Leslie Newlife

Different Types of Immune-Boosting Teas

There’s no better time to seek out a way to boost your immune system than now. Luckily, there’s an easy way to do that, and it comes in a delicious package: tea. Drinking tea has been a world-renowned activity for generations, thanks to the immense amount of health benefits it offers, as well as the eclectic group of aromas and flavors it comes in. Learn about some of the different types of immune-boosting teas, so you can start improving your health in the tastiest way possible.

Tulsi

Tulsi is a sacred tea in India known for its incredible immune-boosting benefits. People often refer to this tea as “holy basil,” and it makes a delicious pairing with chai. Drinking Tulsi tea also improves the respiratory system and the digestive system. Additionally, if you’d like an immune-boosting tea that can help relieve stress and lower blood pressure, you may want to consider giving Tulsi a shot.

Echinacea

Echinacea tea is the go-to tea for cold and flu season. In fact, people often use echinacea as an ingredient in various herbal medicines. This tea’s famous immune-boosting abilities team with its vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory effects to help the body heal.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is an herbal tea best known for its tart flavor and antioxidant properties. One of its unique health benefits is the vitamin C it contains, which makes it a popular form of natural medicine. In fact, people often celebrate all herbal teas for carrying a large number of exceptional health benefits, including but not limited to immune-boosting and joint pain-relieving effects.

Now that you’re more familiar with some of the different types of immune-boosting teas, you can start searching for the right flavor for you. From black teas to white teas to green teas and beyond, there’s no end in sight when it comes to trying new teas. Once you find your flavors, you’ll understand why drinking tea is a daily ritual for many people, old and young and has been for many, many years.

Wills vs Trusts: Which Option is Better for Your Loved One?

Death may be inevitable, but most people prefer to avoid thinking about it for as long as possible. That may explain why most adults in the U.S. have not made plans for passing their assets on to loved ones. According to one survey, 60% of adults do not have a will or a trust. It may take a chronic illness or prodding from a caregiver to convince seniors to create an orderly plan for the eventual distribution of their estate. Whether to use a will or a trust as the primary vehicle to accomplish their goals and fulfill their wishes is a common question, but answering it requires a careful look into the pros and cons offered by each of them.

Managing the distribution of an estate

The primary purpose of both wills and trusts is to give you control over management and distribution after you die of the assets you’ve worked hard all your life to acquire. If you die without creating a trust or preparing a will, you died intestate. Dying intestate means the intestacy laws of the state you resided in at the time of your death control the distribution of your assets.

For example, if a man dies leaving a wife and two children, a will or trust would permit him to direct that all or most of his estate be given to his wife in order to provide her with the resources to care for herself and the children. If the man died before meeting with an attorney to make his wishes known, state intestacy laws may direct that one-third of the estate be given to the surviving spouse and two-thirds to the children. A will or a trust would have prevented distribution of the estate contrary to the person’s wishes.

Both wills and trusts allow you to direct the manner of distribution of your assets after your death and allow you to avoid state intestacy laws. Differences between them could make one a better option than the other depending upon your goals and personal preferences.

A will is a legal document prepared and signed during your lifetime that does not take effect until after you die. A trust, on the other hand, takes effect during your lifetime immediately after it is created.

Last will and testament

A will, which you may also see referred to as a last will and testament, is a legal document created during your lifetime providing for the orderly handling of your affairs after your death. It takes effect at death and includes the following:

  • Designation of an executor: Instead of a judge appointing someone to handle the affairs of your estate after your death, a will lets you name the person the court authorizes to act. Duties of the executor include taking control of and protecting assets, paying debts of the estate and distributing assets to your beneficiaries according to your instructions included in the will.
  • Appointment of a guardian: Parents with minor children may designate a preference of the person or persons a court appoints as guardian to care for the children.
  • Control over distributions to children: Parents and grandparents may not want minors to have control over assets they inherit until they attain a level of maturity. The attorney creating a will may include in it a testamentary trust into which assets going to a minor may be transferred and held under the supervision of a trustee and used for the benefit of the child until ultimately distributed when the child reaches the age designated in the trust.

