Leslie Newlife

The Longest Day – June 20, 2020

The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 20, thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Together, they use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

While participation in The Longest Day may look a little different this year due to physical distancing, the Alzheimer’s Association has plenty of fun ideas you can do at home to engage family, friends and coworkers.

IDEAS FOR YOUR AT-HOME OR ONLINE FUNDRAISER

SPORTS AT HOME

Create your own sporting event using supplies from around the house, and ask friends to do the same from their homes. For example, set up a putt-putt course or a bowling lane with plastic bottles as pins. Over video conference, participants can donate to compete and vote for the titles of MVP, best-designed course, best-dressed player and more.

ONLINE WORKOUT

Lead an at-home workout, yoga routine or cardio dance class over livestream and ask for a donation to attend. Or, up the ante with a workout challenge on social media. Ask for donations per jumping jack, or offer to eat a hot pepper if you reach your goal during the livestream. Challenge others to top your record for sit-ups, lunges, miles run, etc. If they decline your invitation to sweat in solidarity, welcome a donation instead.

PARTIES AND EVENTS

Karaoke, talent show, happy hour, trivia — nearly any gathering can be hosted online! If you and your friends are performing over video conference, take song requests in exchange for donations. If you’re hosting a Netflix watch party, encourage participants to donate what they’d usually spend at the theater.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Use your skills to virtually teach a class, such as drawing, crocheting, crafts for kids or a makeup tutorial. Wine and paint nights also work well over video conferencing. Attendees can make a donation to join the fun, and you can auction off the finished product to the highest bidder.

COOKING AND BAKING

Instead of a cookout, invite friends and family to teach others how to make a favorite recipe over video in exchange for a donation. Or, host a live cake decorating contest where votes are cast by making donations. The cake with the most donations wins!

CARDS AND GAMES

Bridge, Mah Jongg, video games, board games and even puzzles can be played online with friends and family. Ask participants to make a donation to play, offer prizes to winners and encourage donation bets to raise money.

 

Source – The Alzheimer’s Association

An Elderly Guide To Maintaining Your Car

Seniors who plan to keep their cars for long periods of time will want to maintain their vehicles in good condition. This helps to reduce the amount of maintenance that is needed to protect the car and keep it looking good and running well. Getting regular checkups and tune-ups also help to ensure the car’s reliable operation. This is important for seniors, as many live on fixed incomes and can’t afford costly repairs. Some with health conditions would find it inconvenient to be without a car for frequent shop service. Here’s how many elders are maintaining their cars to last.

Routine Maintenance

A car owner’s manual indicates the type of checkups and maintenance schedule the vehicle should have. Following the list as prescribed can help to keep a car running efficiently and in good condition. Oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations are some of the key ways to ensure a vehicle stays in good working order. At certain mileage intervals, cars should be inspected for brake pads and engine flushing as well as a radiator check among other general functions before a problem develops unexpectedly.

Minor Repairs

Although it may be tempting to overlook a seemingly minor problem like a burned-out headlight or slow battery turnover, many seniors address these issues immediately. No one wants to be driving in public and pulled over to be cited by a police officer for a missing headlight. Nor does a driver want to deal with a car that won’t start due to a dead battery. Windows that don’t operate electronically as they should become problematic in bad weather or during a road emergency. Taking care of these issues as they occur can help to prevent bigger problems down the road.

Exterior Protection

A ceramic coating can protect a car’s finish to keep it from fading, chipping, or scratching as easily as it would without the coating. The ceramic coating is applied with a microfiber applicator pad to provide a protective shell over the car’s paint, making it look nice and remain resistant to environmental factors like pollution and road construction. Elders can do the job themselves or have it applied at the auto shop for a glossy sheen that will make the car look almost new again.  If you’re looking for more information check out what I think is the best piece of content about ceramic coating.

Regular Self-Checks

Every driver, seniors included, should check out their car’s operating features every six to twelve months. Following the operator’s manual, they can see if something isn’t working correctly and have it inspected at the stop before a problem develops. Things we take for granted due to limited use, like the horn or panic button on the key fob, should be checked occasionally to ensure they work properly. Tire tread, brake sufficiency, and steering capacity are other functions that need to be evaluated periodically.

With prudent oversight and precautions, elders can keep their cars running safely and efficiently as long as needed. The rest of us could learn from these senior car maintenance strategies how to care for our vehicles, too. Reviewing the operating manual, looking under the hood, and protecting the car’s finish can provide reassurance that the vehicle is in good condition for the foreseeable future. 

