Leslie Newlife

Special Diets for Seniors

Food is an important part of our health. It’s also something individuals need to pay closer attention to as they get older. The following are various healthy diets for seniors to consider:

Gluten Free Diet

One diet that you should consider is a gluten-free diet. Many seniors develop Celiac disease, which causes the body to react negatively to gluten. This can be found in wheat products; gluten is not a bad thing, but if you develop celiac disease, your body will see gluten as a threat. It will fight it, causing damage to your small intestine. You would think that a dietary change like this would be dramatic, but it isn’t. You can include many foods you already eat, like gluten free granola with yogurt.

The Paleo Diet

Another popular diet that seniors can try is the paleo diet, which asks you to eliminate grains and eat pastured-raised meats. A person following the paleo diet is also going to have to eat meat nose-to-tail, which means eating organ meats. The diet asks you to eat leafy greens and other vegetables as well. Opting for all-natural and organic means these foods should contain more vitamins and minerals. The bio-availability of minerals and vitamins in these foods makes this diet good for seniors. You’ll notice that sugars are significantly reduced, which should protect you from diabetes or diabetic issues.

Vegan or Vegetarian Diet

The vegan or vegetarian diet is another one worth exploring. Seniors who follow this diet may not develop issues like high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. The vegan or vegetarian diet won’t have the protein meat offers, so you are going to have to substitute it with alternatives. This means eating things like lentils or quinoa, which are rich in protein.

The Raw Diet

Most people cook their vegetables and other food items, but the raw diet requires you to eat stuff in its raw form. This is a popular diet among people, and the reason it’s popular is simply that you’ll be eating things as close to nature as possible. The nutrients in these items are going to be ready for your body to absorb much faster than if the items were cooked. Another reason why some people may like this diet is that it helps improve digestion, which can be a problem for some seniors.

The Whole Foods Diet

The whole foods diet is another popular diet that many people are starting to use to fight obesity and lower the risk of heart problems. The whole foods diet asks you to avoid heavily processed foods, such as frozen dinners or foods with additives, such as white sugar or high fructose corn syrup. You are also going to have to stay away from heavily processed white flour that is in many foods you find in stores. Focus on fresh foods, which you can get if you shop at farmer’s markets. You can also get fresh food at local farms.

These are just some diets available to you. Consider trying some or a combination of them because they all have their benefits to offer you and your health.

Ways to Look After Your Aging Parents

There’s no question that our parents have done a lot for us. Now that they are older, it’s our responsibility to take care of them. How you choose to take care of them is up to you. Continue reading to learn a few ways to look after your aging parents.

Encourage exercise

As much as some of us hate it, we can never escape the need for regular exercise. Even your parents who are getting older need exercise on a regular basis, even if it’s as simple as a daily walk. Some other great exercise ideas include swimming, resistance band workouts, and don’t forget to stretch!

Be available for them

Now, we know your parents can get on your nerves at times, but you still love them, right? Well, show your love by being with them. More often than not, all they really want is to spend time with you. Watch Jeopardy! with them, or whatever their favorite show is. But simply being present with them and helping them with day-to-day tasks can mean the world to them.

Ensure their living situation is safe and healthy

Everyone is different when it comes to this point; some of your parents may be complete neat freaks and have an immaculate home, while others may have given up vacuuming for Lent—twenty years ago. Help your parents clean their home, get any tripping hazards out of the way, and so on. You want to create a comfortable, healthy, and safe environment for them.

Additionally, if they’re still able to drive, help them with some basic car maintenance. Chances are that car hasn’t had an oil change in quite some time. Plus, let’s be honest, even though your parents probably aren’t driving very much anymore, the tires likely need some air or other attention. In fact, having the car sit there isn’t very good for the tires either, since they’re completely stationary, so they might even need new tires. Luckily, you can get affordable, high-quality tires in Florence, SC, and throughout the nation.

Help them learn technology

Unfortunately, you can’t always be there with your parents, and sometimes they want to attempt using “the facetime” or “zoom-zoom.” Give them a basic lesson on how to use modern technology like their computer or phone. They’ll love doing a video chat with you, or their grand kids. Not to mention, it may save you some trips if you can just do a chat with them to help them out instead of driving to them.

Of course, you can’t always be there for them. You’re responsible for things like your career, your own family, a social life, and so on. After a certain point, of course, one of the ways to look after your aging parents is by hiring a caregiver or moving them to an independent living facility. So whether you choose to take care of them yourself, or hire someone to help, remember that you’re still taking care of them.

