Over the past 4 years the number of people aged 45 to 65 online and using social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter and Linked In have quadrupled. It may seem like social networking is a passing fad with teenagers and young adults, but the fact that more moms, dads and grandparents are getting online to take advantage of social networking proves that it’s not just a trend. Social networking brings some very substantial benefits to the lives of seniors who are online and connected, including:

1. To stay in touch – with all generations of family online on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and more, seniors can stay connected to their loved ones through written communication, photo sharing and the other features that these sites offer

2. Bridging the generational gap – connecting online with grandchildren and younger generations of the family can bring seniors closer to their loved ones of shared interests. It doesn’t even have to be through traditional social networking sites, but through games using video game platforms like the Nintendo Wii that allow players from different locations to play together

3. An easy way to meet people – especially later in life, seniors might have a harder time making new friends or seeking support to deal with their aging issues. But, social networks make for a risk-free meeting place

4. Communication without limitations – as seniors get older, they might deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone, or other issues that inhibit their ability to communicate. By getting online, there are methods of communication that work for almost everyone

5. Networking for jobs – for older seniors who have yet to retire or are looking for volunteer opportunities after retirement, simply networking can help to open doors, especially when using social networks like Linked In

Via: AARP Bulletin Today

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Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy, as many Minnesota caregivers know. It is so hard to watch someone you love virtually change before your eyes, and oftentimes, even responding to you in an aggressive way. Unfortunately, some level of agitation can occur as part of this unfortunate cognitive illness; but with 6 tips, you can prevent and deal with aggressive Alzheimer’s behavior:

1. Try to narrow down the cause of the behavior – ask “who, what, where, when, why?” and try to find commonalities in the situations when the behavior occurs. This will help caregivers to determine if the changes in behavior could be caused by physical discomfort, over-stimulation, confusing surroundings, complicated tasks, or frustrating situations with communication problems

2. Be prepared to soothe and distract – have a memory box, photo and other familiar items ready to soothe or distract the combative and upset senior

3. Watch for signs – be aware of physical signs that they’re becoming agitated; most will be non-verbal and you might be able to defuse the situation before the senior becomes too upset

4. Move it – move to a different environment or a quieter spot if the senior is over-stimulated

5. Slow down your actions – as the senior becomes more upset, he/she is likely to speed up communication and actions in the agitation. Slow down, talk slowly, and you can have a soothing effect

6. Remove dangerous objects – keep sharp, pointy and other dangerous objects in a safe and secure place. If the senior becomes agitated, he/she might accidentally harm themselves or someone else

Via: Wellington Parc

Image: jupiterimages.com

As caregivers, one of our most physically challenging jobs is to help a Minnesota senior who is relatively immobile with dressing. The good news is, there are companies like Silvert’s that creates clothing to allow seniors to dress themselves, or if they are unable, to help caregivers get the job done without putting too much strain on their bodies. Silvert’s has a complete line of clothing that’s appropriate for wear in hospitals, or at home, and it addresses the many needs of seniors with limited physical abilities.

Here are a few useful and interesting items that Silvert’s currently offers:

1. The Arthritic Front Closing Eezee Bra - this bra has finger loops to help with dressing, and large hooks in the front that make it easy for even women with limited hand dexterity to dress without assistance

2. Wheelchair Pants - these pants make it possible for a caregiver to help a senior get dressed without having to move them from their wheelchair. There is also a back flap that makes it easier for seniors to use the bathroom, or for caregivers to help change them

3. Extra Wide Slippers - because it’s not uncommon for older men and women to have problems with swelling in their feet and ankles, Silvert carries these slippers which open up wide enough to be easily slipped on and can be adjusted to size. With a Velcro closure, it’s easy for any senior to secure.

