Leslie Newlife

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.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Services to Help Seniors Aging in Place

Elderly adults deserve care more than you could imagine. Some may prefer home care, while others find it better to stay in a nursing home. However, no matter the alternative, one ought to seek the best services to enable the baby boomers age gracefully. It’s often a hectic process, and one can slip and make grave mistakes. However, that shouldn’t be the case. Here are severe mistakes that everyone must evade while looking for services to assist aging people in having the best time of their life.

  • Little or no research

Over time, the mental, as well as the physical health of the senior people, starts declining. Some people postpone seeking treatment for the symptoms until its too late.

However, you need not take anything to chances when it comes to matters of health. It’s best to consult and research as widely as possible about a particular ailment. As you seek various body assessment, you need not forget about cardiovascular risk assessments as well. It’s a reasonable time to screen for any heart-related ailment that often catches up with someone as a result of age, lifestyle, or family history.

Thus, it’ll enable one to get to know the best way forward to care for the senior without much hassle.

  • Lack of preparation

Caring for the senior requires more than just the utmost patience or strength. You should plan and organize yourself mentally, as well as physically in advance. It’s often a great way to enable you to handle any situation that comes your way.

You need to inquire if the elderly have any insurance coverage. You also have to inquire about their medical appointment, list of medications, among other nitty-gritty details. It’ll enable you to manage well; however, if it becomes too much, you can seek a home assistant to take care of them.

You ought to choose experienced personnel who have empathy as it is quite reliable. It’s a chance to prepare in advance as various elderly people have different needs as well as medical conditions.

  • Too much expectation

While seeking the best services for the elderly, you need to have realistic expectations. It’s not as easy as one would imagine finding a service pride who offers everything that you or your elderly senior need regularly. You have to look at some of the services that you can compromise, however, that does not mean you settle for the second-best.

You need to have an open mind as you are seeking elderly care services to avoid any future disappointments. One also needs to ensure that the senior person is quite comfortable with the services provided to prevent triggering any stressful situations in the future.

With lots of pressure and financial strain, all one would want is to provide the best care for their senior loved one. Thus, it’d be best to conduct detailed research on any services you intend to seek, including cardiovascular risk assessments tests. It’s a great chance to ensure that all health-related illnesses get evaluated to minimize any risks and thus enable one to lead a fulfilling life.

Top 4 Factors to Consider When Using Technology to Help Seniors Get the Right Hearing Aids

After the days’ activities, we all want to sit down and talk to your family members some far away, maybe in the upcountry. As a parent, one knows the benefits of communication as it helps the family bond grow better. A problem arises when you get old, and your hearing impairment sets in, and you can’t hear well. The hurdle is you have to come into terms with the fact you need hearing devices to bolster your hearing. Loss of your hearing senses is something you can’t cope up with, so you will require hearing aids to have a conversation with your loved ones.

Hearing aids have small microphones that carry sound from the surrounding and relay them louder to your ears through speakers. The technology is such sophisticated that it analyses and adjust appropriately depending on your needs and sounds in the environment. Most are powered with a small battery. Below are some ways to choose the right hearing aid devices.

  • Have a checkup done

Visit the audiologist clinic to find out the reasons for your hearing loss. The various causes may include earwax or infections. Such a test will determine the correctable causes. The audiologist will recommend the appropriate hearing aid device that meets your needs. You can then visit a hearing aid store and purchase it to get the best results out of the hearing aids.

  • Gauge the future needs

Seek to know whether the technology use for that particular hearing aid is capable of increasing hearing power in a worst-case scenario when your situation worsens. It is recommended you visit a professional medic. You equally need to have a warrant cover for a specified period. It will help when the device gets faulty, and you require a different set or a replacement done.

  • Beware of scamming adverts

Hearing aid devices only help you bolster your hearing capacity but won’t restore normal hearing. Take note of scam adverts that may claim otherwise for them to push their products, which do not restore normal hearing. Be alert not to fall, victim,

  • Plan your expenditure well in advance

You are likely to incur huge costs when you are in the process of acquiring a hearing aid device. The doctors’ fees, cost of purchasing a hearing aid, bus fees, among other hearing options, may bring a dent into your saving if not well planned. Consult the right audiologist physician what the expectations are to plan well. It will help you get an insurance cover to cushion you on the expense you are likely to incur.

Lack of proper communication may result in stress or a sort of misunderstanding among family members. When you have reduced hearing sense, it is essential to seek medical advice and get a fresh perspective. From then is when you get information on the appropriate hearing device. Visit the hearing aid store and purchase the set. It’s a safe way to put the elderly at rest, ensuring they are in excellent constant communication with their loved ones!

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.