Benefits of a will include ease of creation and flexibility in making changes even after it has been signed. On the negative side, a will must go through a court proceeding referred to as probate to give the executor legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. This takes time and can be expensive.

Trusts

Trusts, like wills, are legal documents allowing you to control distribution of assets and the handling of your affairs after death, but they can do more because they take effect during your lifetime. Unlike a will, an essential step in creating a trust involves transferring title to assets.

Assets you own during your life may be passed to your loved ones using a will without transferring title or ownership during your lifetime. Ownership of assets you wish to control through a trust must be transferred to it in order to allow the trustee, which is the person you designate to manage trust assets, to have control over them.

Giving a trustee control over your assets offers protection in the event you become incapacitated. For example, the family of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease may be forced to have a guardian or conservator appointed to manage the person’s financial affairs. A will would not help because the person retains ownership and control over them while alive. If the assets are in a trust, they are under the control of a trustee and may continue to manage them without the need for court intervention.

Another advantage of a trust over a will is that assets held in trust may be passed to beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust agreement without the need for probate. One of the advantages of a trust over a will is privacy. Probate makes the will a public document because it is a court proceeding. Trusts allow you to retain your privacy because they do not require court action to carry out their terms.

Creating a trust may be more expensive than preparation of a will. You not only have the fees for the attorney drafting the trust document, but you must also pay the costs associated with transferring assets into it.

Making the choice between a will or a trust

The advantages and disadvantages associated with each estate planning vehicle must be weighed against a person’s financial and family circumstances in making a choice between a will or a trust. A consultation with an estate planning attorney may help seniors and their caregivers to sort through the options and reach a decision.

 

Author’s Bio – Steve Howards

Steve has been writing legal-centric articles for several years now. He started working with the personal injury attorney law firm Herrig & Vogt in 2019 as the Content Marketing Manager, which has allowed him to expand on his writing in personal injury, family law, and much more. Steve strives to offer the public advice on various laws covering a variety of practices.

Ways to keep seniors safe using technology during the lockdown

This year has been a testing time for all of us. The majority of the countries are in lockdown for an unprecedented period. The schools and colleges have been closed, employees are working from home, and the global economy is going through its worst phase in a hundred years. Every person is bound to sit at home, and the most affected generation that is facing the worst impact of the pandemic is the older people. 

Firstly, they have been worst-hit by the pandemic due to the lack of immunity and issues of chronic illness. Secondly, even if they are fine sitting by the couch at the comfort of their home, it is often more difficult for them to manage the house and fend for themselves. It becomes more taxing since the growing age often leads to loss of memory. The loss of muscle mass and strength make them stroll and tire quickly.  It could be worrisome for the elders who are living alone in their residencies. As the situation is highly perturbing, it is essential to secure the house with an efficient home automation system to avoid inviting danger. Here are some tips that could help to make the residences more secure for senior citizens.

Peepholes & Doorbell Cameras

Peepholes are essential elements while designing a house. If it is not there, get it placed on the main door as it gives you an edge by checking on visitors without having to open the door. Similarly, you can also install wireless doorbells as they are equipped with a camera and alarm system. The technology requires you to download an application over the phone, and you can access your visitors even by sitting in the room. Get the best wireless doorbell with all the essential features and enjoy the perks.

Home Security

In-home systems are the most commonly used safety equipment that is often installed in the houses to have comprehensive and sound security. The latest and advanced in the market have alarm sounds that can be adjusted by the tunes and volume. Some of them also include burglar, fire, and carbon monoxide. The accuracy of raising the alarm helps to notify the concerned authorities, and the help can be accessed immediately. Also, the smart automation system allows you to keep an eye on the visitors even if you are sitting miles away from your loved ones.

Smart Lighting

Older adults often have less vision. Adequate lighting in every room is necessary to avoid possible accidents and dangers. It also helps in saving electricity as the smart lighting technology turns on immediately when someone enters a room and similarly goes off as soon as one leaves the room.

Smart Locks

Amidst the nation-wide lockdown, it is equally important to keep a check on the smart locks. No matter how well guarded and safe your neighborhood is, it is always quick to have a smart lock at your door. With advanced technology, older people would not have to worry about carrying a key or placing it in a safe place.