4. Hospital Gowns for Men and Women - hospital gowns provided at any Minnesota hospital just don’t have the comfortable feel of the nightwear seniors are used to, but the usual stuff that they wear just isn’t great for the hospital. These gowns are backless but more comfortable and attractive than what seniors will receive at the hospital

Some might take the beautiful Minnesota rivers and lakes for granted, but not everyone has access to a boat to get out on the water and catch some fish, meanwhile appreciating the beautiful natural surroundings. With Let’s Go Fishing, all Minnesota seniors can learn to appreciate what’s available in the environment all around them, with guided, organized fishing trips that focus on the individual needs of seniors in terms of safety and physical fitness and allows them to bond with their peers over a mutually enjoyable activity.

You don’t have to catch anything to enjoy an excursion with Let’s Go Fishing, but you might have a more memorable time if you can go home with bragging rights to the biggest catch of the day. But at the very least; sign up for a trip, enjoy the fresh air and for once, take a close introspective look about what’s really around you!

Let’s Go Fishing is always looking for volunteers who have been experienced at fishing and know the Minnesota waters well; they also accept donations both monetarily and by way of gently used boats. So help keep this entertaining and unique business going so that all seniors can get themselves out on the lake!

Via: Let’s Go Fishing

Image: duluthnewstribune.com

In 2000, nearly 1.5 million seniors in America claimed that they didn’t have enough food, or at least not the right kind of foods to maintain their health with a proper diet. In the years that have elapsed since then, these numbers have probably increased, particularly with the state of today’s economy. Fortunately, there’s the Elderly Nutrition Program funded by the Department of Health and Human Services which makes sure that seniors get a proper diet, through programs that bring them 1/3 of their nutritional needs through 1 daily meal at no cost to them.

With the Elderly Nutrition Program there are Congregate Meals, provided to seniors in group settings at community centers, schools and other gathering spots around Minnesota where they can receive a hot meal. Or, for those who are housebound, there are delivery services which ensure that seniors get what they need nutritionally as well as someone to ensure that they are okay, and provide some level of social interaction.

With the economy like it is, social programs need to look out for our seniors to ensure that falling on hard financial times doesn’t result in poor health or even loss of life.

Sources:

1. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

2. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

Image: seniorservicesinc.org

Eating habits sometimes change as we get older, but some major factors such as changes in sense, and physical difficulty with chewing develop in elderly Minnesota seniors it can result in a lack of proper nutrition. In order to help ensure that seniors eat properly at every mealtime, and that it becomes a more pleasant experience, then here are a few tips that caregivers can follow:

1) Add flavor – instead of sticking with traditional bland spices like salt and pepper, experiment with stronger flavors in spices to enhance the taste of a meal. This will help seniors with a limited sense of taste enjoy their meal!

2) Enhance the look – as senior’s vision declines, meals might appear less appealing. Use lots of color in the preparation of meals and really focus on its presentation so it looks even tastier!

3) Ask about medications – medications might influence a senior’s sense of taste. If your senior no longer enjoys eating, ask their doctor if a medication could be responsible and if it’s possible to substitute it for something else

4) Prevent constipation – constipation cause by prescriptions might prevent seniors from feeling hungry; encourage them to drink a lot of water, ensure they’re getting adequate fiber, and talk to a doctor about options if constipation is a regular problem

5) Make chewing easier – avoid foods that are particularly hard or sticky in your senior has trouble chewing. Also bringing them to have their dentures adjusted could benefit if they rub or make chewing challenging

6) Make mealtime fun – seniors may feel lonely dining alone after years of meals surrounded by family. Regularly encourage family members to get together, and when possible dine with your senior and make it a memorable event so they establish positive associations with eating

Sources:

1. Aging Care

2. Caregiver

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Managing a garden at home can be a lot of effort for seniors, since growing fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers takes a lot of maintenance and upkeep. But for those seniors in Minnesota who have a green thumb but just don’t have the space at home or the circumstances to have a garden of there own, there is the Dowling Community Garden which is a shared green space where seniors and other local residents can plant to their heart’s content. This shared garden has been around for 65 years, near the Mississippi River, located on the grounds of the Dowling Environmental School. With over 150 plots for seniors and their families to grow virtually anything they desire, it’s a great way to get outside, bond, and take advantage of a place to plant fresh produce.