Save Yourself With Self-Care

Most people who have a lot of responsibility struggle with self-care, if you also fill the role of caregiver, taking time for yourself is probably overlooked. Being a caregiver, it is imperative to recognize your own physical and emotional needs before you can take care of someone else. By looking out for your own well being, you will be more resilient and prepared for the challenges you face.

Me Time

In order to keep from succumbing to stressors you deal with, you have to learn how to take some time for yourself and look after your own mental health. One way to refocus and keep yourself connected to your internal world and how it can affect your external world is through meditation. 

Your level of involvement can vary from simple sessions in your everyday life to immersing yourself in the myriad of techniques available by attending a meditation retreat. Whichever seems more practical to you, you should pursue. Learning how to unwind from your daily life is an essential aspect of self-care.

Warning Signs

You may be sitting there wondering if you should be taking better care of yourself, listen to your body, it will tell you by giving you certain symptoms that say you need to take a bit of time for yourself. Noticing signs of stress should be your wake up call to take steps to take care of your mental health. Some signs to look out for:

  • Headaches – when your brain is dealing with stress, it releases chemicals to try to help you prepare for what you are dealing with. These chemicals cause the blood vessels in your brain to change and that manifests itself as a headache.
  • Low Energy – dealing with stress is taxing on your body. Your body’s response is to make you feel fatigued.
  • Upset Stomach – when stress levels are high, your stomach will produce high levels of acid. Without treatment, this can turn into various gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers. 
  • Insomnia – it is difficult to relax when your mind is constantly replaying either things that have happened or things you need to get done. Being able to sleep is very important for your overall health. Your body rejuvenates while you are asleep, by denying it of necessary rest, there can be countless ailments that will take their toll. 

Benefits of Meditation

You encounter stress every time you are faced with adversity unexpectedly. Through meditation, you are able to lower the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone your body secretes at these times. 

Through meditation, you learn to become aware of how your emotions dictate your behavior. By being self-aware, you can get a firm grip on your emotions and emotional responses. Being in control, instead of them controlling you, will help to improve your self-confidence through a positive self-image and understanding of your self-worth. 

Recenter Yourself

Meditation is so effective in reducing stress in your life because it teaches you how to control your flow of energy. When you meditate, you are becoming one with yourself and that moment in time. Through these mindful practices, you are learning about yourself at the same time that you are creating a harmony that emanates from within. Those who meditate regularly have a more concentrated attention span and heightened awareness of things around them.

You can’t take care of others until you learn how to take care of yourself first. By improving your own health, you will be able to provide a greater level of care to those who depend upon you. 

7 Signs of Elder Neglect You Shouldn’t Overlook

Wondering how to prevent elder abuse? A great start is learning the warning signs of neglect and exploitation so it can be stopped before the problem grows.

Do you think your loved one may be a victim of elder abuse?

We like to think our parents, grandparents, and other loved one’s caregivers treat them with the attention and love they deserve. But, there’s no way to know what’s going on behind closed doors when you’re not around.

When it comes to figuring out how to prevent elder abuse and, more specifically, neglect, the first step is to learn the warning signs.

Think your loved one may be suffering from abuse or neglect, but aren’t quite sure?

Here are seven signs of elder neglect you should look out for next time you visit your friend or family member.

  1. Unsanitary Conditions

Is your loved one’s house or room dirtier than it should be?

Messes are a part of life. That said, dirty sheets, food waste, and pests are signs that your loved one’s caregiver isn’t keeping their environment clean. If conditions don’t improve, you should seek out help immediately.

  1. Unsafe Conditions

Does your loved one have access to air conditioning or heating?

Another sign of elder neglect is an unsafe living environment. And, what constitutes “unsafe” is different for senior citizens than it is for everyone else.

If your loved one’s living conditions seem too dangerous for them and their level of mobility, they may be suffering from neglect.

  1. Weight Loss

While weight loss can come from various medical issues, it can also be a sign of elder neglect.

If your loved one seems thinner, and they don’t have any conditions that could cause weight loss, their caregiver may be neglecting them.

  1. Poor Appearance

Are your loved one’s clothes dirty? Do they seem uncharacteristically unkempt or ill-groomed?