Keep a Phone Nearby

Living in a technology-driven era has its perks, especially in times like these where the only way to avoid social distancing is via phones. Despite every advanced device installed, a phone by the side is the best way to reach out in emergencies. If it is a smartphone, it can mingle well with the other devices installed as it can trigger an alarm for the home security device. 

Medical Alert System

Well, the system has not reached its epitome yet in the nation, the future seems bright for the latest addition in technology for senior citizens. A simple device with a push button to notify emergency personnel, it can be of great use to the older people living alone.

Thus, with the help of technology and by taking some preventive measures, we can assure the safety of senior citizens, and they can be self-reliant to live independently.




Eye Health During Coronavirus – Why Seniors Need to Be Extra Careful

The novel coronavirus has brought about a state of panic around the globe with its threatening consequences, such as a severe respiratory infection that may lead to death. It is dangerous because it can be easily transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Therefore, I feel I must share every piece of relevant information and advice that I have received from the team of eye specialists at our clinic. Read on.

How is coronavirus related to eyes?

Mucous membranes line many structures of our bodies, including eyelids. And it is the mucous membranes that are most susceptible to the virus. At our eye clinic in Fresno, CA, we have come across cases where patients reported ocular symptoms, including viral conjunctivitis with slightly red and weepy eyes. And though the occurrence is low, it shouldn’t be ignored.

Our team – Dr. Poulsen, Dr. Salahuddin, Dr. Hiyama, and Dr. Scott – agrees that getting infected because of hand-to-eye contact is unlikely. The chances of contraction through respiratory droplets reaching eyes are much higher.

Let’s take a look at Wang Guangfa’s (a Peking University respiratory specialist) case as an example. He contracted COVID-19 after he came in contact with patients. And the first sign of infection in his body was inflammation and redness in his left eye. He thinks that it was because he was not wearing protective eye wear that he contracted the virus through his left eye. Considering this case and several others, it can’t be denied that protective eye wear is as important as masks.

How coronavirus affects older adults?

I have attended every session the doctors at our clinic conducted to educate people on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus. And the one thing that was common in every session was how people above the age of 50 are more likely to get acute respiratory distress syndrome from COVID-19. The reason is that older people have a weaker immune system. Moreover, underlying conditions such as lung disease, kidney diseases, diabetes, etc. are common in the older population. And these problems affect the ability of their bodies to fight the virus. Hence, they should be extra vigilant.

They’re also more likely to spread the infection to their eyes. Hence, protecting their eyes as they age becomes more crucial.

Tips for Older Adults to Stay Protected from Coronavirus

Wash Hands Frequently – Wash your hands rigorously and frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and tap water. You can also use a hand sanitizer that has 60% alcohol concentration.

Practice Respiratory Etiquette –When you sneeze, cover your mouth with either a tissue or your elbow. Always wear a mask when stepping out, especially if you feel sick.

Avoid Large Gatherings – Avoid crowded settings such as malls, supermarkets, conferences, etc. Stay indoors and practice social isolation as much as possible because you cannot identify infected people if they do not show any symptoms yet.

Maintain Social Distance –If you have to get out to buy essentials, maintain a distance of at least 3-6 feet, especially is someone seems to be sick. Apparently,that’s how far the virus can spread. See if you have have someone get your groceries for you.

Avoid Direct Contact with Public Surfaces –Shopping carts, elevator buttons, door handles, etc. may have been touched by hundreds of people before you. So, use a clean tissue when touching them. You can also sanitize them with disinfecting wipes to be more careful. You can also wear gloves when possible.

Avoid Traveling –Traveling in confined spaces with hundreds of other people can be dangerous during the pandemic. So, avoid it unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you must travel, stay prepared with alcohol wipes, masks, hand sanitizer, and protective eye wear.

Protecting Your Eyes – Important Tips

Here are some eye protection tips from our doctors:

  1. Wear eyeglasses every time you step out since they act as a barrier that can prevent airborne respiratory droplets from entering your eyes. This does not ensure 100% protection, but it’s always better to be proactive. Safety goggles are more effective, so ensure that you wear them when you come in contact with an infected person.
  2. People wearing contact lenses are more at risk since they tend to touch their eyes frequently because of irritation. So, if you use contact lenses, switch to eyeglasses for a while. This will reduce irritation due to contact lens, and you won’t find yourself touching your eyes a lot.

