nutritional gaps. Needing benefits from supplements isn’t unique to the elderly. However, what’s to gain from implementing supplements into your diet becomes more significant as you age.

A few supplements that help ease side effects of old age include:

  • Boosting your metabolism – Vitamin D and magnesium

Magnesium aids absorption, making these supplements strongest when taken together.

  • Easing joint pain – Glucosamine, boswellia, and chondroitin

Because these supplements occur naturally in the body, they should not be taken together as they could be over-effective. All are anti-inflammatory, but one at a time is best for the most productive results. 

  • Increasing energy and focus – B12, iron, and L-theanine

All are found in everyday food and drinks, but most people don’t retain the recommended daily dose.

  • Aiding eyesight – Omega-3s, lutein, and zeaxanthin

These fatty acids slow down muscular deterioration to help preserve vision. 

  • Strengthening immune system – Elderberry, acai berry, and selenium

Even outside of flu season, we need our antioxidants. T-cell function slows down with aging, making older adults more susceptible to illness. Antioxidants aid cell structure, which keeps them stronger longer.

  • Helping dry mouth – Marshmallow root (althaea) and zingiber officinale (ginger)

Althaea and ginger are plants often used in capsules, tea, or raw form to stimulate saliva production. 

Even though aging side effects can make living uncomfortable, they are not life-threatening health problems and don’t usually require surgery. Using daily supplements to better your mind and body can help you lead a fulfilling life throughout old age without the need for serious medical attention.

Supplements as a Lifestyle and Treatment

Popular supplements may come from everyday foods, but eating enough citrus fruits and fish to get your daily dose of calcium, omega-3s, and vitamin D isn’t likely. 

By incorporating supplements and multivitamins into your daily routine, you can make up for what’s missed on your plate. For the days your diet doesn’t give you all the nutrients, supplements will provide additional aid to absorb nutrients needed and pass on what isn’t.

In addition to healthy living practices, taking daily supplements may lower your risk of developing health problems and ease symptoms for already developed ones. 

Although supplements won’t shield your body from unhealthy eating habits, they will aid in preventing conditions such as:

  • Age-related high blood pressure
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Dementia
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Broken bones

In addition to combating unhealthy habits, herbs and supplements can also be protective armor against medical treatments.

Insurance Tip: Though body mass index (BMI) isn’t always a direct correlation to the state of one’s life, insurance providers use BMI records to help determine an insuree’s potential risk. BMI doesn’t tell the difference between muscle and fat, so a simple detox before your medical exam could help lock in a low rate.

Supplements for Symptoms and Holistic Care

Medicine and procedures like chemotherapy can have adverse side effects while treating critical illnesses.  For those who suffer from physical health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or immunocompromising conditions, supplements will help ease symptoms and unwanted medicine side effects. 

A list of supplements to use to combat some common side effects of medicine is:

  • Nausea and vomiting: Astragalus, thiamine (B1), and pyridoxine (B6)
  • Feeling fatigue: Vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
  • Bruising: Pycnogenol and arnica montana
  • Losing your appetite: Zinc and fish oil

It is not uncommon for someone who is aging or undergoing draining medical treatment to suffer mentally in the effect of their circumstance. 

Feeling the physical effects of aging or treatment can cause a mixture of heightened anxiety, deeper depression, and additional stress.

Herbalism is a non-medical way to help improve your mood and mental health, and with supplements, these ancient practices are modernized and accessible. A list of herbs and supplements that ease anxiety, depression, and stress is:

  • Vitamin D
  • Rhodiola
  • Lemon balm
  • Creatine
  • Saffron
  • Passionflower
  • Valerian root
  • Ashwagandha
  • S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
  • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

How to Buy Supplements

To live your best life as a senior citizen, you have to make your overall health a top priority.

If you’re unsure where to start, begin by asking your doctor what supplements your body may need. Not all supplements will be beneficial or should be incorporated into your diet daily.

When searching for the best supplement for you, read all of the ingredients before purchasing. It is common for supplement products to be made up of more than one element to supply users with more than one benefit.

Keep in touch with your doctors and monitor any physical or mood changes you have after taking new supplements.

Buying supplements doesn’t require a prescription. They can be found in common stores like your local grocery store, Target, Walmart, or Walgreens. You can even sign up for monthly subscriptions or order online through store websites and Amazon. Shop now.

In the digital age, keeping your pantry stocked with the herbs and supplements you need to stay sharp is easier than getting those pesky prescription bottles open. 

Explore the world of holistic medicine by helping your body get what it needs to enjoy life.

Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the life insurance comparison site, QuickQuote.com. Danielle began studying herbs and supplements at 16 years old. She incorporates herbalism as a customary practice to stay healthy and combat illness.