Another sign of potential elder neglect could potentially lie in your friend’s or family member’s appearance. If they look or smell unclean, or their style has suddenly and drastically changed, their caregiver may be neglecting them.

  1. Untreated Injuries

Injuries and problems, like bedsores, could be a sign that your loved one’s caregiver isn’t watching them or caring for them the way they should.

  1. Missed Medication

It may be hard to keep tabs on all your loved one’s medical information. But, if you notice a sharp downturn in their health, it could be a sign that they haven’t been taking their medication — which could be a sign of neglect.

  1. Desertion

Finally, one of the most obvious signs that your elder loved one is suffering from neglect is public desertion.

If your friend or family member’s caregiver leaves them alone in a public place, they are almost definitely neglecting them in private.

If you notice any signs of elder abuse, you must take action as soon as possible. Contact a lawyer that specializes in elder abuse and neglect, like Sweet Lawyers, to review your options.

How to Prevent Elder Abuse: Knowledge Is Key

Learning how to prevent elder abuse and neglect is an essential part of caring for an older loved one, friend, or family member.

By keeping an eye out for these warning signs, you’ll be able to figure out whether your loved one is suffering from neglect sooner. So you can take action before any irreparable damage occurs.

Are you looking for more advice on how to care for your elder friends and family members? We’re here to help.

Check out the rest of our blog for more articles, or visit our directories to find the best care solution for your loved ones today.

4 Ways to Safely Help Elders During the Pandemic

It’s almost three months now since WHO officially declared COVID-19 outbreaks all over the world a pandemic. But in many countries, people have been coping with local epidemics for even longer. Many of us are tired and downhearted. 

The pandemic doesn’t spare the young – even those who stay healthy have a lot of issues to deal with. But for the elderly, these times are even harder. 

Firstly, seniors are at a much greater risk physically. Their immune systems are not so strong anymore, and they have more chronic health conditions. Secondly, they may face greater challenges mentally. With less mastery of modern technology and a generally higher level of anxiety, many elderly people feel lost and helpless facing this global threat. 

And these are exactly the times when our elders need us the most. This means that we should try to do our best to reassure them and help to get through this safely. 

Below are some suggestions on how we – close or distant relatives and even neighbors and acquaintances – can do it. 

Stay In Touch 

Social distancing and self-isolation are key in preventing further spread of COVID-19. But for most people of all ages leading such a lifestyle can be very exhausting.

Elderly people have fewer opportunities for socializing – even at “normal” times. Now they suffer tenfold. Younger folks can stay connected with the help of technology: have a chat via Whatsapp, talk via Skype, have a Zoom party, post something on Instagram, etc.

But people from the older generations rarely use all these options as easily. So, if you really want to give your elders some comfort, take the time and teach them the new technological tricks. But don’t forget the good old phone calls and SMS – they still work! 

Also, most elders love talking to their grandchildren. But some teens might be reluctant because of the huge amount of academic tasks they have. In this case, students can use some help from professional writing services like https://essaypro.com/ to spare them some time for their loved ones. 

Be Super Attentive 

Besides simply staying connected and showing that you care, it’s important to be on alert to notice any signs of trouble with your loved ones. Our older relatives understand that this situation is hard on us, too, and often try not to upset us by simply not mentioning their own problems. 

So, if you feel that they’re upset, tired, or just uneasy, ask directly about what’s wrong and how you can help. The real problem can be anything from the light blues from bad weather to health issues to sadness from the loss of a friend. It’s highly important to know what exactly it is in order to offer timely help or compassion. 

Make Sure They Have Everything They Need 

Various restrictions imposed by governments to slow down the spread of the disease have made a lot of things much less accessible than they were before. And in most countries, these restrictions are more severe for people over 60. 

Just think of how much the elderly are not supposed to do during the pandemic (the restrictions may vary in different countries):

  • use public transport every day;
  • maintain their usual health routines; 
  • go outside without masks and gloves; 
  • visit their relatives, friends, and neighbors any time they wish to;
  • work at the office;
  • participate in any offline classes, courses, or societies. 

All this is quite a lot to deal with even for the young! And even now, when quarantines in many countries are slowly coming to an end, some restrictions for older people still remain. 

Let’s also not forget that even if quarantines are almost over, the virus has not disappeared, and it’s still dangerous – especially for seniors. So, it’s still important for them to take the necessary precautions, and they continue to rely a lot on younger people’s help. 