Take every precaution to protect yourself. If you notice irritation or redness in your eyes, do not ignore the signs. Consult and find out the reason. Early detection has proven very helpful so far.

Stay indoors. Stay healthy.

 

Author Bio: Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs with a mission of informing readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care and eye health. He loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

Caring for Yourself: Eight Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

As the name implies, caregivers take care of others, often seniors or others who have a mental or physical condition that makes it difficult for them to engage in everyday activities. While some caregivers are paid employees managed by agencies, far more are informal volunteers, usually family members who have no formal training. As a result, they can end up feeling frustrated and burned out by their caregiving duties.

If you’re a caregiver, realizing what’s happening early on will help you identify and manage problems before you hit your caregiving breaking point. Symptoms of stress and burnout to look out for include:

  • gaining or losing weight
  • always feeling tired, no matter how much you sleep
  • difficulty sleeping
  • becoming easily irritated or angry, especially at the person you’re caring for
  • losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • trouble concentrating
  • drinking, eating or smoking more
  • getting sick frequently
  • new health problems or existing ones getting worse

If you’ve developed a cluster of these symptoms, that’s a strong indication that you’re experiencing caregiver stress. Read on to find out what to do about it.

  1. Ask for and accept help.

You don’t have to do everything on your own, and it’s not a sign of failure to accept help from others — or even to hire a professional caregiver to give you a respite. When other people offer to help, say yes and explain what would be most helpful for you, whether it’s taking care of your patient for a couple hours or making dinner, so you don’t have to. And if others don’t offer to help, don’t be afraid to ask. If you haven’t expressed your frustration, they might have no idea that you could really use a helping hand when it comes to caregiving.

  1. Don’t neglect your own health.

Whether paid or volunteer, caretakers often put their own health on the back burner in favor of taking care of patients. While this may seem noble, it can actually backfire, especially if the caregiver gets sick from neglecting their own health and then passes the illness along to their patient or loved one. Keep up with all your regular health activities, such as annual physicals and vaccinations. Visit the doctor if you feel sick, and if the person you’re taking care of is immuno-compromised, try to avoid exposing them to whatever you have.

  1. Take care of your own body.

Caring for your physical health extends way beyond your annual physical or a quick trip to the clinic if you get a bad cold. There are many things you can do to manage or even prevent illnesses and aches. Caregivers are on their feet a lot, so wear supportive therapeutic shoes and don graduated compression socks to keep your legs and feet healthy all day. Wear comfortable, non-binding clothes that won’t cut into your circulation. Sit, stand, walk and lift objects with good form to avoid hurting your back. Eat a generally healthy diet that focuses on lean proteins, whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables — and consume only small amounts of sugars and fats.

  1. Exercise regularly.

Physical activity is a great way to manage stress, and can even ameliorate serious mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. If you’re never exercised before, now is an excellent time to start. If doing a full workout sounds like too much, aim for just 10 or 15 minutes of movement at a time, such as walking around the neighborhood, and then build up from there. Try out different forms of working out to keep things interesting, such as cycling, Pilates, yoga, boxing, dance, aerobics and more.

  1. Set small goals you can achieve.

Caregiving can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already experiencing stress and burnout. Rather than put it on yourself to totally overhaul your caregiving approach all at once, focus on small, achievable goals that have a timeline attached to them. Maybe you want to take a half hour break twice a week or cook two healthy homemade dinners a month or wear compression socks every workday. If you have broader goals, such as have more ‘me time’ or be healthier,) try to break them down into these more concrete tasks. Create a checklist or some other type of record so you can track your progress and celebrate all your victories.

  1. Get enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation, even it’s mild, increases your risk for all sorts of negative events, like catching a cold, developing heart disease, high blood pressure, colorectal cancer, dementia and obesity, and getting into car accidents. Not getting enough sleep can exacerbate other physical, mental and emotional issues, including feeling burnout from caregiving. Whether it’s seven or nine hours a night, try to get the right amount of sleep for you whenever you can.