Tips To Sleep Better At Night As You Are Older

As we grow older, it is completely normal to notice that we wake up earlier than we used to. It is also very common to often wake up in the middle of the night. Even falling asleep during the daytime is difficult. Unfortunately, this is normal. Fortunately, there are things that you can do in order to get a much better night’s sleep.

How Much Sleep Is Enough?

There are countless articles talking about how much you should sleep. The truth is that they are deceiving since there is no such thing as a perfect sleep amount. The amount that you think is good can be totally different than what the neighbor believes. Even so, most experts recommend you get between 7 and 9 hours per night.

As a simple rule of thumb, if you feel tired and everything is ok with you from a medical point of view, you most likely need more sleep.

How To Sleep Better At Night

While there are many things that can be done, those that were proven to be very effective in the past are:

  • Stick to a bedtime routine – You have to get used to your sleeping pattern. You want to get up and go to sleep at the exact same time every single day. This includes the weekends. The body gets used to the routine and you sleep better at night as a result.
  • Get a better mattress – If you do not sleep on a good mattress, you cannot sleep well. It is really important that you buy one of the best mattresses on the market if you want to sleep or you will end up tossing and turning.
  • Take a long warm bath – The temperature of your body drops when you finish your long warm bath. This can instantly help you to feel tired. In the end, you are relaxed and the body slows down. You will thus be much more ready to sleep.
  • Calm down before going to sleep – Before you turn out all lights, it is worth it to take some time off and calm down. This includes turning off electronic devices. Do the same with the TV set and do it one hour before going to bed. During that time, you can listen to some music or read a book. This all makes you ready for bed.
  • Turn the bedroom into a sleep-only zone – When you still find yourself awake half an hour after going to bed, the best thing you can do is to get up. Then, just go to bed after you feel that you are tired enough. This helps you to train your brain that you want to sleep and the bedroom is seen as a place where the only thing that happens is sleep.
  • Do not take afternoon naps – When you sleep at the wrong times, it is tough to sleep during the night. Do not sleep during daytime because it makes it easy to be awake during nights.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption – This is especially the case before you go to bed. Even some small amounts will make it difficult to sleep. You end up waking up during the night as the alcohol’s effects wear off.
  • Exercise – As you exercise every day at regular times, your body gets stronger. However, this does not happen when you do so and there are under 3 hours left until you have to go to bed.

Conclusions

As you can easily notice, there are many things that you can do in order to go to sleep during the night and actually sleep. If you notice that there are huge problems and you still cannot do it, you should talk to a doctor.

Things Seniors Can Do Outside During Social Distancing

Elders may experience intense stress and worry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While all seniors are at risk, those with underlying health conditions are in even more danger from potential exposure. Nevertheless, seniors who can manage safely on their own can benefit from getting outside for some activity, which can reduce stress and lift the mood. With appropriate precautions, there are still things seniors can do outside during social distancing. Seniors should avoid areas where people are failing or refusing to comply with the recommendation to wear a cloth face covering, and they should certainly stay away from anyone who seems sick.

Dancing on the Deck, Prancing on the Patio

Living situations that provide private outdoor space offer seniors the chance to get outside for some fresh air and activity without getting too close to others. Elders can put on some favorite music and do a little dancing (seated or standing, depending on mobility).

Gardening

Growing something from the ground up brings a special kind of satisfaction. Seniors can order supplies for contactless delivery and enjoy creating small container gardens or planting some flowering perennials that will return next year.

Stargazing

Seniors who are lucky enough to live in communities relatively free from “light pollution” need only look up for some peaceful enjoyment on a warm, clear night. Stargazing—with the naked eye, or with a sanitized telescope or binoculars—is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the “big picture” outdoors. Several apps turn cellphones into celestial maps that identify stars, planets, comets, and constellations. Some even show where and when satellites or the international space station will pass overhead.

Walking

Seniors who may safely travel to parks and preserves can still take a nice walk outdoors, as long as they observe appropriate social distancing. The “six feet apart” rule is a minimum. Active seniors that want to go for a walk or a run must be careful to avoid crowded areas and find ways to separate themselves from others on the track or trail. Stay away from others, and give a wide berth to those passing in either direction. Seniors should not touch any surfaces in a public park or preserve, including railings, benches, picnic tables, or playground equipment.