There are a number of things we can do to make our elder’s life easier. Here are some suggestions:

  • go shopping for them or order groceries and other necessary goods delivery online; if your elders can’t cook for themselves, bring them ready dishes; 
  • make sure they have all the necessary medicine, masks and gloves; if they don’t, go to the pharmacy for them or order online; 
  • arrange tele-medicine calls when possible to reduce visits to clinics and hospitals; 
  • support their interests and hobbies – order or bring the necessary supplies, help to learn to use computers and smartphones to look for information and communities. 

Don’t forget that every person is unique, and everyone has their own needs – before doing anything, ask how exactly you can help. 

Provide Them With Reliable Information 

Information is overwhelming these days. What’s worse – it’s often contradictory in different sources. It’s quite tiring to consume and digest tons of information daily, plus, let’s be honest, some elders really can’t say what sources are reliable or not anymore. 

Every person of any age has a right to have their own opinion on any subject, and we’re not calling for imposing your point of view on anyone. But to have an opinion, one has to be informed. So, keep your older relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances updated regularly. They should know what’s happening, what restrictions still apply, etc. 

 

Wrapping Up 

The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be one of the greatest challenges humanity has faced in recent decades. The effect of the disease itself and the unprecedented measured taken to fight it has put people’s well-being at great risk – physically, financially, and mentally. 

The young have suffered from these effects, too. But seniors are the ones who face much greater risks. Today, it’s still highly important to be attentive and supportive and help them get through all this unharmed. After all, our loved ones are our greatest treasure. 

Improve Health in Your Golden Years With These Medicinal Flowers

Looking for a list of herbs to help improve your health? Look no further, we have medicinal flowers that you can use to naturally heal your ailments.

We are all always looking for ways to improve our health, especially as we get older. It can be overwhelming to manage all of our aches and pains as we age.

Medicinal flowers are a powerful way to improve your health as you age. Healing plants were our first form of medicine, and today these natural drugs are still potent remedies.

Curious about improving your health with medicinal flowers? Keep reading to learn about five beautiful and potent healing plants.

Lavender

Lavender is known for it’s long, beautiful purple flowers. This popular garden plant emits a powerful, fragrant aroma. It is also known for its medicinal properties.

Essential lavender oil is the best way to utilize this powerful, fragrant flower.

Lavender oil is great for encouraging relaxation, and it can even reduce agitation in individuals with dementia. Some studies even suggest that lavender oil can help with balance in old age.

Lavender is also great for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Inhaling the sweet scent of lavender is great for improving your mood.

Mimosa-Pudica

Mimosa-pudica is a beautiful creeping plant with small blooms. These purple or white flowers react to touch, similar to a Venus fly trap.

Mimosa-pudica is a powerful medicinal plant that helps with digestion and gut health. The plant can also help alleviate sciatic nerve pain. Mimosa-pudica is also anti-microbial and anti-fungal so it can help you fight off nasty microbes that can make you sick.

Echinacea

Echinacea refers to a group of 10 different flowers. Echinacea is closely related to the daisy, and you can find bloom in colors from deep purple to bright pink.

Echinacea has powerful immune-boosting properties. It’s also anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. Drinking echinacea tea or taking a supplement is a great way to prevent common illnesses, like seasonal flu or colds.

You can also use echinacea to encourage healthy cellular growth and to prevent breast cancer! Echinacea is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates free-radicals that damage cells.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a beautiful daisy-like flower with white petals and a large yellow center. These lovely little blooms are a powerful medicinal herb that aids in sleep, digestion, and relaxation.

The most common way to consume chamomile is in tea. Chamomile tea is great for soothing stomach pain by helping relax the muscles in your digestive system. It can also help to alleviate nausea and vomiting.

Chamomile also has strong immune-boosting properties and it’s great for fighting off a cold.

Marigold

Marigolds are a beautiful addition to any garden with their unique, large blooms. Did you know that you can use marigolds to improve your health?

Calendula extract from marigold flowers has powerful medicinal properties. Calendula tea is full of antioxidants, and it may combat certain cancer cells. A powerful brew of calendula tea can also help you achieve better oral health and brighter skin.

Calendula oil can also be applied topically for wound care and sun protection. It’s also a powerful treatment for acne. You can find calendula oil tinctures and creams online to soothe and protect your skin.

Stay Healthy With Medicinal Flowers

Staying healthy doesn’t have to be hard, there are plenty of amazing medicinal flowers that can help you stay healthy and prevent disease.