  1. Seek out support.

Caregiving can be lonely and isolating, and connecting with others is a great way to get out of the bubble. Of course, you should reach out to friends and family, but they might not able to fully empathize with your caregiving experience if they haven’t gone through something similar. For that, you might consider looking into a caregivers’ support group in your area, where you can meet people dealing with the same challenges and feelings as you are right now.

  1. Create a life outside of caregiving.

Seeking out social support is an important part of maintaining your life outside of caregiving. Go out to dinner, take in a movie, sign up for art or fitness classes, try a new hobby, read a book, take the dog for a walk, go for a hike or bike ride, start a garden — whatever seems interesting and energizing to you. While it might take several tries to find the perfect activity, once you do, you’ll be surprised how much it can enrich your life.

Make Time for Yourself

Caregiving is a demanding job — and it is a job, even if you’re not getting paid to do it. Try one or more of these eight strategies to take care of yourself and get a break from caregiving because you deserve it.

Eight Signs It’s Time to Find a Caregiver for Your Loved One

Knowing when your parent or other aging loved one needs an outside caregiver can be a tricky business. On the one hand, your loved one may chafe at giving up independence — but having a caregiver can dramatically improve their quality of life in their golden years. Here are eight signs both small and large to look for, from trouble donning compression socks to issues paying bills.

  1. They can’t safely drive a car.

In many cities, being able to drive a car is basically a prerequisite for living independently. If you can, go for a drive with your loved one behind the wheel and note how they do. Do they fasten their seat belt as soon as they get into the car? Are they easily distracted, or do they stay focused on the road? Do they exhibit unsafe driving behaviors such as drifting into other lanes, tailgating other vehicles, driving too fast or slow, or mixing up the pedals? Also check for nicks and dents on the car and whether there are any notices of recent traffic violations around the house.

  1. They’re becoming isolated.

Some older adults may realize that they’re not as good of a driver as they once were and self-limit their trips in the car as a result. While this keeps them safe and off the road, it can also keep them from participating in vital social activities such as clubs, church gatherings and art and fitness classes. Ask your loved one about the last time they left the house and what they’re doing to stay connected to others. If you have contact with their close friends, you can also reach out to them to get a third-party view of how engaged your senior is and whether they’ve let old hobbies fall by the wayside.

  1. Their home is full of fall hazards.

As they age, adults become prone to falls — and unfortunately, the side effects of aging can also result in a home that’s full of fall hazards. Whether through forgetfulness or a simple inability to clean, seniors may let clutter pile up, which in turn presents a tripping hazard. Look for other signs of neglect, such as spills that haven’t been mopped or bathrooms that haven’t been cleaned. Depending on how bad the mess is, your loved one might need a caregiver and possibly an additional housekeeper for more heavy-duty cleaning tasks.

  1. Feeding themselves is tough.

Cooking can be a chore even at the best of times, and memory issues or a lack of mobility can exacerbate it. Take stock of the kitchen: Look for an excessive number of stale or expired foods, multiples of the same item, broken appliances, numerous frozen dinners or takeout containers and signs of fire like burned pots, discharged fire extinguishers or disabled smoke alarms. Home fires are a significant danger for older adults, and many of them turn to unhealthy but easy prepared meals as it becomes too hard to use the stove. A visiting caregiver will make light meals such as sandwiches whenever they check in on your loved one.

  1. Their personal hygiene is slipping.

Aging adults may let themselves as well as their house go. Look out for bad breath, body odor, unshaved beards, dirty hair, dry skin and other signs that indicate they’re not keeping up with basic hygiene activities like showering and brushing their teeth. Also keep an eye out for other changes in appearance, such as noticeable weight loss or gain, seeming frail or suddenly stopping the regular use of makeup or hair products. If your loved one likes to make visits to the salon, hair stylist or manicurist, inquire to see if they’re still going.

  1. They have trouble dressing themselves.

Clothes are another important part of appearance, and they can also be a tell-tale sign that the senior in your life needs a caretaker. If your loved one is having trouble with basic tasks such as fastening buttons on a shirt or putting on shoes, that’s a good indication that they may need a caregiver. Some older adults may try to hide these signs by switching to clothes they can more easily manage on their own, such as pullover sweaters and pants with elastic waistbands rather than zippers or buttons. Pay attention to what your loved one is wearing and look out for a sudden change to more comfortable clothes.