Making Your Home Elder Person Friendly: Tips to Improve the Quality of Life

For some, the idea of growing old in their own home is a comforting thought. But for others, it can be downright scary. What if we find it difficult to get around our house on our own? What if we need help eating and bathing? How will we manage day-to-day tasks that were once so easy to do on our own? These are all valid concerns that many seniors face when they start considering living in their homes as they grow older. But these worries can easily be alleviated with a few modifications! In this blog post, you’ll find amazing tips for making your home elderly-friendly so you and your loved ones can live comfortably as you age into retirement.

Safety First

It’s important to make sure that your home is safe for anyone who may be living in it. It would help if you started updating the locks on all doors and windows, which are often easy fixes. If you’re going to have visitors come over or if you’ll need someone else to help out around town when you can’t do it yourself anymore. Also, make sure that all the electrical devices in your home are updated to be safer as well.

Area Rugs

Another way to ensure elder adult safety is by installing area rugs throughout your house. This will make it easier for you or other people walking through the house if they lose their balance, especially in winter when surfaces can get slippery. It is also best for avoiding injuries and making the home warm and cozy for them. Also, the rugs are best to reduce noise pollution and heat insulation flow in the home. Area rugs come in all shapes, designs, materials, and sizes. You want non-skid, so it doesn’t slide away from where you stand on it. It should also be easy to vacuum or sweep because they can get dirty easily over time.

Install Handrails On Steps or Anywhere Else

Climbing stairs is hard for some people, so install railings close to the steps or wherever difficult to walk. This will prevent falls and injuries from happening in your home. Also, cover the stairs with a soft and textured rug, so it’s easier to walk up and down the steps.

Repair Cracked Areas on the Floor

If you have any cracks on the floor, it’s important to repair them. This will prevent injuries from happening when someone falls over a crack and is in danger of hurting themselves. Use caulking or other safe materials for your floors to fill up the cracks, so it lasts longer than just using paint.

Install Lever Door Handles

Lever door handles make it easier for older people to open doors because they can turn the handle instead of having to grip and pull. Install them on every door that an older person will use in your home, so there is no difficulty opening any doors.

Foldable Ramps

If you have a set of stairs with various levels, install ramps instead of dealing with the stairs. It’s a lot easier to walk down or up to one ramp than it is to climb multiple sets of stairs every day.

Install Porch Railing or Barrier

Due to balance issues that come with age, porch railings are very helpful for safety in the house because they stop people from falling downstairs or off balconies.

Install Grab Bars

Grab bars are helpful for seniors who need assistance getting around or when they need to use a toilet. They provide extra stability, support, and safety near sinks and toilets, so people don’t fall by accident. Install them wherever you see fit. Just be sure that they are within the arm’s reach of the person using them.

Install Handrails in Bathrooms and on Stairs

Handrails are a great way to keep people from falling stairs or while helping them get up again if they have fallen. They can also be placed next to toilets for added safety, both when getting up and sitting down on them – especially for seniors who have had balance problems.

Install Threshold Ramps

Threshold ramps are also a great way to keep people from falling downstairs or while helping them get up again if they have fallen. They can be placed anywhere with an extra step, like doorways and entrances of rooms in the home. Be sure not on carpeting, though.

Do all Safety Measures in the Bathroom

Install grab bars and a non-slip mat or wool rugs to absorb water to the tub or shower. Be sure that at least one of them is reachable for people who have had trouble getting up and down in recent years.

Acquire an Electronic Lifeline Alarm

This type of alarm can be turned on when someone needs help, such as falling or having a seizure. The alarm will sound and notify someone who can come to their aid.

Install an Emergency Response System

Consider installing an emergency response system to contact somebody who can help quickly when needed, such as in a home accident. This will call for help in the event of a medical emergency.

Install an Emergency Alert System

This system transmits messages to specified family members or caretakers when you feel ill, fall, have other problems, and cannot communicate without them. It also sends updates on what is happening at home throughout the day. No installation fee!

Install Safety Sensors on Your Doors, Fire Alarm System

Install all the safety sensors on your doors and a fire alarm system to notify occupants of the home if there is an emergency. Safety sensors can be installed as you go about replacing old ones so that they remain activated all day long, while those who are not careful or aware may disable them from time to time by mistake.

Install Panic Pads All Around Your Home

Install panic pads all around your home and make sure that they are always in reach. A simple touch of these will alert first responders, family members, or friends whenever you need assistance.

In Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for ways to improve the quality of life in your home, we have some tips that will help keep your elderly loved ones safe and happy. By taking a few simple steps, like adding these five cozy rugs at RugKnots or buying a safety kit online store, you can make their space safer and more comfortable. All it takes is a little time and effort on your part!

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.