Make sure to consult your doctor before starting any medicinal herbal regiment. Some herbs can interact with medications. So you need to make sure you are clear to add any herbal remedies to your existing medications and vitamins.

Check out our other articles on senior living to make the best of your golden years.

Managing Diabetes in the Elderly and How Caregivers Can Help

Diabetes is extremely common among the senior population. It is estimated that about 26.8 percent of elderly adults in the United States have diabetes. While seniors are more likely to be impacted by this disease, the good news is that diabetes management is possible. As a caregiver, you can play a vital role in helping to manage your patient’s diabetes diagnosis. With your assistance and support, it is possible for them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few ways that you can help manage a diabetes diagnosis in older adults.

Understand how diabetes affects your elderly patient

The key to managing a diabetes diagnosis is to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes and which directly affect your senior patient. Do they often get tired or irritable? Are they more frequently hungry or thirsty? Experiencing sudden weight loss? Making more bathroom visits than usual? Mentioning tingling or numbness in their extremities? Do they have any other existing medical conditions? Diabetes affects everyone differently so knowing the answers to these questions will help you recognize when something is off with their diabetes management and can better inform what changes you should help implement. A diabetes diagnosis often impacts how elderly patients live their daily life. So it is important to gain full insight into their regular activities and draw conclusions as to how that is impacting their management abilities as well.

Create a routine for diabetes management

Elderly adults are at a higher risk of developing more serious complications, so it’s important to create a routine to help manage their symptoms. For example, developing a medication schedule can serve as a reminder of the regular intake of medicines prescribed to your patient, and ensure older relatives that they won’t miss any prescribed doses.

It’s also important to make sure that your senior patient is regularly checking their blood sugar to help manage their diabetes diagnosis. Remind them to check their blood sugar:

  • Before each meal
  • 1 or 2 hours after a meal
  • Before, during, and after physical activity
  • In the middle of the night
  • Before a bedtime snack
  • If they’re feeling sick
  • If they feel their blood sugar levels may be off

In addition to their daily routine care, it’s important to implement regular eye exams, skin assessments, and podiatrist visits into their schedule to help prevent further complications.

Encourage regular exercise to manage diabetes

It’s important for seniors to stay active and physically fit, especially if they’re diabetic. Regular exercise can help elderly adults control their blood glucose levels and manage their diabetes. Based on what your patient’s body can handle, encourage suitable exercises such as dancing, light cycling, swimming, walking, and yoga. You can help an older diabetic stay motivated by planning group exercises that you can do together. If your elderly patient isn’t as mobile, moving around during TV commercial breaks or simple exercises like arm swings can be just as effective in managing a diabetes diagnosis. Regardless of their activity level, even the smallest amount of physical activity can have a positive impact — this is especially true for older adults that sedentary more often than not

By understanding how diabetes affects your elderly patient and creating a routine that fits their needs, a diabetes diagnosis can be managed. As a caregiver, the likelihood of success only increases for seniors when they receive support from you.

Should you start a business in retirement?

Free image taken from https://unsplash.com/photos/W7aXY5F2pBo

For many seniors, retirement is like a much-needed vacation, when they finally get to spend more time with their loved ones, rediscover their hobbies, and enjoy the results of the investments they’ve made throughout their lives. However, this isn’t a rule, and retirement can also be a time for innovation and entrepreneurship. In the US, more than half of all small business owners are 50 or older and, statistically, the ventures established by senior entrepreneurs are more likely to survive five years after establishment. Hitting the retirement age doesn’t mean you should give up your business plans. On the contrary, you can still learn new things at an older age, and you can be successful. However, like any major endeavor, starting a business requires a lot of planning, and you have to get ready to face a few challenges too. 

If you’re still on the fence about starting your own business after you retire, these opportunities and challenges can help you put things into perspective and balance your expectations.

Your previous experience is your biggest asset.

Most reasons why startups fail center around the lack of experience: in choosing the right personnel, balancing costs, analyzing market demand, and prioritizing business processes. But, when you’ve worked in a field for more than 30 years, your experience becomes invaluable. You’re already familiar with what customers want, and you may even be able to attract customers who loved working with you at previous companies. Even if you’re launching a startup, you will experience less uncertainty, and you’ll be less likely to make beginner mistakes. Of course, you’ll still need to be adaptable and check the new requirements of the market. For example, you may need to consider moving some processes online, investing in enterprise eCommerce software, and staying active on social media, which will require outside consultancy. But the fact that you know how to talk to customers and manage finances will always offer you an excellent start.