Seniors venturing outside beyond their own backyards or patios should take some hand sanitizer along. Immediately upon returning home, anyone who has been outside should wash their hands with soap for the recommended twenty seconds, being sure to lather all the fingers, thumbs, the palms, and between the fingers, as well as wrists and palms. Sanitize all doorknobs, keys, or light switches that anyone who has been outside has touched. Sanitize these frequently touched surfaces several times a day, if possible.

With care and caution, healthy seniors who can safely move about on their own can still go outside during social distancing if they observe the rules of keeping distant from others and avoiding places where others fail to cover their noses and mouths.

Overcoming Hearing Loss for Better Communication and Care

In January 2020, a senior health website named Clear Living conducted a study on the effect of hearing loss on all facets of life. In this study, it was found that communication with others was the most heavily impacted area of life.

As one might assume, losing your hearing can put up a few roadblocks when it comes to communicating with friends or loved ones. Caring for someone with hearing loss can be taxing – both parties can get frustrated over the communication blocks, and the process can become quite grinding. It can even lead to cognitive decline, as mental stimulation through conversation lessens over time.

But it doesn’t have to – indeed, there are several ways to move beyond hearing loss and retain audiological independence. And while these roadblocks could frustrate anyone, the elderly are the most at risk of both experiencing hearing loss, and undergoing its more frustrating side effects.

What’s the problem with poor communication?

With everyone texting and emailing, it can be hard to remember that words are only one aspect of communicating with someone else.

For example, the phrase “great job” can be interpreted very differently based on how it’s said. An emphatic “great job!” can only be a good thing, while an apprehensive sarcastic “great job…” isn’t such a nice thing to hear.

When you have hearing loss, you can miss some of the nuances in the spoken word. While it probably won’t get to the point where you’ll be mixing up “Great job!” and “Great job…”, some subtext may be completely missed, making things more confusing and unclear.

Poor communication doesn’t just mean getting frustrated due to missing out on words. It can lead to real cognitive issues, like depression, memory loss, and even dementia. As sad as it is to hear, enjoying some lifelong hobbies is often severely impeded by hearing loss:

  • “Difficulty hearing women’s voices at plays and films.”
  • “I don’t go out to parties or do anything fun anymore.”

How the elderly struggle with hearing loss

While these effects can hinder anyone’s way of life, older people and those in need of care are in a particularly at-risk spot. The study includes comments from older people struggling with hearing loss, and how it has affected their quality of life, finding that 39% of people found that their communication was negatively affected by hearing loss, with a further 8% feeling isolated and lonely. Here’s what some of them had to say:

  • “ [I’m] not participating in family gatherings, feeling left out.”
  • “It has drastically affected my quality of life. I can no longer participate in normal conversations because I cannot hear nor understand the words being spoken.”
  • “It’s seriously become an issue. I’m leaving him because of it. I doubt he’ll hear me leave.”

It can be difficult to come to terms with hearing loss when you’ve been used to hearing naturally for 50-60 years. This is why some of them are often resistant to arranging or attending hearing tests – as people often don’t want to confirm their fears.

In fact, a massive 66% of people said that they had anxieties before undergoing their first hearing test, with 41% of them saying they were worried about their hearing loss being officially diagnosed.

When asked about their hearing loss anxieties, here are some answers that were given:

  • “[I was worried about] The results of how bad my hearing is”
  • “[I was worried about] Understanding the test/the words.”

Ways to help seniors overcome their hearing loss

Tell them to put on their hearing aid

A nice easy one to start – if they’ve been prescribed a hearing aid, then do yourself and your loved one a favor and ask them to wear it whenever they’re communicating with someone.

Ideally they’d be wearing this from when they wake up to when they go to bed, but if they refuse to, it’s a good idea for them to at least put it on for dinner or gatherings. Not only does a hearing aid help its user hear more effectively, but it also stops their hearing loss (and its ensuing implications) from advancing further.

However, these benefits pale in comparison to a hearing aid’s greatest gift – giving its user independence. Even if someone is under care, they’ll gain a huge amount of freedom and confidence by being able to hear once more.

Make eye contact

A nice rule for conversation in general, but especially for someone who’s hard of hearing. The spoken word gets a lot of context from the shape of the mouth as it’s said.

You may have heard of the McGurk effect – an illusion that occurs when the auditory component of one sound is paired with the visual component of another sound, leading to the perception of a third sound.

Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWGeUztTkRA

Looking at someone when you’re talking to them is crucial to conveying the whole message. People suffering from hearing loss are often susceptible to missing high frequency sounds, like t, f, sh, and s, meaning they can experience a flurry of gaps in the conversation.

This issue can be remedied by maintaining eye contact, and by allowing full view of your mouth (so not covering your face with your hands, for example).

Arrange a hearing test

If this is the first you’re noticing a decline in the individual’s hearing ability, then the best thing that you can do is book them a hearing test. After all, you shouldn’t be panicking about potential hearing loss when it might be something as inconsequential as a buildup of wax in the ear canal.

Hearing tests are quick, easy, and usually free. If you or someone you care for is experiencing hearing loss, this is always the first step you should take.

Be patient

Whether you’re communicating with someone who has hearing loss, or dealing with it yourself, remember not to get frustrated.

It can be hard being asked to repeat yourself several times, or missing something someone has said in a busy room, but getting mad at yourself or at the other person will only strain the relationship and make both parties upset.

This may be the hardest bit of advice to follow, as you might need to be reminded of it a lot, but be patient with each other and the whole process of communication will flow a lot smoother.

Overall

Humans are innately social creatures, and even the most secluded introvert could do with some healthy conversation every now and then. It’s an important part of keeping our mental faculties running and up to date, and should be treated as seriously as diet or exercise. Hearing loss makes the brain work harder than usual to keep up with conversation, so taking care of your ears can save you plenty of undue mental stress.

As found in the study discussed earlier, healthy hearing leads to healthier and happier relationships for both the individual and their loved ones, as well as better health overall. This is priceless for both caregivers and those whom they care for.

With recent events, the elderly may be more isolated than ever before. It’s important to be aware of the difficulties that come alongside hearing loss, and to do our best to accommodate them.


Clear Living 7 Ways to Help Older People during Coronavirus Infographic Clear Living

Aging and Teeth Shifting – Why It Happens and What You can Do

Dentist Examining TeethAs we age, we experience many changes in our body, including changes in our smile. Yes, that’s right. Teeth tend to shift from their position as we age. Therefore, problems such as overbite teeth, teeth overlapping, gapped teeth, etc. are common in older people. So, if you suddenly notice a change in your teeth, you’re probably not hallucinating.

There are some factors that result in teeth shifting. Let’s understand each.

What causes teeth shifting?

Skipping Retainers – It is common to assume that teeth correction will last forever, but that’s not the case. If you had braces for teeth correction during childhood or your teenage years but didn’t wear retainers after braces, your teeth will most probably shift back into their natural position. However, the teeth won’t shift overnight. You will start noticing the change over a few years.

Teeth Grinding – Grinding puts a lot of pressure on the teeth, surrounding bone, and gums, which tends to shift the teeth from their position. In most cases, grinding results in the upper set of teeth shifting forward. And though this can be corrected through overbite braces, the treatment may get complicated as you age. Moreover, teeth grinding can also result in enamel wear and gum damage, which eventually lead to severe bite problems and facial changes.

Tooth Loss – Gum disease, injuries, or dental decay can result in tooth loss, which creates extra space. And, to accommodate this change, the rest of the teeth start spreading out. This is why you must have seen many older people with very noticeable gaps between their teeth.

Bone Loss and Gum Recession – With age, your teeth start to appear longer because of bone loss in teeth and receding gums. Moreover, the lower jaw continues to grow forward even when you age. And eventually, when the lower set of teeth starts bumping into the upper set from behind, the pressure pushes the upper teeth forward too. And this movement becomes easy as the tissue, ligaments, and bone in gums become weaker with age. Also, if you have gapped teeth, you can expect it to get worse over time.

How can I stop my teeth from shifting?

Stop Teeth Grinding – Teeth grinding is known as Bruxism in medical terms and is common in people who experience a lot of stress, anger, and frustration. It is one of the most common reasons for teeth shifting but can be controlled. If you experience symptoms of bruxism, follow these tips:

  • Try methods such as meditation to cope up with the stress.
  • Try cognitive behavioral therapy to treat underlying anxiety. This will help you get rid of the teeth grinding habit from its root.
  • Massage your jaw and do jaw stretching exercises before going to sleep.
  • Ask your dentists to fit you with a mouth-guard to prevent teeth grinding when you’re asleep.