Seniors with a green thumb, if the opportunity to garden is missing from your life due to your living arrangements, get on the waiting list for the Dowling Community Garden; once a plot opens up you can water, prune and enjoy fresh produce to your heart’s content!

If you’d just like to check out the gardens, the Dowling Community Garden Festival takes place on August 22, 2009!

Sources:

1. Dowling Community Garden

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

If someone you love has recently been diagnosed with a critical illness, it can be a challenge to offer support without breaking down; however, it’s crucial that you cope with your own grief in your own way separately, so that you can be there for your senior. It’s your job to help them deal with the emotions that come with knowing that their life is about to be taken away, without making their situation seem more hopeless; and you can accomplish this by following these 12 ways to provide support to a senior coping with a critical illness:

1) Accept your loved ones negative emotions and lend a supportive ear, but don’t agree with the things they’re saying

2) Ask your senior how he/she is feeling on a regular basis and encourage conversation

3) Be honest; don’t give them false hope, but don’t sugar coat things either. They should be able to rely on you for straight answers

4) Focus on the positive and encourage your senior to do the same

5) Don’t give pity, but do give empathy

6) Don’t allow your loved one to become isolated, keep them in the loop about other friends and family members

7) Understand that everyone deals with emotions differently

8) Seniors might repeat the same stories, but listen and provide support every time

9) Make sure your support is physically available – visit often, call or send emails/letters

10) Understand that sometimes your loved one will need privacy, physically and emotionally

11) Know that a critical illness can effect the mind and soul as well as the body

12) Don’t underestimate the power of physical touch

Sources:

a. Caregivers Library

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Grocery shopping is no easy task for Minnesota seniors who may struggle with their mobility, or no longer drive a car. For many, this means struggling to find a way to get there to pick up their weekly supply of fresh fruits or vegetables, or trying to make it on foot and risking an injury while lugging heavy grocery bags home. Although often seniors can rely on family members or caregivers to get them to the store, some are just too independent to want to have to rely on someone else on such a regular basis. Without options, many Minnesota seniors are forced to go without, because there’s just too much effort involved with getting to a store.

But, there are options available to Minnesota seniors who find it too challenging to get to the store on their own on a regular basis; most communities offer services such as transportation for weekly trips to the grocery store. Although typically the bus drivers who take the seniors to local grocery stores do not necessarily help seniors with carrying their groceries, they can ensure that seniors get there and can pick up what they need without having to worry about how they will get their purchases home.

Sources:

1. Warwick Beacon

2. The Township of Edison New Jersey

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

This fall, the biggest senior expo in the Midwest is coming to Minnesota. This event is open to seniors, experts in the senior care industry, family caregivers, and loved ones who have an interest in the well-being of the seniors in their lives to attend the seminars, discover local companies that cater to seniors, socialize with other seniors or those involved in the industry, and sit down over nice and affordable meals.

Attending the expo is inexpensive with event packages that provide Minnesota seniors transportation to each day of the event, and with topics like the affordability of retirement to help get seniors through the results of this economic downturn, this Minnesota Seniors’ Expo shouldn’t be missed! All seniors and other event attendees will leave armed with a wealth of knowledge about senior health and lifestyle, and will also be eligible to receive giveaways from exhibitors who can improve their lives with their products.

The 2-day event takes place on September 16 and 17th, 2009, so Minnesota seniors and caregivers, it’s time to start planning your attendance. Speak to family, friends and co-workers in the senior care industry, and organize a get together so you can learn at the Minnesota Senior’s Expo and have the opportunity to socialize and have a great time!

Sources:

1. 101 Expos

Image Source: pro.corbis.com