Coming up with New Year’s Resolutions that you will really stick to can be a challenge, especially for seniors who after years of having theirs fall through, have learned not to bother setting them in the first place. This year, take a different approach and try these suggestions that will change your life as you age:

1. Help other seniors in your community – younger generations often volunteer to work with senior’s in hospitals and senior centers, but provide companionship to your peers by reading or socializing with them in these settings

2. Focus on eating well – give up those convenience items, and find a way to incorporate at least one new healthy item into your meal routine daily

3. Socialize – it’s not uncommon for seniors to shy away from social activities later in life. Don’t let this happen to you – join a social group with other seniors. A book club, exercise class, craft lesson or other activity will keep you connected

4. Organize your life – organizing your affairs for future care and even a will is an important goal. You can also take the opportunity to organize other aspects. Clean your house, declutter and donate the items you don’t need to charity

5. Find help if you need it – hire a senior home care service company to fill in the gaps (any areas in life you struggle with) as needed, or ask for help from family and friends

6. Stay connected with technology - if you don’t have a computer, 2010 is a great year to get one or learn how to use all of its features. Use email, instant messenger and other social networking sites to stay connected with loved ones around the world

Via: wickedlocal.com

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Some populations around the world live longer than others, and its lead researcher to develop a list – the Power of 9 – which outlines aspects of the lifestyles that these individuals lead that influence their health. If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, try these techniques:

1. Get moving – planned exercise isn’t the only way to remain active. Don’t just schedule your daily 45 minutes at the gym. Stop relying on technology to do things for you. Use a snow shovel instead of the snow blower, bike instead of taking the car, and get rid of your garage door opener and lift it yourself. Simply incorporating movement in your life will help you to live longer

2. Remember why you’re here – everyone has a different reason for living and for getting up each and every morning. Remember what yours is, write it down somewhere so you remember your purpose no matter what crosses your path

3. Cut out calories – don’t stuff yourself when you sit down to a meal. Cutting out 20% of portion sizes and in turn calories is a much more convenient method than actually counting calories. Buy smaller plates and bowls, and eat only when you’re actually hungry

4. Think like a vegetarian – you don’t have to stop eating meat entirely, but a decline in meats and processed foods can be beneficial when you incorporate more vegetables

5. Practice happy hour – if you’re drinking red wine, happy hour is a good thing, provided it doesn’t get out of hand. A glass everyday has extensive health benefits

6. Remember to step back – we live in a busy society, but learning to slow down and relax is crucial

7. Join a community – spiritual practices have their benefits, but those who do not practice a religion simply need to find a place that gives them a sense of belonging. Practicing yoga and/or meditation can have similar benefits

8. Associate with people like you – those that have similar goals and mindsets will benefit your health

9. Make family time – even if you’re busy, schedule regular time and rituals of things to do with your family, your spouse and your closest friends to maintain that connection

Via: USNews

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If you celebrate Christmas, here’s a poem that’s sure to bring a smile to the face of all you seniors out there whether you’re already if the holiday spirit or need a little bit of persuading!

A Senior Christmas

’Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,

And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;

Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker; in hope

That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends,

Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,

Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,

And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,

Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.

Our supper so festive — the joy wouldn’t stop –

Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,

Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games,

Like “Where Are You Living?”  And “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,

Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair,

In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow

Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter

But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter.

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,

Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

’Twas just our director, all togged out in red.

He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived

Our social security checks had arrived.

We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak,

Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds

While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.

’fore long you’ll be with us, we wish you the best.

-Author Unknown

Via: MSGR.ca

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It is not always easy to choose the perfect gift for an elderly family member. This year, take the time to find something that will be of use. There are many new gadgets on the market that are geared towards seniors. These gifts often make daily chores and tasks simpler. Below is a list of some items that may make the perfect gift for any senior.

1. If the senior lives alone, a Medical Emergency Notification System is a great gift to ensure their safety.

2. Cell Phones with Easy to see and use buttons.

3. If the senior is a pet owner, a pre-paid walking service or grooming is a great gift.

4. Gift certificates to the barber or hairdresser, especially if they will come to their home.

5. Pre-pay a season of lawn mowing and landscaping.

6. Wall clocks with a large face so they are easy to see.

7. If the senior is hearing impaired, a flashing light doorbell or telephone will be of great use.

8. Universal TV Remotes with large buttons.

9. Lap tables can be handy to eat on and can also provide a place for small items, such as remotes and eyeglasses.

10. Clothing with zippers or large zipper pulls.

Source: associatedcontent

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Throughout the year senior caregivers have the tendency to put everyone else first. Over the holidays, the focus needs to return to their own well-being. Help them relax and step away from their caregiving responsibilities with the following gift ideas:

1. Respite care – a break from caregiving responsibilities is appreciated by most caregivers, whether they’d admit it or not. Hire a service to provide respite or step in yourself, offering assistance once a month, or even just one time!