Go for Orthodontic Treatment – Crowded, gapped, and overlapping teeth tend to get worse with age. Therefore, it is important to go for braces or any of the other orthodontic treatments for teeth correction before teeth and jaw lose strength. As discussed above, it is especially essential to wear retainers after braces to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and eventually gapped teeth. Therefore, it is important to eliminate the cause of the problem – poor oral health. Following an oral care routine diligently will help tremendously.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day.
  • Use an anti-bacterial fluoride-based mouthwash to clean your teeth if you’re traveling.
  • Go for professional teeth cleaning every six months.
  • Limit soda and alcohol intake.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups.

Dental issues can affect your confidence and your health, no matter what your age. So, do not ignore the problems you have been noticing lately. Visit your dentist or orthodontist and check for options that may be best for you to stop your teeth shifting problem from getting worse. Some dental professionals offer on-site visits at senior communities and even in homes.

Additionally, advancements in cosmetic dental procedures have made it easier for individuals to maintain a bright, youthful smile even as they age. These treatments can address various dental issues, ensuring that your smile remains one of your most attractive features.


Author Bio: Sharon Williams’ day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers. She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighborhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.

Do You Have an Elderly Relative Who Lives Alone? 5 Ways To Keep Them Safe

The thought of your aging parents or other elderly relatives living all by themselves can be nerve-wracking. However, you won’t be able to stop them if they want to enjoy and maintain their same level of independence.

Yes, their faculties may be declining, and you may be worried about them. It is perfectly natural to do so. Nevertheless, there are a number of things you can do to make sure they stay safe while you enjoy your well-deserved peace of mind.

Five Ways To Keep Them Safe

With time, your aging loved ones will need more and more care. If you aren’t able to provide this care to them personally, you can always find ways to accommodate their needs and keep them safe in their own home. It is all a matter of looking for some ideas, adopting a few best practices, and trying out a few technological solutions.

Here are a few things you can do if you are looking for ways to keep your aging relatives safe:

  1. Eliminating Potential Hazards

At least 55 percent of the fall injuries that older people experience occur right within their homes. Twenty-three percent of the rest occur around their homes.

Most such falls can be avoided by fixing potential hazards in and around your home. It may not even cost you a lot if a few simple adjustments can do the trick. For instance:

  • You can make sure every nook and corner of the home is well-lit.
  • Make sure the floor is clear of any throw rugs, electrical cords, or anything else that might cause your aging parents to trip and fall.
  • Put orange tape at doorways, to alert your parents of any changes in floor surfaces such as tile to wood or carpet.
  • Install fire safety equipment or alarms at appropriate places.

If your aging parents are living in an older home, you may want to consider some updated options, such as widening the doorways and building ramps.

  1. Making the Bathrooms Safe

Bathrooms are those places where maximum accidents happen, especially those involving seniors. There are a few things you need to look into, if you want to minimize such accidents:

  • Install anti-skid flooring in shower area or use mats with non-slip bottoms. You might want to skid-proof the tub too.
  • Make sure the door locks can be opened from both sides.
  • Install bathing aids such as grab bars and safety rails on the sides of the toilet as well as on the walls of the bath/shower stall.
  • Make it easier for them to identify the cold and the hot faucets.
  • Make sure the water heater is turned to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This will help to avoid burns from scalding temperatures.
  1. Improving Mobility

Mobility becomes a major issue as people start aging, especially if they have arthritis or any other mobility-related problems. Here are a few things you can consider to make the home easier for them to move around:

  • Make sure the entrances are free of steps. Building ramps would be a better alternative.
  • Replace swing doors with pocket doors.
  • Consider installing an elevator or an electric stair lift if the home has multiple floors.
  • Make sure the doors and the doorways provide walker or wheelchair access.
  1. Setting up Surveillance and Monitoring Systems

You can increase your peace of mind if you install the necessary equipment to help monitor your parents 24/7. Set up webcams in every room of the house so that you can keep an eye on your loved ones even when you are not there. Choose the ones that come with high-definition images, night vision, and two-way talk. Make sure you get alerts on your smartphone whenever the camera detects any movement.

  1. Making it Easier to Handle Emergencies

If your parents are suffering from any medical conditions that put them at high risk, you might even consider investing in a medical alert system. This will automatically connect them to a call center in case of an emergency. Top10.com compared the best medical alert systems in the market and compiled a list that might come in handy for you.