You can stay active

The sudden switch from being active and working for eight hours a day to having too much time on your hands can seem ideal to some, but there are many cases when the slow pace of retirement doesn’t help your mental health. In fact, over the years, numerous studies have shown that retirement can have a negative impact on seniors’ health because it encourages a sedentary lifestyle. Meanwhile, seniors who continue to work at least part-time are more likely to stay healthy, happy, and socially engaged. Being in charge of your own business can boost your sense of accomplishment, motivate you to learn new things, engage with others, and overall maintain a healthier state of mind. The idea that once you retire, you’re too weak to do anything but since on the front porch, watch TV, and take your grandkids for a walk has long been debunked, and so has the myth of the young entrepreneur. The world’s oldest app developer, Masako Wakamiya, is 84 and started using computers at 60, after working as a bank clerk all her life.

Monetize your passions or stay on the safe path?

When it comes to the niche of businesses started after retirement, seniors tend to follow two schools of thought. The first says that you should open a business in a niche that you’re familiar with – preferably the one you’ve worked in for the longest time. This way, the transition will be smoother; you may already have a client base and know the ins and outs of the industry. This may not be the most exciting option, but it’s financially secure. The second school of thought says that retirement is the best time to rediscover your passions and monetize them: if you’ve worked as an accountant for 40 or so years, but have always wanted to start an antique shop, now is the time to do it. The biggest advantage of turning your hobby into a business is that the whole process will feel less stressful and more rewarding, but, at the same time, you will need to learn new things because the market may be a bit different from what you expected.

You shouldn’t start a family business without thinking of succession planning.

In a company that’s not family-owned, there is a transparent, formal chain of command, and if the CEO steps down, you and the other stakeholders know what needs to be done. But according to a 2016 global PwC study, 43% of family businesses don’t have a succession plan in place. That can be a huge mistake, and so is having an informal succession plan. Although this may not be fun to think about, you need to designate and train a formal successor and not let things be “implied.” Otherwise, the longevity of the company is jeopardized. After you have to step down, the remaining family members may not know how to grow the business, maintain your long-term vision, and they might even compete amongst themselves on who should lead the company going forward.

Seniors are more prone to stress and burnout.

Starting your own business in retirement can be financially and emotionally rewarding. However, it’s essential to know your limits and work at a reasonable pace. Oftentimes, from the desire to prove that they’re still active and capable, senior entrepreneurs take on more challenges than they need to, work long hours, and refuse to delegate. These habits are destructive for entrepreneurs of all ages, but after retirement, they can be even more dangerous. Stress and burnout can cause many health problems and, if you already have chronic health conditions, you’re taking on even more risks. So, as much as you wanted to stay active, remember not to overdo it and make your schedule in a way that supports your physical and emotional well being. Surround yourself with competent people that you trust (this will be easier if you start a family business), know your limits, and don’t be afraid to ask for outside help when things get out of control. If you have a health condition that requires you to take a break, take it. Your company will still be there when you get better, and you can discuss important, big-picture things without going to work every day.

Thoughtful Family Gift Ideas For Seniors

As someone gets older, it can get more difficult to buy them gifts. It starts to feel like you’ve already bought them everything over the years and you might not know what to get them anymore. When people are older, they often don’t want lots of material things, which could create clutter. What can be a touching and thoughtful gift is something to remind them of their family, especially if they can’t see them in person all the time. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to give a senior in your family, consider these ideas.

A Personalized Blanket

A good blanket to cuddle up with is always useful to have. The great thing about blankets is that they come in many different designs too, and can be made from different materials. When you’re looking for a personalized gift, a blanket could be a perfect choice. You can make your own photo blanket with some favorite family photos to create a unique gift that will be treasured. As well as using some precious memories to design your blanket, you can also give the gift of a cozy accessory that has a practical use. It’s a great option if you want to give something useful, that’s also unique. And if the idea of a personalized gift sounds great to you, but blankets just aren’t the right thing, then there are many more options available!

Gifts from the Kids

Gifts from the grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren, are always guaranteed to be touching presents. When you want to give a senior a thoughtful gift, especially on a special occasion, consider whether the kids can make something or pick out something that will have a special meaning. They can create artwork or crafts, whether it’s something to display or something that can be used. If you want to give this type of gift, try to think beyond a simple drawing. You could buy a handprint impression kit to make a unique gift, or you could decorate mugs or something else practical.