  1. Bills and other business go unfinished.

Seniors often let mail pile up, including unpaid bills and letters from banks and other financial institutions. Talk to your loved one to make sure they’re staying on top of payments and nothing is overdue. While you’re at it, also ask if they’ve donated to any charities or individuals lately. Older adults are vulnerable to scammers, and if they’re having memory problems, they may also forget earlier donations and give to a legitimate charity multiple times. If these financial issues are an ongoing problem, see if you can take over part of the bill paying, or if you need to get a financial manager involved.

  1. They struggle to recover from illness and injury.

The odds of developing an illness or getting into an accident rise as we age, as does the time needed to recover. If your senior is taking a while to recover from the latest bad cold — or if that cold turns into something more serious, like bronchitis — getting an in-home caregiver can take some of the stress off them and help them focus on their health. Of course, we all injure ourselves or get sick occasionally, but if your loved one always seems to be ill, talk to them about getting a caregiver.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Don’t wait until the situation is dire to get a caregiver for your loved one. It will be easier on everyone involved if the transition is gradual, so you can all ease into it. Keep the lines of communication open and be proactive about asking how your loved one is doing and if there have been any changes in habits.

How to bring up end-of-life issues in a considerate and sensitive way

Our parents were there when we learned how to walk, how to ride a bike, and when we graduated. For most of us, they’re pillars that helped us become who we are today and the ones we could count on when things went wrong. Seeing the roles reversed and them becoming more and more fragile can be disconcerting. And yet, death is a part of life, and there comes a time when you have to do the wise thing and bring up end-of-life issues.

Doing that is easier said than done. According to a 2018 study, 92% of Americans believe that it’s essential to talk about end-of-life care with their parents, but only 32% have had that conversation. If you’re in the same situation, your hesitance is completely understandable. However, postponing “the talk” can have unpleasant repercussions for the entire family in the long run. And, you might discover that bringing up the subject isn’t as awkward as you imagined!

Finding the right time

One of the biggest misconceptions about discussing end-up-life issues is that you should wait until your parent or grandparent is old enough, or becomes critically ill. However, that’s not the wisest timing, and it can even make you come across as insensitive. On the one hand, elders who are struggling with a serious health issue can be blinded by fear, and they may not be able to make the most rational decisions. On the other hand, bringing up the topic at such a sensitive time could make seniors feel like a burden, and you don’t want that either.

Even though it can feel uncomfortable, you should discuss end-of-life matters sooner rather than later. In an ideal world, you’d have all the time in the world to do this, and the transition from good health to death would take months, or even years, allowing you to prepare. In reality, these things can happen very quickly and, when they do, you’ll want to be prepared. While the idea that you will one day lose your loved ones is never pleasant, knowing that you planned for it and that their desires will be respected after their passing can bring a bit of empowerment and not add crippling uncertainty to this already painful process.

What approach should you have?

Most people assume that their aging parents and grandparents would feel offended if they brought up end-of-life issues. In reality, seniors are well aware of their age, have some plans, and would like to discuss these issues further with a professional or with their families. So, if you make the courage to ask them, you might be surprised to discover that not only do they not mind but that they’ve been thinking about it too. 

The difference in attitude, however, comes from the way you approach the topic. Of course, every person is different, and if there’s a lot of openness and communication in your family, you could even sit them down and ask directly. If you’re not sure how they’d take it, it’s always a good idea to start the conversation from an anecdote and let them take it from there. For example, you can bring up a movie where the child had to decide whether to take their parents off life support or the story of a celebrity who made a diamond from grandmother’s ashes after she passed away. Your parents will pick up the cue and share some of their concerns and desires after their passing. 

You know your parents, so use the tone you believe they would be most comfortable with. You can even add some humor to the situation, but remember to stay polite and treat them with love and respect. Don’t be patronizing, and don’t criticize them for not having their affairs in order yet. Although they expect these matters to be brought up sooner or later, it’s normal for seniors to feel scared and overwhelmed by all the legal and financial procedures they need to follow. Many seniors have never even interacted with an attorney before. If you believe this would help, you can also ask your parent’s caretaker or nursing home representative to join the conversation and suggest some advice. 