Make it a point to place a phone extension in every room of the house, in case your parents don’t have the habit of carrying their cell phones with them. You can also consider making them wear an emergency contact system that comes with a panic button.

Make Your Home Senior-Friendly

Take a walk around your home to make sure there are no potential hazards that can put your aging parents in danger. Pay attention to every nook and corner and make sure things are accessible to them. If need be, get a professional to inspect your home and give you a few suggestions.

 

 

Signs Your Loved One Needs A Caregiver

As our loved ones grow older, it shifts into us finding ways to ensure that they are safe. One thing you may have to consider is getting a quality caregiver who can watch over your loved one to make sure nothing bad happens to them—especially when they are alone in their home all day. Notice the signs your loved one needs a caregiver so you can act when needed.

Loneliness

If you begin to notice that your loved one is suffering from loneliness or depression, this is a telltale sign they need a caregiver. Some indications that could point towards this could be a sudden weight change, not talking, or a change in mood. Try to remain in regular contact with your loved one to see if this is the case. A caregiver can be a great companion for your loved one every day.

Unpaid Bills

Another sign that may mean that your loved one needs a caregiver is if they start to accumulate unpaid bills. An easy way to spot this is if you notice a pile of unpaid bills or mail in the mailbox or in their home. A caregiver can help your loved one stick to paying their bills on and not letting duties like that fall to the wayside.

Poor Hygiene

Unfortunately, your loved one may also have some poor hygiene, such as body odor, bad breath, or poor grooming. The good news is a caregiver can also help your loved one keep up with their personal hygiene.

Health Risks at Home

When it comes to your loved ones, you must always look out for any health risks at home. If them being left alone seems dangerous, that’s a clear sign that they need a caregiver. For example, a common health hazard is falling downstairs. This and other potential accidents can be minimized if you get a caregiver for your loved one.

It’s important you bring these signs to the attention of your loved one as well, so they can understand why the decision may be necessary.

Pension vs Property in the UK: Should I Invest My Savings Rather Than Put Them in a Pension Pot?

For decades people have put their monthly earnings into a pension pot for when they retire. This may seem like the only logical explanation for many people, but there are others out there too. Rather than putting your savings into a pot and allowing the savings to collect dust until your retirement days arrive, you can invest that money into a stable and secure asset such as property. The decision to invest your money rather than allowing it to only gain interest through an account is often deemed a huge one. Understandably you’re taking a risk with any investment type, but if you do your research first, then you’re sure to feel more confident with your choice.

In this quick guide, we will address saving for your pension in a traditional way, using a pension pot. However, the decision is ultimately up to you, whether you choose to invest your savings before you retire or you want to be more traditional is entirely your choice and should not be taken without serious consideration. Below we are comparing the two and what might be best depending on your financial situation.

Investing in Property

Out of the two choices, investing in property is the one that is going to get you the biggest and best return. If you’re a savvy investor and choose to invest in a high yielding area, not only will your property appreciate in value over time, it will also give you a steady secondary income that you can either reinvest or save up. Plus, when it comes to retiring, you can either sell on your asset or pass it down to your children. With many property investments, you will make returns from day one.

Like the properties offered by RWinvest, there are hundreds of modern, off-plan or refurbished buy to let opportunities across the country, but you must do the research first. Property investment can be a career option if you are wise with spending and build up your portfolio. This is why so many investors choose to invest in property rather than put their savings in a pension pot. If you’re lucky enough to have a large sum of money that would otherwise sit in a low-interest savings account, investing in property means you will get returns and also have an asset to your name too.

Before taking the plunge and investing, you may want to look at the market and decide which area is best for you. Northern UK cities have been known to offer investors better rental yields and capital appreciation and properties in the UK capital, London. However, you need to feel confident and believe in the property and the area to know you’re going to succeed with your investment.

Pension Pot

Investment of any type can be seen as taking a risk, which is why many people simply choose to put their retirement funds into a pension pot. There are two main issues with this; you’re not going to make big returns so, therefore, whatever you put in you won’t get much more out, and also, you will need to think about whether putting money into a pension pot suits you financially.

Compared to owning a buy to let property, with pension pots, you don’t gain any interest (or whatever interest you do get will be minimal) which is why people choose investment rather than saving. However, if you are going to save for your pension, it is recommended you put your money into the likes of a Lifetime ISA which allows individuals between 18 to 50 to put away £4,000 (almost $5000) per year and receive £1,000 ($1250) as a bonus. It is worth noting that while this ISA is useful for getting a bonus every tax year, you can only open it until you’re 39 (despite being able to save until you’re 50).