Memory and Keepsake Journal

Memories are often what makes a gift extra special, and they can be even more precious for seniors, who may have memory problems. A journal is a good way to put together some memories and keepsakes. The best thing about it is that you can leave space so that you can continue to add to it. If you’re not sure where to start, you can find journals that provide prompts and set pages to provide ideas. You can get started with adding some memories, or you can leave it to the person that you gift it to, and they can do it on their own.

Image from Pexels – CC0 License

New Tech for Communication

Staying in touch with seniors is very important. Loneliness can become a problem as you get older, but there are lots of ways to help people to keep in touch. There are various types of technology that you might consider, from a smartphone to a new computer and a webcam. Not all older people are au fait with new technology, although many can pick it up quickly, so consider your choices carefully. A basic cell phone may be better than a fancy smartphone. It can be helpful if you are able to control their devices from a distance, in case they need help to do anything.

A Genealogy Site Membership

Many people enjoy looking into their family tree. There can be all kinds of interesting things to discover, and it’s a fascinating hobby. You can find a few different genealogy sites out there, which provide access to records such as censuses, birth, marriage and death certificates, newspapers, and much more. While some information can be accessed for free, most records require a subscription to view and download them. A membership to a genealogy site can be excellent for anyone who enjoys researching their family or is looking for a new hobby.

Experience Gifts

Material things can be fun, but not everyone wants stuff. Another way to choose a thoughtful family gift for a senior is to think about experiences that they might like. This could be anything from going out to lunch or a trip to the theater to something perhaps a bit more thrilling. The experience you choose should depend on what your giftee enjoys doing, and could even be something that they have always wanted to do but never managed. Of course, you don’t have to make it a family outing. They might prefer to go out with friends instead!

There are many thoughtful family gifts for seniors that are sure to be treasured. Make sure you personalize your gift to suit the person you give it to.

Craft Time: How to Make Bingo Cards at Home

Ready for some serious craft time? If yes, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about this craft, click here to read more today!

During this time of uncertainty, it can be very difficult for children and seniors alike to fill their time with quality experiences that their family will remember fondly. Today, we offer an option for your family that is not only fun and engaging but also brings kids into the fun with a cool craft: Making Bingo Cards!

Bingo is a great option for the family in that it is easy to learn to play, can be modified for any age to play, and has a lot of flexibility in how you can play it so kids won’t get bored. For instance, you can play straight bingo, play four corners, or another configuration.

How To Make Bingo Cards

Your first instinct might be to ask yourself, “Where can I buy bingo cards?” Although this could be an option, it would take away the opportunity for your family to make bingo cards that are specially made for them, and create bingo cards for a fun, crafty game. Here a few ways you can create bingo cards with your family.

Use A Bingo Card Generator

In our ever-increasing digital world, this seems like the obvious choice, and great news, there are tons of bingo card generators out there, but some are better than others.

There are so many ways you can go with bingo card generators, such as holiday themes, pictures, numbers, or even something educational like the alphabet for your little ones.

All you’ll need is a bingo generator. We suggest the Spark Adobe Bingo Generator because their bingo cards have so many styles, plus you can customize and edit them, especially for your family.

Got card stock and a printer? Then it’s as simple as pressing a few buttons. Have your kids decorate them for an added touch.

Use Your Computer Skills

Perhaps you would like to be more digitally crafty, is that a real thing?

Either way, if you would like to create your own bingo cards, you’ll need to consider a few things.

  • How many people will be playing – this is important because you’ll need to create a different board for each person, which could be time-consuming.
  • Choosing a program – you could go with Google Docs, or Google Slides, or some other program.

Create a table and put in what you wish, whether it’s pictures, numbers, or something else. Remember: you’ll still need to make different cards for each person.

Get Crafty With It

Finally, your family could bust out the construction paper, some rulers, scissors, glue sticks, and markers to create hand-made bingo cards. This may get time-consuming and messy, but if your family is up to the challenge it’s a great way to go! Kids love to get crafty with it!

Final Thoughts

Crafting with your kids is a special moment for families. Bingo cards turn your craft into game night that you can do again and again. What could be better?

Be sure to come back for all your gaming needs and other fun activities for the family.