Whenever possible, include more family members in the conversation, especially your siblings. In families with more than one successor, arranging end-of-life matters behind someone’s back can cause hurt feelings, conflicts, uncertainty, and even legal battles after the parents’ passing. Talking about these things with your siblings can make the process more comfortable, more transparent, and you won’t risk any misunderstandings later on.

Points to discuss

Depending on your parent’s age and health status, there are several points that you should address. You don’t want to bring them all up at once, because many of them take time to research and understand. To make the process less overwhelming, start with more personal, casual matters, and then move on to the complex legal and administrative stuff.

How they would like to be celebrated. Is there a unique way that they would like to be remembered? Here you can discuss their funeral pet peeves, their favorite songs, or maybe even suggest a non-profit to donate to after their passing.

End of life care. Would they rather be looked after in a caregiving facility, at home, or would they like to move in with a loved one?

Finding an attorney. Do they already have someone in mind, or do they need help finding an expert in succession law?

Their will. Are they comfortable drafting their own will, or do they have complicated estates and need professional help?

Special instructions for maintaining estates and businesses. If your parents own many properties or businesses, ask them how they would like to be handled after their passing.

If your parents aren’t ready to contact an attorney yet or commence legal proceedings, simply writing down their desires is a great start. You’ve already made the hardest step, and planning will get easier from here.

Important Information for Seniors Struggling with Chronic Health Problems

Seniors struggling with chronic health problems have to be careful about the way they live. They must often reconsider several aspects of their habits and environment, as well as develop a plan for the future. 

The following are things they should explore at this time:

Life Insurance

One thing you should do is consider getting a supplemental life insurance policy. Most seniors, especially those dealing with health issues, don’t like to think about insurance. This is because some insurance companies spike prices if you are dealing with chronic health issues. The good thing about supplemental policies is that the price isn’t going to be affected by a chronic health issue. It’s a simple way to provide yourself with some added peace of mind going forward.

Quality of Life

Another thing that is important to keep in mind as you continue to age and suffer from this chronic condition is quality of life. There’s a lot of ways you can change your quality of life, depending on your condition. For example, some people need a little help at home, and those people just hire in-home care. This person can live there or come every so often. The frequency of visits depends on what you need from this individual. Make sure you don’t go over your budget if you do need to hire someone. Other people need 24-hour surveillance, and sometimes, those folks choose to be in a senior community.

End-of-Life Plans

It’s also important to make plans for end-of-life care. It’s not something we like to think about, but you want to make sure your loved ones are aware of how you want to be treated during your final days. Another thing you don’t want to leave behind to your family members or friends are bills associated with your passing. This is something no one loves to think about, but it’s a reality we all must face. You should leave enough money to cover or partially cover funeral expenses, which can get pretty high. You also want to make sure you leave specific plans behind so that there’s no confusion. You want to be specific about any religious customs your loved ones need to consider or whatever else you’d like them to do for you.

Considering the Will

Technically, a will helps you clarify things for others when you pass, but this isn’t the same as planning for your funeral. What you’re doing here is figuring out how you’re going to divvy up your estate. Everyone has something to offer their loved ones, and you want to make sure everything is clear. Choose who’ll keep your home, your belongings, vehicle, and whatever else of value you have. If you fail to take this step, people might get confused. That could lead to major disagreements, which is not good for anyone.

Smart Gadgets for You

The last thing you need to consider is all the smart gadgets out there that can make life a little safer. You’re dealing with a chronic illness and depending on what it is, you might need more help than you realize. You should install things like smoke detectors, flood detectors, and Co2 detectors, just to name a few. These tools are smart now, so if something happens, your loved ones and the proper authorities can be notified so that someone acts quickly. It may also be a good idea to wear smart devices that can read things like your heartbeat; the devices can call for assistance immediately and can detect falls.

It’s wise to learn about things that could help give you peace. Talk to your loved ones about some of these to see if they can help you out because the faster you do them the better.

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.