Why It’s Important for Seniors to Stay Active and Physically Fit

As older adults, we hear it all the time—exercise, exercise, exercise. But is it really that big of a deal if we don’t get the recommended amount of exercise each week? Well, we’re here to say that, indeed, staying active and physically fit is one of the most important things you can do to live a long, healthy, and happy life. When we hear it over and over again, sometimes it’s easy to forget why getting routine exercise is so important. Here are the reasons why your doctor demands that you get active.

  1. It Prevents Heart Disease –  The number one reason why older adults need to exercise is because it prevents the leading cause of death in America, heart disease. Exercise gets your heart rate up and strengthens it while also helping to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.  When you have these things under control, you’ll be much less likely to experience heart attack, stroke, and other fatal cardiovascular episodes. Interestingly, research shows that exercise even helps the heart’s arteries dilate easier and helps manage your sympathetic nervous system, which controls heart rate and blood pressure.
  2. It Keeps Extra Weight Off – Exercising burns calories and aids in regulating blood sugar, which will help you lose weight and keep it off. And, while we still don’t know all the ways carrying a few extra pounds can affect us, there is research indicating that it’s one of the worst things for our health and well-being as we age. Being overweight or obese can seriously increase and exacerbate health risks in seniors, as it’s linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, and more.
  3. It Lowers Blood Pressure – High blood pressure (hypertension) leads to heart disease because it puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, but there are more negative ways it impacts your body. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says that high blood pressure can cause serious damage to the brain, including dementia, transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, and cognitive impairment. It also has a worrying effect on the kidneys, eyes, and sexual organs.
  4. It Strengthens Your Muscles – While cardiovascular activity is good for the heart, you also need to incorporate strength training and stretching into your complete fitness routine for full-body health. Stronger muscles scaffold the entire body, helping to mitigate back pain, keep your spine straight, and support your hips and knees. If you have chronic back pain, incorporating strength-building into your routine may seem like a challenge. We recommend using a laser light therapy belt to temporarily relieve and relax muscles after a strenuous workout.
  5. It Protects Your Bones – Did you know that working out can improve bone health? Yep! In fact, bones are similar to muscles in that they respond to exercise by becoming stronger. Keeping your bones strong into old age can help prevent injury while improving coordination and flexibility. But exercise is both good and bad for the bones and joints, so you need to make sure you’re doing the right kinds for your age and body. Low-intensity activities such as swimming can help build muscle and condition the heart without stressing the joints.
  6. It Makes You Happy – Who can deny the pure, natural joy of runner’s high? The chemicals released during a good workout session are second-to-none, and there are few other ways you can get such a guilt-free thrill! Working out makes you happy because it releases endorphins that reduce your perception of pain and makes you feel happy, but it also just feels good because you know you’re doing something great for yourself and your health!
  7. It Encourages Socialization – Working out doesn’t have to be a solo activity and, in fact, it’s actually better when done with others. Exercising in a group is an awesome way to stay accountable and connect with others. Some of the best ways to do this are through fitness classes and clubs, such as hiking or running clubs. One of the most overlooked ways to enhance physical and mental health is spending time with friends and family. Being around others can make you feel happy, confident, loved, and self-assured, which is important to good health.
  8. It Boosts Your Energy – There’s no denying it: We get more tired as we get older, so anything we can do to ward off fatigue and feel more energetic is worth a try. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve energy levels because it delivers essential oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, helping the heart and lungs work more efficiently and giving the whole body a big-time boost of oomph.

9. It Helps You Sleep – Yep, exercise does it all—boosts energy and improves sleep. The truth is that, by the time you’re ready for bed, the body will be more tired and ready for deep sleep                when you’ve spent a portion of your day working out. Like diet and exercise, sleep is a crucial pillar of good health in older adults, as it helps reduce fatigue, stress, depression, and anxiety.                And, of course, poor sleep has been linked with serious health issues such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

 

You probably already know why working out is essential, but sometimes it’s nice to have a reminder and remember exactly why we do what we do. At the end of the day, if you log some quality fitness time, you will undoubtedly see for yourself why it matters so much! The reward comes in the form of a longer, more enjoyable life!