2. Entertainment gift certificates – send them for a night out at the movies or dinner with a gift certificate

3. Spa services – a day out at the spa can be rejuvenating for a female caregiver. Treat them to the chance to relax!

4. Subscription to a book club or movie service – this is something they can do to relax while providing care. Movies can be enjoyed with their senior, and books can be shared

5. Service to help them at home – caregivers have so much to take care of, help them maintain responsibilities of their own homes with cleaning services for inside the home or for yard work

Via: AgingCare

Image Source: www.sxc.hu/

If you are a senior and wish to travel to new and exciting places, you may be able to do so at little or no cost! If you are a homeowner, there are many ways to trade homes with another senior homeowner in a different location. This exchange is a mutual agreement that allows seniors a way to continue to travel to new places without the worry of finances. A senior home exchange is the perfect way for any senior to experience new cultures and enjoy retirement. The list below contains some of the main benefits of a senior home exchange.

1. Travel becomes affordable. This is an important aspect for seniors living on a fixed income.

2. A home is much more comfortable than a hotel room.

3. Location choices. Since you will be exchanging your own home for another, you have the opportunity to travel to anywhere.

4. Eliminate other travel costs. Some home exchanges also include a vehicle, so the need for a rental car is eliminated.

5. The process is simple. The internet has many sites for seniors who are looking to exchange a home.

Source: transitionsabroad.com

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Seniors have one more thing to be concerned about. While falling is a fear in the elderly community, recent research has shown that certain medications could increase the chances of a fall. Patients who are taking antidepressants, or any medication that contains a sedative, are more likely to fall. This is a serious issue. Since the findings, more physicians are talking with their patients about the possible adverse events associated with their medications. The following list contains a few facts about senior falls and statistics.

1. Elderly individuals are usually more sensitive to prescription drugs. They cannot metabolize the medication as well as younger patients. This can cause adverse events, including falls.

2. One third of seniors who reside at home experience at least one fall per year.

3. 90% of hip fractures are caused by falls. Of this percentage, 15% of the patients will have to move into a long-term care facility.

4. Any drug that contains a sedative, including antidepressants, anti-psychotics, sleeping pills and some high-blood pressure medications, will increase the risk of a fall.

Source: toronto.ctv.ca

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Many families anxiously await the day that they are told their loved one will be able to leave the hospital following a recovery period for an injury or illness. However, the time of release is when the real work starts for family members, and they should prepare themselves emotionally and physically; arming themselves with knowledge so that they can ensure their loved one receives the best care. Here are some things that families and caregivers can do to prepare
for a senior’s release from the hospital:

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

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There’s nothing scarier than when a senior with Alzheimer’s wanders away from home – except when that happens during the winter months and they are out there, braving the elements on their own. Many caregivers have this fear, and it can be a great motivation to make some changes around the home that can help to prevent wandering:

1. Install alarms that tell you when external doors or windows are open – you need to give seniors with Alzheimer’s the freedom to move around their home, but even a home alarm system that chimes when doors or even windows are opened can warn you that your loved one might be wandering away

2. Disguise doors – if you don’t want seniors wandering between rooms or outside, paint rooms so the doors blend with the walls

3. Discourage wandering with signs – post signs on doorways inside the home, reminding seniors with Alzheimer’s what can be found on the other side. If there are rooms that seniors should not go in, or doorways that lead to outside, label them with “do not enter”!

4. Give seniors a safe area to walk around – seniors with Alzheimer’s often find themselves restless. Having a secure backyard or garden area can get them out of the home when they feel the need to wander in a safe manner

Via: About.com

Senior caregivers never know when disaster might strike with their elderly care recipient, which is why it’s crucial that they’re well prepared for any eventuality, including a stay in the hospital. By packing a hospital bag in advance for their loved one, caregivers can reduce the planning and care required following a medical emergency, and simply focus on being there for their loved one. Some essential items that caregivers should have in the hospital bag include:

1. The senior’s necessary medications – include a couple of day’s worth of medications in their original bottles with labels for the reference of the hospital

2. Comfortable hospital clothing – some hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own gowns and robes if it makes them more comfortable, so these are items that can be included

3. Footwear – any footwear provided by hospitals is often unsupportive and provides little warmth. Hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own socks and slippers, so these items should be included along with clean underwear

4. Personal hygiene items – though the hospital will provide personal hygiene essentials, seniors can feel more comfortable with their own items. Hospitals will allow them provided they are not heavily perfumed

5. Clothes to go home in – with all of the preparations for seniors to go home, caregivers can overlook the need for clothes to return home in. Having them in the bag will ensure they’re not forgotten